Introduction
The current fascination with the specter of biological or chemical terrorism is fueled by high-profile Iraqi and Arab defectors who have provided detailed information on the construction of biological and chemical weapons, admixed with the continuing media interest in lethal infectious diseases. The focus of much of this concern has been the threat of biological agents that can be disseminated as small particle aerosols and cause casualties potentially in the millions. These scenarios tend to ignore that terrorism using biological or chemical agents has already occurred, and that food, water, and product tampering have been the common mechanisms for these acts. Moreover, these acts of terrorism have used agents such as Salmonella or cyanide which, while relatively mundane, have the potential to cause casualties in the hundreds of thousands.
The use of biological or chemical agents encompasses a restricted range of agents that have been turned into weapons, usually for aerosol transmission, for specific tactical or strategic advantages. In contrast, biological or chemical terrorism refers to the deliberate use of biological or chemical agents to harm civilian populations. This includes a large number of agents that are scenario-dependent but are mainly restricted by their availability, feasibility for the intended use, and deliverability. Several examples targeting food and water are documented. The incidental use or threat of use of a biological or chemical agent to commit a crime or extort money is referred to as a biocrime or bioextortion and is not considered a bioterrorist act. There have been numerous such activities.
It is impossible to provide a global perspective on the potential vulnerability of our food and water to deliberate sabotage. Food and drinking water in industrialized countries are generally very safe for consumption and are becoming more so every day. However, the centralization of food production and distribution.......
