Poisoned Meat

E.coli Bacterium found in beef patties distributed 2 weeks ago

Business Conseqences

Stock lost 30% of its value in 2 days

Negative scrutiny from media

Could possibly create financial catastrophes for Jill at the Grill

RAR will picket Jill-at-the-Grill offices if irradiation is used

Health Consequences for Consumers

200 additional cases of food poisoning

9-year-old fighting for her life in the ICU

Death of a 4-year-old boy

Increase cooking temperature

Public won't take it seriously

Even at 170 degrees, it won't be enough to kill bacteria

Food Irradiation with Gamma rays

Controversial

Could test one patty out of every batch to ensure efficiency

Expensive

Doesn't mean that other patties in batch aren't contaminated

Would increase shelf life

Syracuse University just banned it

American Consumer Association, FDA, WHO & FAO are promoting it

Empirical Evidence

Level of pathogens can be reduced by 99.9%

Humans consuming 100% of their diet in irradiated food haven't fallen ill

Counterevidence

Warning signs of botulism such as food odor can't be detected

Reduces nutritional value of food

Toxic chemical species are produced