LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
Hersheys announced Thursday that it will stop production of Ice Breakers Pacs in response to complaints by law enforcement that the nickel-sized bags resemble drug packets. Associated Press writer Peter Jackson reports on Hershey CEO David West's announcement:
"Some community and law-enforcement leaders have expressed concern" about the shape of pouch and the Xylitol sweetener inside, and about the possibility of the mints being mistaken for illegal substances, West said. "We are sensitive to these viewpoints and thus have made the decision that we will no longer manufacture Ice Breakers Pacs," he said.
Ice Breakers Pacs remain on store shelves but are expected to be sold out early this year and no more are being made, West said. Kirk Saville, a company spokesman, said they had been distributed nationally on a limited basis.
Jill Porter of Philadelphia News reported on the uncanny resemblance last November, "The pouches are so realistic, they even fooled Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector William Blackburn. 'Being in narcotics the majority of my career, I thought it was the real stuff,' said Blackburn." In December, commentors on the ironically titled blog, Candy Addict also noted the drug-like packaging.
Hershey has not announced whether it has plans to discontinue its snortable breath freshener, "Sparkling Cool Icy Bindles" or the also-controversial injectable, "Minty Rush of Freshness"*
*Legal Disclaimer: Disregard the last paragraph. I totally made it up. There is no such thing as "Sparkling Cool Icy Bindles" or "Minty Rush of Freshness". I have no comment on the much-anticipated release of breath fresheners, "Peppermint Blunt" and "Gee, Your Septum Smells Terrific!"
AP Photo from Philadelphia News