Sam ’n’ Ella’s Café—Simulated Food Poisoning Laboratory Kit

Product Details

Although microorganisms live very comfortably on and/or in almost everything imaginable, most people do not give that fact a second thought when they go out to eat. Initiate a lively discussion about the safe handling of food after students “eat” a buffet meal at Sam ’n’ Ella’s Café and participate in a true-to-life simulation. Once food from each of six food categories has been selected by each student, the “food” (water) on their plates (cups) is tested to determine who and how many people are “sick.” Then students play the role of food detectives to determine which food is contaminated and which “bacterium” may have caused the illnesses. 

Complete for 30 students working individually. No living bacteria are used and no real food poisoning will result from this activity. Testing the “food” for contaminants involves detecting the presence of a base (the food “contaminant”) using a pH color indicator.