Numerous seasonal products intended for Halloween celebrations have been removed from stores and online platforms due to identified safety risks, spanning from potential choking threats to lead contamination concerns.
Regulators have flagged a variety of items—including confections, chocolate bars, children’s costumes, illuminated playthings, and pumpkin-carving supplies—as posing significant dangers, particularly to young children and individuals with specific food allergies. Hazards encompass loose small components, undeclared additives, shattered glass fragments, and button-cell batteries, which can lead to life-threatening internal damage if ingested.
Recalls and Safety Alerts
The most extensive recall targets roughly 2.3 million bottles of Ricky Joy Sour Crush Rolling Liquid Candy. The product’s rollerball caps can separate, creating a choking risk. Available in 1.85-ounce sizes with flavors like blue raspberry, strawberry, green apple, and watermelon, these bottles were sold individually and in multipacks. The branding includes the Ricky Joy logo, the phrase “EXTREME SOUR” and “SOUR CRUSH”, alongside a green monster graphic. No injuries have been documented, though the candy was distributed through retailers like H-E-B and Forman Mills, as well as online via Walmart.com and RickyJoy.com, from January 2023 to May 2026.
Separately, over 44,000 cans of Walmart’s Great Value Fruit Cocktail in Fruit Juice from Concentrate are affected. Pacific Coast Producers initiated the recall on October 1, 2026, after detecting excessive lead levels. The 15-ounce cans bear the lot code 6FCB 04 C2263 and expire on September 1, 2027. The FDA classified this as a Class II recall on October 20, suggesting temporary health effects are possible but severe outcomes unlikely.
Read Also: Exoneration Wait Times Vary Widely by State, Race
Chocolate and Confection Recalls
Chocolate enthusiasts should inspect Gearharts Fine Chocolates packages following a voluntary recall of 4,703 units. The action stems from shattered glass discovered during quality checks. The impacted products include 4-ounce and 8-ounce boxes with expiration dates between October 1 and October 21, 2026, distributed across 17 states, including California, Georgia, and Texas. The FDA designated this as a Class II recall on October 16.
Another candy-related recall involves Little Temptations Chocolatey Eyeballs, sold at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra stores. Crystal Temptations issued the recall after realizing milk was omitted from ingredient labels. The affected packages vary from 7-ounce boxes to 16-ounce bags, featuring five distinct designs. Distributed in 13 states, including Arizona and New Jersey, the candy poses risks for those with milk allergies, potentially triggering severe reactions requiring emergency treatment. Consumers are instructed to discard the recalled items.
Halloween Costumes and Toys Under Recall
Halloween-themed apparel and playthings have also been withdrawn due to accessible button-cell batteries. Nearly 100 CIYTI light-up princess costumes were recalled on October 22, 2026. The outfits feature blue dresses, glowing crowns, illuminated wands, and remote controls, with battery compartments easily accessible to children. Ingestion of these small batteries can cause severe chemical burns internally. Sold through Amazon between February and June 2025 for $21 to $35, no injuries have been reported, and refunds are available upon request.
Additionally, over 43,600 illuminated children’s toys from ABC Trading have been pulled. The items, including light-up glasses, crown headbands, sparkle headbands, and ties, were sold through Los Angeles stores, specialty retailers, and the company’s website from September 2016 to May 2026 for about $1 each. Their battery compartments fail to meet federal safety standards, posing a risk if swallowed by young users.
