NCJ Number
145761
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 38 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1993) Pages: 918-927
Date Published
1993
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Product tampering crime has become more common over the last 10 years, with a single documented event often triggering an avalanche of false alarms, copycat cases, tampering threats, and falsified reports of suspected tampering.
Abstract
Cyanide has seen widespread use as the toxic agent in many product tampering cases and is potentially the most lethal of all agents used. The ingestion of cyanide through tampered food, drink, or drugs has resulted in the death of at least 14 people over the past decade. Prominent tampering incidents and their common features are reviewed. Prominent cyanide tampering incidents are discussed, and the importance of requesting appropriate toxicological tests is emphasized. Potential tampering motives are examined, including terrorism, sabotage, homicide, insurance fraud, malicious mischief, and attention-seeking. Limitations of tamper-evident packaging are noted. 61 references