Overview
- A camp counselor noticed a child handing out what looked like candy at the North Arlington Avenue YMCA, and shortly after at least 13 campers ages 10 to 13 reported feeling ill after eating the chocolates.
- Emergency medical personnel evaluated the children on site on Thursday and one child with a pre-existing condition was taken to University Hospital as a precaution; all were later reported stable.
- East Orange police say they have identified a juvenile suspect but have not filed charges while detectives continue an active investigation into how the edibles entered the camp.
- Parents shared photos of branded products tied to the incident, one maker, Silly Farms, denied its items contain controlled substances, and PolkaDot had not responded to requests for comment.
- Investigators will rely on forensic testing and interviews to confirm the chocolates' contents and to determine any legal accountability, and officials are urging parents to warn children not to accept unknown food.