Winnipeg police urge candy checks after reports of pins in chocolate bars

WINNIPEG · Winnipeg police are urging parents and guardians to inspect their children's Halloween candy following reports of metal objects hidden inside treats. Police said they have received two reports of straight pins found inside mini chocolate bars, one in the city's southeast and another in the northwest. The incidents add to other cases of contaminated candy reported in Ontario and Quebec. Anyone who makes a similar discovery is asked to report it to the police service's non-emergency line. The Winnipeg Police Service issued the warning after confirming the two local reports. The service did not specify the brands of chocolate bars involved or whether any injuries were reported. The warning comes after the conclusion of Halloween festivities across the city.

Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere in Canada. Quebec provincial police said they heard of sharp metal objects found in candy in Drummondville, northeast of Montreal, as well as in St-Marcel, east of Quebec City. In Ontario, Durham police said they are investigating after sewing needles were found in candy in Oshawa. These reports add to the cases in Canada, including in Ontario and Quebec.

Winnipeg police reiterated that anyone who finds a foreign object in Halloween candy should contact their non-emergency line to file a report. They did not indicate whether the two local incidents are believed to be connected or if any suspects have been identified. The reports were confirmed by police on Nov. 2, 2026.

Police have not issued any further advice beyond a thorough visual and physical inspection of all candy before it is consumed. They have not suggested discarding all candy or avoiding specific brands. The investigation into the reports is ongoing. The Canadian Press first published this report on Nov. 2, 2026.

With files from The Canadian Press, Narcity and Toronto Star