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Suppose 2% of bananas posed a lethal danger

Reader comment on item: Trump: You Should Ban Islamists, Not Muslims

Submitted by Jeff (United States), Dec 26, 2015 at 11:39

Let's suppose, for a moment, that in 2016, 2-3% of the bananas from Central America become poisoned due to a naturally occurring plant disease. The poison causes sickness and possible death for anyone who eats a banana. What do you think the FDA will do?

  1. Ban the importation of bananas from Central America until the disease and its resulting poison are completely eradicated.
  2. Announce that it's only about 2% of all the millions of otherwise healthful bananas, so let's not worry about it.
  3. Announce they already have effective banana screening in place, as evidenced by the fact that fewer than 50 deaths have occurred due to banana consumption across the country.
  4. Announce that the disease has been contained, so resume eating bananas, but remain vigilant.
  5. Ask that if you see signs of illness in someone after he eats a banana, say something.
  6. C, D and E
Submitting....

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