Each year up to 81 million Americans suffer from a foodborne illness; out of this number, 9,100 of them die (Gavzer 1997). By recognizing the specific cases that have involved food poisoning, this number can be put into perspective with much greater ease. In August of 1997, Hudson Foods ordered the largest recall in history—25 million pounds of hamburger patties—which resulted from the deadly bacterium known as E. coli 0517:H7. During the spring of 1997, imported raspberries contaminated with …showed first 75 words of 2505 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2505 total…aware of the risk of food contamination that pathogens impose. On the other hand, the government has a greater ability to develop better methods of food safety control. By utilizing bacterial testing, inspection methods, “critical control points,” safety standards, accepted bacterial levels, and technological advances, such as irradiation, the government will be able to effectively reduce the cases of food poisoning, improve the health of our nation, and put the minds of consumers at ease.