News & Events

Q: In 1916, rumors circulated that candy was the cause of what infectious disease? 

A. Measles 
B. Smallpox 
C. Polio 
D. Influenza

The correct answer is C. Polio
In 1916, rumors circulated that candy caused polio. Candy was also rumored as the cause other infectious diseases, such as cerebrospinal meningitis. In fact, candy was so frequently blamed for poisonings and injuries that the National Confectioners Association thoroughly investigated almost every report on “candy poisonings.” The investigators found that out of the hundreds of reports of “candy poisonings,” very few were based on facts.

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