Did You Just Eat That? Two Scientists Explore Double-Dipping, the Five-Second Rule, and Other Food Myths in the Lab

Dawson and Sheldon, a professor of food science at Clemson University and professor emeritus in food microbiology at North Carolina State University, respectively, examine common food myths and safety practices in this entertaining, science-based text. The authors divide their exploration into three sections: “Surfaces,” “Air and Water,” and “Transport Mechanisms.” In each one, they provide a brief but lively discussion as well as the explication of their own experiments. In one, “brave student researchers fanned out on homecoming weekend” to gather used beer pong balls. The balls invariably were contaminated with bacteria, but to wildly varying degrees; a ball used outdoors was covered with nearly three million bacteria, while one used indoors was populated by just 180. Student researchers also swabbed restaurant menus, which were found to be “crawling with bacteria.” The authors also discuss sharing popcorn, blowing out birthday candles, and double dipping chips. Dawson and Sheldon have a light and amusing approach despite their somber warning that food-borne illnesses are common and can be serious and even life-threatening. Clean, quirky graphics and a casual tone will help make this text fun and engaging for anyone with a strong stomach. (Nov.)