An al Qaeda group has allegedly considered spreading poison on buffets at American restaurants, according to U.S. officials. The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula had looked into placing ricin and cyanide into food supplies.
U.S. officials refer to the concept as a tactical discussion rather than a legitimate plan, suggesting that the Middle Eastern terrorist organization would be incapable of actually following up on the idea. The threat has been circulating for several months with no apparent incidents.
The Food and Agriculture Sector Coordinating Council staged a drill for the government to practice its response if this incident were to occur. Officials do not believe the threat is in any stages of actual planning and suggest it will not be carried out.
