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Venue
of Experience:
Our experience in this unique
niche has, thus far, been limited to the United States.
However, although laws in foreign lands may differ, the principles
of these programs are applicable in all civilized countries.
Type of Experience:
Our experience in this area
predates Loss Prevention Concepts, Ltd. by several years.
Following the consumer deaths caused by the first Tylenol
incident, an enlightened
Midwestern food processing company contracted with the current
president of L.P.C., Ltd., requesting that he develop a detailed
contingency plan to enact in the event of a similar event.
This proved to be a major undertaking. Since little had been
written on this subject, most of the work here involved original
field research by Mr. Schmedlen and an associate. Personal
interviews around the U. S. were conducted with security managers
and others who had firsthand experience responding to product
adulteration events. Security management at Johnson &
Johnson (the makers of Tylenol)
and many others were kind enough to share their experiences and
their candor was of great assistance. The objective during
these interviews was to take a retrospective look at responses
actually taken, and learn what might have proved more
effective. This project was likely the first of its kind and
subsequently L.P.C., Ltd. has developed many similar programs while
continueing its research in this area.
The Exposure:
A major product adulteration
event is one of the few crises which can literally put a company out
of business. In addition to the exposure to the event itself,
agencies such as the FDA can order that, products be recalled in the
public interest. Additionally, publicity concerning such an
event can result in a drastic reduction in sales and consumer
confidence.
Response Experience:
L.P.C., Ltd. Investigators
have responded to many minor events involving isolated incidences of
food or beverage contamination. In most cases, these were
found to be frauds. While other investigative agencies around
the world have undoubtedly investigated similar events, we believe
we are the only firm to respond to a major national adulteration
event. One morning several years ago, the president of L.P.C.,
Ltd. received a call from a client, the vice president of an
international food processing business. The client
simply asked, "Do you remember that program you put together
for us a few years ago?" Mr. Schmedlen responded in the
affirmative. The client then said, "Well, now let's see
if it works?" He explained that a major event had just
occurred and was covered by CNN. L.P.C. Ltd. Investigators
were on the scene in Minneapolis within hours. The previously
developed program had already been activated and the potential
danger to the public had resulted in twenty-seven FBI agents being
assigned to the matter. As is usually the case, L.P.C. Ltd.
Investigators worked closely with these public sector agents and the
combined expertise resulted in the kind of synergy such cooperation
normally yields. While the program was less than perfect, the
principles proved sound. No consumer deaths occurred and the
allegedly-contaminated product was not pulled--although this was
reconsidered on an hourly basis over the following two weeks.
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