Critical Reasoning

The efficiency of microwave ovens in destroying the harmful bacteria frequently found in common foods is diminished by the presence of salt in the food being cooked. When heated in a microwave oven, the interior of unsalted food reaches temperatures high enough to kill bacteria that cause food poisoning, but the interior of salted food does not. Scientists theorize that salt effectively blocks the microwaves from heating the interior.

Which one of the following conclusions is most supported by the information above?
(A) The kinds of bacteria that cause food poisoning are more likely to be found on the exterior of food than in the interior of food.
(B) The incidence of serious food poisoning would be significantly reduced if microwave ovens were not used by consumers to cook or reheat food.
(C) The addition of salt to food that has been cooked or reheated in a microwave oven can increase the danger of food poisoning.
(D) The danger of food poisoning can be lessened if salt is not used to prepare foods that are to be cooked in a microwave oven.
(E) Salt is the primary cause of food poisoning resulting from food that is heated in microwave ovens.


Any substantial reason to rule out C ?

OA D

IMO D
C says:
The addition of salt to food that has been cooked or reheated in a microwave oven can increase the danger of food poisoning.

Here Salt is added after heating .As per the argument ,there is less chance of Microwave Oven radiation to reach the interior of the food.

So we can reject C.

Lets come to D:
The danger of food poisoning can be lessened if salt is not used to prepare foods that are to be cooked in a microwave oven.

Please note here that food has to be cooked.So there is a possibility that if salt is added before heating,that radiations may mot tadiate thru the interior and can promote food poisoning.

So D righly says The danger of food poisoning can be lessened if salt is not used to prepare foods that are to be cooked in a microwave oven.

oh right! forgot that tenses need to be taken into consideration not only in SC but also in CR at times!

thanks!

Yeah Welcome!!!

Option D looks good than other answers.