Beware of gummy bears found under the influence...

The US-based Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) has warned parents of children involved in trick-or-treat to be wary of potential adulteration of gummy bears or other confectionery with alcoholic drinks such as vodka.

Warning parents to be aware of confectionery that was not in its original wrapping, in the run-up to Halloween tonight, Captain Hal Taylor of the ABC Board's Enforcement Division said the the bears soaked up vodka quickly.

The sweets masked the taste of the vodka, with children unaware that they were ingesting alcohol until it was too late, he added.