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Context This question explores the safety of consuming raw flour versus raw vegetables. The query highlights the apparent contradiction of eating raw vegetables like lettuce and cabbage, which are exposed to the same environmental factors as wheat, without any apparent ill effects. The question then focuses on the specific risk associated with raw flour and seeks to understand why it is considered unsafe for consumption. Simple Answer Raw flour can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and others. These bacteria can cause food poisoning and make you sick with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Raw vegetables are typically washed before being eaten, removing most bacteria on the surface. Flour is not usually washed before consumption, so any bacteria present remain. Cooking flour kills these harmful bacteria, making it safe to eat. Detailed Answer The perception that raw flour is unsafe while raw vegetables are safe stems from the difference in handling and proces...

Context Milk that has gone bad and fermented milk (kefir) both involve bacterial growth. However, there are key differences to understand. Simple Answer Spoiled milk has harmful bacteria that make you sick, while kefir has beneficial bacteria that are good for you. Spoiled milk smells sour and tastes bitter, while kefir has a slightly sour but pleasant flavor. Spoiled milk has a thick, lumpy texture, while kefir is smooth and drinkable. Spoiled milk can cause food poisoning, while kefir is a healthy probiotic. Spoiled milk should be discarded, while kefir can be consumed or used in cooking. Detailed Answer When milk spoils, it undergoes a process called lactic acid fermentation. This is caused by bacteria that convert the lactose in milk into lactic acid. This process gives spoiled milk its characteristic sour smell and taste. Lactic acid fermentation is also what gives kefir its slightly sour flavor. However, kefir is fermented by a different type of bacteria than spoiled milk. These...