Which factor would most likely indicate a suspicious inventory?

• A. The lot number matches the invoice.
• B. The expiration date matches the invoice.
• C. The packaging appears intact and the lot number matches the invoice.
• D. The outer carton shows evidence of tampering and the lot number does not match the invoice.

Answer: (D)

Tampering on the outer carton is a direct signal that the product’s integrity may have been compromised, raising concerns about substitution, contamination, or counterfeit items. When the lot number also does not match the invoice, there’s a documentation discrepancy that suggests the item received doesn’t align with what was billed or recorded—an indicator of mislabeling, theft, or supply-chain tampering. Taken together, these two signs point to suspicious inventory far more strongly than a matching lot or expiration date or an intact package, which can occur without indicating a safety or traceability breach. If you detect tampering or a lot-number mismatch, quarantine the item, document the finding, and escalate to a supervisor for verification with the supplier before any use.