Question 2 • HCISD-Integrated Physics and Chemistry A-CR SUMMER
Because of scientific research, scientists know that oysters harvested from the Gulf Coast are more likely to be infected by specific bacteria that cause symptoms similar to food poisoning between the months of April and November. Each year, about 30 people are affected by the bacteria during this period. Illness can be avoided through pasteurization of oysters, which uses heat to kill the bacteria, but irradiation is not as effective on oysters. How will this knowledge most likely affect society?
Answer
A
The government may pass laws that require the irradiation of oysters.
B
The government may pass laws that require the pasteurization of oysters.
C
The government may pass laws that ban the sale of Gulf Coast oysters year-round.
D
The government may pass laws that allow people to eat oysters only during December through March.
Explanation
The research identifies a bacterial risk in Gulf Coast oysters and says pasteurization uses heat to kill the bacteria and prevent illness. A law requiring pasteurization would address that risk directly. Irradiation is described as less effective, and banning oysters year-round or limiting when people may eat them is broader than necessary.
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