What action should be taken to prevent intentional contamination of incoming products?

• A. Accept shipments without inspection
• B. Storing in open area
• C. Inspecting incoming products for signs of tampering
• D. Delaying shipments

Answer: (C)

Inspecting incoming products for signs of tampering is a proactive control that directly reduces the risk of intentional contamination entering the operation. By checking seals, packaging integrity, lot numbers, and labels at receipt, you can catch evidence of tampering before the product joins the line. If anything looks off—broken seals, damaged packaging, unfamiliar packaging, or mismatched information—you can quarantine the shipment, investigate, and coordinate with the supplier. This creates a clear barrier between potentially compromised materials and your processing area, protecting product safety and security.

Accepting shipments without inspection skips this critical check and allows contaminated or tampered items to slip in. Storing in an open area doesn’t address contamination risks and can create other sanitary issues. Delaying shipments might delay operations but doesn’t by itself prevent tampering from occurring or entering the facility.