Look out for rainbow fentanyl when trick-or-treating

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/FOX58) — “Rainbow fentanyl is disguised to look like skittles, SweeTarts candy, they're even disguised with candy wrappers and things of that nature," said Bakersfield Police Dept. Lieutenant Dan McAfee.

Lt. McAfee spoke on Wednesday at Local Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s press conference to warn parents about the dangers of rainbow fentanyl.

He said this specific type of fentanyl isn’t much different than other’s seen, except this one is meant to trick children into thinking it’s candy.

The most notable description about rainbow fentanyl is that it’s colorful.

“I don’t think it’s gotten to the point where it’s that sophisticated and looks exactly like a skittle, so they started with the coloring," said Lt. McAfee.

If you plan on trick or treating this year, officials recommend to closely inspect the candies given.

“You can start with the packaging, if the packaging looks different or just looks odd that’s one thing they can do," said Lt. McAfee.

It’s also recommended to check for any signs that the candy has been opened or tampered with.

For great-grand parents Josie and Richard Medina this is something they make sure to do.

Josie said, “Usually we’ll check their candies if their mother doesn’t then we do and if there’s something that doesn’t look familiar to a candy i will flush it or toss it, one or the other.”

Lt. McAfee said he doesn't want to overwhelm parents, but to keep a close eye.

“Make sure that you're paying close attention to things in their buckers or what they have their candy in, really start inspecting their things."