The Benign Hamburger

By Graham F. Peaslee, Juliette Lantz, Mary Walczak

Abstract

In this dilemma case study, the executives of a popular restaurant chain must decide whether to use irradiated meat, in this case, beef, to protect its customers from the bacteria, E. coli. Students learn about food irradiation and discuss issues related to food safety and the public’s acceptance of new food technologies. As developed, the case could be used in a variety of introductory science courses in chemistry, physics, biology, environmental science, and agricultural science.

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Date Posted

06/21/1999

Overview

Objectives

Introduce an application of nuclear science, addressing some of the myths of nuclear technology, and examining the societal, political, and economic issues surrounding the science of food irradiation.
Teach some of the scientific principles of electromagnetic radiation, interaction of radiation and matter, and chemical bonding.
Distinguish between atomic and nuclear energy scales.
Research a topical and controversial subject.
Learn to separate fact from opinion and valid information sources from editorials.
Develop critical thinking skills and learn to support arguments and opinions with facts.
Apply risk-benefit analysis principles.

Keywords

Food irradiation; electromagnetic radiation; chemical bonding; E. coli; bacteria; beef; meat; risk-benefit analysis

Subject Headings

Food Science / Technology

Physical Chemistry

Physics

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Policy issues, Regulatory issues, Social issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Dilemma/Decision

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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