Ep 15. Crime Biters

In season 3 episode 15 of Food: Fact or Fiction? titled "Crime Biters," host Michael McKean explores the connection between food and crime. The episode examines various foods that have been associated with criminal activities throughout history, as well as the use of food as a tool for solving crimes.

McKean begins by discussing the infamous case of the Tylenol murders in 1982, where seven people died after taking capsules that had been laced with cyanide. The incident led to the implementation of tamper-proof packaging for medicines and drew attention to the vulnerability of the food and drug supply chain. McKean then moves on to explore other cases where food has been used as a weapon, including the 1984 case of the Rajneeshee bioterror attack in Oregon where contaminated salad bars were sabotaged to make people sick.

The episode also delves into the history of food used in criminal activity. For example, during the American Prohibition era, people found creative ways to make and distribute alcohol illegally. McKean showcases the use of "moonshine" and disguised bottles of "medicinal whiskey" to feed the demands of those looking for a good time.

Another section of the show explores how food can help solve crimes. McKean talks to forensic scientists who use various food items to extract DNA from crime scenes and find out more about potential criminals. For example, saliva on a bitten apple or traces of sugar found on a suspect's clothing can help investigators piece together the details of a crime. McKean also looks at how food can help build a suspect's profile and possibly even provide an alibi if they were caught on camera purchasing a specific food at a particular time.

As always, between the deep exploration of topics, McKean provides fun food trivia to keep things light. He discusses the history of the fortune cookie, the world's largest pizza, and the origin of the term "jalapeño popper." Mckean helps to educate viewers on how food and crime are more interconnected than you'd think.

Overall, "Crime Biters" presents an engaging look at the relationship between food and crime. By exploring how food can be used as a weapon, as well as its role in solving crimes, the episode manages to be both educational and entertaining. The show continues in its tradition of being thought-provoking and informative, leaving viewers wanting more.