Conserve Outbreak Investigation

Case Study

The CONSERVE Foodborne Illness Outbreak Investigation case study presents a scenario in which food has been implicated as a vehicle for an illness outbreak of microbiological origin. Students assume various roles to investigate and solve the outbreak and to evaluate approaches to prevent recurrence. The case study can be presented to students in written format for individual completion in class or as a homework assignment. The case study can also be presented as manipulatives with escape room gaming features in which students are assigned to groups to solve the phases of the investigation and share group findings as a class. Instructor-led presentations are provided to support student discourse after student completion of the investigation individually or in groups.