Before we test Teflon, our group practices culturing bacteria to make sure the process of the experiment is safe and goes to plan. Once we finish practicing, we will then begin the test of bacteria growth on Teflon. To compare data, we will include different types of cutting boards used on average by people. On each of the cutting boards, we will draw square sections in a grid pattern. Then once we finished with the sections, we will take out the colored bacteria with safety precautions and begin to put it in separate sections away from each other. After everything is placed, we will contain the cutting board and culture it for 24-48 hrs. After cultured, we will go through each section on the cutting board and test its bacterial levels. After we have all the data, we will organize it. Then we will write a report on our observations.

Our team conducted market research to find possible customers or interested parties in our school and across the country. Our market research group developed this survey to be sent out to students to see if anyone in our own school would be interested in our product.

after asking once then inquiring deeper, we found that 95% of people would be inclined to buy this product knowing that it can be cleaned and remove 99% or more of bacteria with nothing more than a damp cloth.

90% of people would be willing to buy this for $20

82% of people feel safer knowing that teflon poses no additional health or safety threats as well as damage to tools than a standard cutting board

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Fluoropolymer (Teflon), is a hydrophobic substance that has been used in the kitchen and around the house for about 80 years. Versions of it are food grade and do not release harmful chemicals until they reach temperatures of 464°F. It is resistant to extreme temperatures as well as corrosive chemicals and UV rays. “Teflon® coating is a fluorocarbon solid, meaning that it has a high molecular weight made up solely of carbon and fluorine. This make up makes it resistant to water, gives it a low friction co-efficient, and makes its other useful properties possible”. Teflon has been PFOA free since 2013 and other than that it has only ever posed a major threat to birds. Teflon coating products that our group has found have been affordable and it is easy to decipher what is safe and what is not.

Foodborne illnesses are caused by consuming bacteria-contaminated foods or beverages. Many different disease-causing microbes or pathogens can contaminate foods, so there are many different types of foodborne illnesses. Two of the most common foodborne illnesses are Salmonella and E. coli. Common symptoms of foodborne illness are diarrhea and vomiting.
Other symptoms might include abdominal cramps, nausea, fever, joint/backaches, and fatigue. The symptoms typically last 1 to 7 days. The foods that are prone to having illness-inducing bacteria are raw meat and poultry, raw eggs, unpasteurized milk, and raw shellfish are the most likely to be contaminated.