In fiscal year 1986, the FDA received about 1,700 suspected tampering complaints. In addition, from January 1986 to July 1987, FDA became aware of more than 350 threats to tamper with products that the agency regulates. Not all tampering complaints are confirmed and not all tampering threats are fulfilled. However, each report, when received, is considered real and is investigated sufficiently to ensure that no threat to the public health and welfare exists. A few states have similar legislation.
Businesses also have responsibility for the safety of their products.
Because jurisdiction and responsibility may be shared and because laboratory or scientific resources may be needed, response to tampering requires a high degree of cooperation and notification among agencies. A network should be established by locating and contacting individuals with the appropriate agencies before an emergency occurs. When a product tampering crisis occurs, an interagency crisis management team should be activated to provide coordination. This team will work in close cooperation with the businesses involved to bring the situation under proper control.