In October 1982, a series of tragic events unfolded in the Chicago area when seven individuals fell ill and died after ingesting Tylenol capsules that had been laced with cyanide. The victims, ranging in age and demographics, had purchased the capsules from local stores without prior knowledge of the contamination. This shocking incident sent waves of fear through the public as people began to question the safety of over-the-counter medications. The situation escalated quickly, prompting an urgent response from authorities and the manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson.

As news of the fatalities spread, Johnson & Johnson initiated an extensive product recall, removing approximately 31 million bottles of Tylenol from shelves nationwide. The decision was not merely a corporate response; it reflected a commitment to consumer safety above profits. The recall was unprecedented at the time and highlighted the need for improved packaging measures. In a bid to regain consumer trust, the company worked hard to reintroduce the product with tamper-proof packaging that would become industry standards.

Additionally, the federal and local authorities launched an investigation to determine the motives behind the poisonings and how the tampering occurred. This initiative led to increased scrutiny of product safety and tampering prevention measures in the pharmaceutical and consumer goods sectors, as well as changing regulations regarding over-the-counter medications.