Poisoned Halloween Treats no More than a Publicity Trick
Poisoned Halloween Treats no More than a Publicity Trick  Murray
Op-Ed in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune October 28, 2003  At
Halloween we scare ourselves with tales of ghouls, ghosts, and
The Boogeyman. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-
microsoft-com:office:office" />  We adults know these stories
are not true, but in recent years we've been spreading myths--
even that we believe that homicidal strangers are regularly
poisoning trick-or-treat candy.  Every year, newspapers and
television programs warn parents about this "threat' with grave
reminders to check apples for razor blades and needles.  This
year, the Food and Drug Administration has joined in the tale-
telling, warning parents to inspect commercially wrapped treats
for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or
discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away
anything that looks suspicious.  But the FDA is telling just
another scary tale, with as much truth a