Final answer:
While restaurants may worry about discouraging customers, it's important to inform them about the risks of consuming raw or undercooked foods. By watching news and following health advisories, customers can avoid foodborne illnesses. Such measures are essential for public health and safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concern that information about risks associated with eating raw or undercooked food items might deter customers is a valid point to consider in the food service industry. However, it is crucial for restaurants and other food establishments to provide this information to ensure consumer safety. Consuming products like raw or undercooked ground beef, raw (unpasteurized) milk and juice, raw vegetables such as lettuce, and raw sprouts can lead to foodborne illnesses due to pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, and listeria.
Therefore, the student is advised to watch the news to stay informed about potential health risks in their area. For example, if there is a report of bad beef or tomatoes making people sick, it is wise to avoid these items until the outbreak is declared over by health authorities. Similarly, if a local news report suggests certain restaurants have unhealthy conditions or a contaminated water supply, it is prudent to avoid these establishments or take measures such as drinking bottled water to mitigate the risk.