A photo from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration shows rainbow fentanyl, which DEA officials said was created to encourage addiction among a younger population. Butler County District Attorney Rich Goldinger is warning parents and children about the drug, which is in 26 states.

The county District Attorney is warning parents, youths, school officials and anyone else who works with children or teens to be on the lookout for fentanyl pills that are being made in bright, rainbow colors.

Rich Goldinger said the pills, known as “rainbow fentanyl,” have not appeared to permeate Pennsylvania as of Wednesday. However, they could turn up at any time.

The pills resemble Sweet Tarts or Skittles, and could be ingested by a young child or someone thinking they are eating candy.

“My biggest fear is it comes into our community and kids are unknowingly using it and getting sick ... or worse,” Goldinger said.

Goldinger sent a letter to all county school district superintendents warning them of the new form of fentanyl.

In the letter, Goldinger asked the school officials to notify parents of the rainbow fentanyl.

“I asked for their assistance in getting the word out to parents and students, now that Halloween is approaching,” he said.

Goldinger said until the threat is over, candy that comes in round, colorful pieces should be consumed only from its original, undamaged packaging.

“Don’t eat it out of a bowl at a party or eat candy someone hands you, even if you know them,” Goldinger said. “They might not know what it is.”

He said local police officers are aware of the rainbow fentanyl, which has been a story in the national news of late.

Online articles from news outlets in New York City, Tuscon and Sacramento report major drug busts that netted thousands of rainbow fentanyl pills.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reports on its website that their officers netted 300,000 rainbow fentanyl pills in a recent bust.

DEA officials call rainbow fentanyl “A deliberate effort by drug traffickers to drive addiction amongst kids and young adults.”

The administration said the drug has been found in 26 states so far.

“Hopefully it doesn’t come here, and we don’t see it,” Goldinger said.

He said anyone who comes across a “candy” that appears suspicious should call 911 immediately and allow police to handle the situation.

Brian White, Butler Area School District superintendent, applauded Goldinger for his letter, especially with trick-or-treat time approaching.

“I always appreciate proactive communication to help address problems before they actually become problems, so I appreciate the district attorney’s letter,” White said.

He said he will follow Goldinger’s advice and send a letter to all parents next week regarding rainbow fentanyl.

“It reminds us all to be vigilant on many issues to protect children,” White said.