Nestlé had to rename its “Red Skins” candies for the same reason Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben, the Land O’ Lakes Indian maiden, and the Cream of Wheat chef were abolished. So as to be less offensive, they named the candies after serial killer Andrei Chikatilo instead:

Chikatilo confessed to 56 murders and was tried for 53 of these killings in April 1992. He was convicted and sentenced to death for 52 of these murders in October 1992…

Chikatilo is remembered as the Red Ripper because he was an ardent communist. Put “Red Ripper” into your favorite search engine and learn all about him.

Enjoy your Red Ripper candies, secure in the knowledge that the name meets with the approval of the thought police.

On tips from R F and Dragon’s Lair.

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