NEW LONDON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Those who attended New London’s St. Patrick’s Day parade are being told not to eat the candy that was tossed out.
Police are concerned some of the candy may have been tampered with.
“We are not saying it is tainted, and we are not saying it is not tainted,” said New London Police Chief Jeff Schlueter.
Police say they have received 10 complaints about people or children with numbness or rash symptoms since Saturday.
He said they have located a Tootsie Roll that may have been tampered with, and are in contact with the State Crime Lab about getting that candy tested.
“We are hoping to get that tested, and work with the crime lab on that to see if it is tainted candy, sour candy or if the candy isn’t even related to it.”
He said they have also been in contact with area health officials to see if the symptoms could have been caused by something different.
“They have brought up everything from allergic reactions, to old candy and even touching something on the road, Schlueter said. “We have had a lot of salt that has not gotten a chance to wash away since the last snowfall.”
Police are still advising people to throw out any candy collected at the parade, or turn it in to police.
“We have gotten some, but not a whole lot” Schlueter said.
The parade is long-standing tradition for Barb Steffanus of New London and her family.
She tells FOX 11 the fun of the St. Patrick’s Day parade has turned to disappointment.
“It’s a bummer that the kids think that they have to get rid of some of their candy.”
Schlueter says they want to be careful not assume that any bad intentions were involved, but time will tell.
“Until we have more of a conclusion to what is causing the symptoms, it is hard to move forward. Hopefully we will have more results soon.”
As for Steffanus she says, “It’s too bad, because it was just a great celebration for New London, New Dublin.”
Anyone who suffered unusual symptoms from eating candy at the parade are asked to contact New London police at 920-982-8505.
