- Have you heard of any of these stories?
Do you know of these people who harmed food to harm people? Some things that happen are just sick.
The Tylenol Murders (1982) 
In one of the most infamous product-tampering cases in history, several people died after taking Tylenol capsules that had been secretly contaminated with cyanide. The killer was never identified, but the case changed how medicine is packaged, leading to tamper-resistant seals and major safety reforms.
The Chicago Restaurant Cyanide Poisoning Case (1986)
Stella Nickell was convicted of poisoning her husband and another person using cyanide placed into capsules. The case involved over-the-counter medication tampering and became one of the first major examples of a product poisoner being caught through forensic investigation.
The 2013 Ricin Letters Case
Shannon Richardson was convicted of sending ricin-laced letters to public officials, including then-Barack Obama. While the case involved letters rather than food, it became one of the most recognized modern toxin-related criminal cases. Did you know of people who harmed food to go after other people?
The Great Boston Molasses Flood (1919) 
Although not a deliberate poisoning, the Great Molasses Flood involved a massive storage tank failure at a molasses facility, killing 21 people and injuring many others. The disaster became a major example of the dangers connected to food production and industrial negligence.
The “Poisoned Birthday Cake” Case (1993)
In Germany, Hagen Seifert was involved in a case where a cake was poisoned with a toxic substance during a family dispute. The incident became known because a common celebration item was turned into a weapon. Did you know of people who harmed food to go after other people?
The Murder of Michael and Linda Dansby Case (1990s)
Some poisoning investigations have involved people secretly contaminating food or drinks inside personal relationships. Cases like these often involve motives such as revenge, jealousy, or financial gain and are uncovered through toxicology testing.
The “Angel of Death” Poisoning Cases — Beverley Allitt (1991)
Beverley Allitt, a nurse in England, was convicted of murdering and harming children in her care by injecting substances rather than poisoning food. While not a food case, it is often discussed alongside cases involving trusted caregivers secretly harming victims. Did you know of people who harmed food to go after other people?
The 2008 China Milk Scandal
The 2008 Chinese milk scandal involved melamine being added to infant milk products to falsely increase apparent protein levels. Hundreds of thousands of infants were affected, and several people were convicted. It became a worldwide food safety scandal.
The 2011 “Poisoned Food” Case at a Workplace
There have been multiple workplace incidents where employees intentionally contaminated shared food because of personal disputes. These cases often involve coworkers secretly altering food brought into offices or communal areas, resulting in criminal charges. Did you know of people who harmed food to go after other people?
The 1984 Rajneeshee Bioterror Attack
In Oregon, the members of the Rajneesh movement intentionally contaminated salad bars in The Dalles with bacteria, causing hundreds of illnesses. It was the largest bioterror attack in U.S. history before 2001.
The 2018 Australian Strawberry
Contamination Case
In Australia, needles were deliberately hidden inside strawberries sold in stores. The incident caused panic nationwide, led to product recalls, and resulted in the conviction of My Ut Trinh. Did you know of people who harmed food to go after other people?
The 2020 Russian Opposition Figure Poisoning Case
Alexei Navalny became severely ill after what investigators and several governments said was a poisoning involving a nerve agent. The case did not involve food, but it is another example of deliberate poisoning used against a targeted individual.
Have You heard of these people who harmed food to hurt other people? Tell us what you think of it all in the comments.