What's your food safety IQ?

Recently, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) was given the nod by Congress to proceed with plans to reform meat and poultry inspection regulations. The agency aims to replace antiquated procedures with science-based rules to eliminate dangerous pathogens from our nation's meat supply. That's good news for consumers, but did you know that most food-borne illnesses happen in the home? The Jack in the Box fast food chain offers a quiz that tests your knowledge and provides food safety tips.

1. According to Centers for Disease Control estimates, how many illnesses each year are associated with meat and poultry products, and how many of those result in deaths

   [] A. 10,000 illnesses; 100 deaths

   [] B. 200,000 illnesses; 500 deaths

   [] C. 3,000,000 illnesses; 1,000 deaths

   [] D. 5,000,000 illnesses; 4,000 deaths

2. The deadly E. coli O157:H7 bacteria primarily is found in:

   [] A. soil

   [] B. animal intestines and fecal matter

   [] C. air

   [] D. human intestines and fecal matter

3. The USDA's current method of meat inspection using sight, smell, and touch has been in effect since:

   [] A. 1895

   [] B. 1906

   [] C. 1958

   [] D. 1973

4. Plans to overhaul governmental meat-handling regulations include:

   [] A. A science-based system of inspection, including testing for microorganisms in meat

   [] B. Requiring employees to wash their hands before and after handling food

   [] C. Reduction in the E. coli bacteria in meat products

   [] D. Using the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) preventative system

   [] E. All of the above

5. Consumers can help prevent food-borne illnesses caused by the E. coli bacteria by:

   [] A. Cooking meats to a minimum internal temperature of 155 [degrees] F

   [] B. Cooking meats until juices run clear and there is no pink color visible

   [] C. Ensuring that raw meats do not touch other foods that already are cooked or will be eaten raw

   [] D. Using paper towels or clean cloth towels to dry hands and food contact surfaces (such as countertops)

   [] E. All of the above

6. Children should be taught as early as possible to:

   [] A. Not eat hamburgers

   [] B. Rinse hands before eating

   [] C. Not eat hamburgers that are pink in color

   [] D. Avoid touching other children

7. The E. coli bacteria may be caught from not washing your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.

   [] True [] False

8. It's not safe to eat hamburgers that aren't well-done.

   [] True [] False

9. You shouldn't put cooked meat back on a plate that held raw meat.

   [] True [] False

10. When filling your...