Kroger is removing a novelty item from its stores’ Halloween displays after one woman complained it sent the wrong signal about drug abuse.
The Cincinnati-based grocer will no longer sell packs of “Syringe Pens,” ballpoint pens which are sold to look like syringes filled with fluid, the local ABC News affiliate reported.
Linda Meyer, a Cincinnati woman, complained about the item, which led to it being pulled from Kroger shelves.
“There is no place for this,” Ms. Meyer told the affiliate. “We have a heroin epidemic. I just think it is a horrible idea.
“My friend lost her son to a heroin overdose last fall. So this is extremely personal to me,” she said.
The pens in question are sold in 6-count variety packs including the colors, red, green and purple.
• Ken Shepherd can be reached at kshepherd@washingtontimes.com.
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