Types of incidents related to product tampering are actual tampering, faked tampering, copycat tampering, or threats to tamper. The first step in preventing product tampering is to appoint a small multidisciplinary team composed of managers with the authority and knowledge to make decisions. The team should plan for the worst-case scenario. A vulnerability study should be conducted of the company's products and tamper-resistant packaging features. Existing product withdrawal procedures should be reviewed and adapted to various tampering scenarios. A spokesperson should be designated in the event of a tampering incident, and all switchboard operators and consumer response representatives should be briefed on how to handle a tampering threat. Any person receiving a tampering threat should be thoroughly debriefed about the call. Some companies have installed automatic recording devices for storing incoming telephone calls. Procedures for handling mailed threats should take into account evidence-handling procedures. A company's approach to the tampering problem should reflect the company's priorities. For a packaged goods producer, the highest priority is likely to be public protection. This priority will affect the assessment of the seriousness of the tampering threat and the company's response to it. Company costs should be subordinate to safety priorities.