FDA AND FBI MAKE ARREST IN TAMPERING INCIDENT IN THE ODESSA/MIDLAND TEXAS AREA

On October 25, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office of Criminal Investigations; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and the Odessa Police reported that an arrest had been made in the recent product tampering case involving Metaboloss Diet, Metaboloss Fat Burner and Vanquish brand acetaminophen. Sammy Joe Berry, age 31 of Odessa, TX was arrested on charges that include consumer product tampering under Title 18. The arrest was made at his home after a search warrant was executed and law enforcement officials found evidence suggesting that he was the sole person involved in the tampering incidents. The suspect is to be arraigned by a federal magistrate today.

"FDA appreciates the collaboration with the FBI, local authorities and the other organizations in bringing this case to a quick close," said Dr. Lester M. Crawford, FDA Deputy Commissioner. "This swift action today shows that unscrupulous individuals will be brought to justice," he said.

Albertsons, Walgreens and Walmart provided assistance in the investigation. The potentially tampered products were located in their stores.

FDA has recommended that persons who have recently purchased these products not consume them, but instead return them to the store from which they were purchased.

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