LAKELAND, Fla., Feb. 15 (UPI) -- The Dollar General chain based in Tennessee pulled Pokemon-branded Valentine suckers from store shelves after metal was found in another treat in Florida.
Pieces of metal were found in two Pokemon lollipops purchased Wednesday at the discount stores in Polk County, Fla., the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel reported Friday.
The first piece of metal was found by a Polk County mother who was helping her son prepare treats to share with classmates. The heart-shaped lollipop was in its original wrapper and didn't appear to have been tampered, authorities said.
During a candy examination Thursday, a school resource deputy and teacher at a Lakeland, Fla., elementary school discovered 20 lollipops that appeared to have been tainted. One of those lollipops had metal in it and the others had black dots on them, which could have been discoloration, law enforcement officials told the Sentinel.
"Dollar General is very concerned about this discovery and, in light of today's Valentine's Day holiday, would like to encourage all customers who may have purchased the Pokemon Valentine Cards and Pops to refrain from consuming it until we know more," Dollar General Chief Executive Richard Dreiling said.
Customers can return the treats for a refund.
