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Intentional contamination is a deliberate action to introduce something into a product, often with the intention to do harm to the consumer, the company or both.
A person who carries out such an act commits a crime and can be charged by the police under the Criminal Code Act 1899. This type of crime can be committed in food processing, food storage, food service and food retail operations by a wide variety of people for different reasons.
Food businesses in Queensland, whether licensed or not, must notify 13HEALTH (telephone: 13 432 584) when a reasonable suspicion has been formed that food at, or sold from, their premises has been intentionally contaminated. Food businesses are also required to follow all directions given by Queensland Health in relation to identifying the source of the contamination and preventing or minimising the risk to public health or safety from potentially contaminated food.
Food that has been intentionally contaminated is unsafe to eat and can make people seriously ill. If someone becomes sick from eating or handling suspect food, a medical practitioner should be consulted as soon as practical.
Intentional contamination of food means the deliberate adding of a harmful or poisonous substance to food products. A person who carries out such an act commits a crime and can be charged by the police.
Foods that have been intentionally contaminated are unsafe to eat and can make consumers seriously ill. This in turn can also result in food businesses having to potentially close down due to financial losses and even bankruptcy.
The crime of intentionally contaminating food can been committed by different types of people, including disgruntled employees, pranksters and extortionists.
A food product can be contaminated at any point in the food supply chain from the farm to the table. For example, in food processing, food storage and food retail operations.
Unfortunately, you may not always recognise food which has been intentionally contaminated.
Signs that food may have been intentionally contaminated can include:
Suspected Intentional Contamination of Food - Industry Protocol
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