Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

What should you do if food gathered in a survival situation is unknown?

1. Consume a large quantity to see if it’s safe

2. Take a small quantity and monitor for reactions

3. Discard it immediately

4. Only eat if it looks good

The correct answer is: Take a small quantity and monitor for reactions

In a survival situation where the food source is unknown, the most prudent approach is to take a small quantity and monitor for any adverse reactions. This method minimizes the risk of serious illness, as consuming a large quantity can overwhelm the body’s ability to identify toxicity. By starting with a small amount, you allow your system to react and observe whether any negative symptoms occur, such as nausea or dizziness, which can indicate the food is unsafe. While other options may seem tempting or straightforward, they carry higher risks. Discarding food immediately may lead to unnecessary starvation when the food might have been safe to eat. Only eating food that looks good can be misleading, as some edible items may not appear appealing but are safe, while some that look good could be harmful. Thus, the approach of cautiously testing a small amount to assess safety is the best practice in this scenario.