Saturday, February 20, 2010

Fast Food Nation: Chapter 9


What authority does the U.S. Government have to demand the recall of tainted meat?

The U.S. Government is unable to demand a meat company to cease the production of the tainted meat. Unfortunately the meatpacking firms have tight connections with the Republican members of Congress. I find it utterly preposterous that our government has the authority to recall pointless items such as toys and sneakers but does not have the authority to put an end to the production of infected meat.



What was the first national hamburger chain & what did it do to try to change the image of the hamburger?

The first national hamburger chain was White Castle. Before their opening, hamburgers were thought to be an inferior meal for lower class. White Castle made an effort to change America's judgements on the innocent hamburger. They placed the stoves within eyesight of the customers in attempt to prove that they used only the freshest of meats. The name White Castle was thought up to appeal to upper class citizens by sounding "pure". White Castle even sponsored an experiment at the University of Minnesota where medical students ate nothing but white castle burgers and water.

What are the effects of E. coli 0157:H7 on the human body?

In the book it states: E. coli 0157:H7 is a mutated version of a bacterium found abundantly in the human digestive system. It releases a mighty toxin called a verotoxin which bombards the intestines. Many people who come in contact with this lethal bacteria suffer from watery, and often bloody diarrhea as well as excruciating cramps. If the verotoxin enters the bloodstream it may cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, which may lead to kidney failure, internal bleeding, anemia, and the demolition of vital organs.

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