Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- paramount /PAR-uh-mount/
- infectious /in-FEK-shuhs/
- persist /per-SIST/
- kidney /KID-nee/
- vulnerable /VUHL-ner-uh-buhl/
[adjective] – more important than anything else
In a crisis situation, the safety of the passengers is paramount.
[adjective] – able to pass a disease from one person, animal, or plant to another
The flu virus is highly infectious and can spread rapidly in close quarters.
[verb] – to continue or endure over time without changing or improving
Despite the treatment, the pain in her back persisted for weeks.
[noun] – vital organs responsible for filtering waste and excess substances from the blood
He suffered from a kidney infection that required immediate medical attention.
[adjective] – able to be easily physically or mentally hurt, influenced, or attacked
The elderly are often considered a vulnerable population, requiring special care and attention.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Food safety is of paramount importance, especially in light of recent recalls like the one from American Foods Group. Over 58,000 pounds of raw ground beef were recalled due to potential E. coli contamination. This incident highlights the urgency of understanding and preventing foodborne illnesses. Dr. Leana Wen, an expert in health policy, emphasizes that food poisoning, also known as foodborne infection, occurs when infectious organisms like bacteria, viruses, or parasites contaminate food or drink. This results in various symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In the United States, Norovirus is the most common pathogen causing foodborne infections, followed by bacteria like salmonella, campylobacter, listeria, and E. coli, along with parasites such as toxoplasma.
Dr. Wen stresses the importance of immediate medical attention if symptoms persist, especially in cases of severe dehydration or if symptoms worsen. She also highlights two recent bacteria in the news: E. coli and Vibrio vulnificus. E. coli, found in the intestines of humans and animals, can lead to severe illness, including bloody diarrhea and kidney failure. Vibrio vulnificus, commonly transmitted through undercooked shellfish, can cause serious infections. Dr. Wen underscores the significance of proper food preparation, including thorough washing of fruits and vegetables and the use of meat thermometers. She advises against cross-contamination, emphasizing separate utensils for raw and cooked foods. Safe grilling practices involve maintaining proper temperatures and ensuring hand hygiene. Lastly, Dr. Wen suggests promptly refrigerating leftovers and emphasizes extra precautions for vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
Dr. Wen stresses the importance of immediate medical attention if symptoms persist, especially in cases of severe dehydration or if symptoms worsen. She also highlights two recent bacteria in the news: E. coli and Vibrio vulnificus. E. coli, found in the intestines of humans and animals, can lead to severe illness, including bloody diarrhea and kidney failure. Vibrio vulnificus, commonly transmitted through undercooked shellfish, can cause serious infections. Dr. Wen underscores the significance of proper food preparation, including thorough washing of fruits and vegetables and the use of meat thermometers. She advises against cross-contamination, emphasizing separate utensils for raw and cooked foods. Safe grilling practices involve maintaining proper temperatures and ensuring hand hygiene. Lastly, Dr. Wen suggests promptly refrigerating leftovers and emphasizes extra precautions for vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you or someone you know ever experienced a foodborne illness? If yes, could you share the details of the experience and how it impacted you or the person affected? If not, can you recall any instances where you or someone you know took precautionary measures to prevent foodborne illnesses, especially when handling raw meats or seafood?
- Have you ever encountered a situation where you had to return or dispose of a food item due to concerns about its safety or potential contamination? If so, what was the circumstance, and how did you handle it? If not, can you think of a time when you were particularly cautious about food safety, perhaps during a special event or gathering? What precautions did you take?
- Do you think the advice provided by Dr. Leana Wen offers practical and effective strategies for preventing foodborne illnesses?
- What steps do you think can be taken at various points in the food supply chain to prevent incidents like the E. coli contamination in the recalled beef?
- In your opinion, what role do government regulations and oversight play in ensuring food safety, and how effective do you believe these measures are in practice?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- bacteria
- hygiene
- precaution
- immune system
- foodborne illness