On April 17, 2026, the DuPage County Farm Bureau hosted the “Food Science 101” adult education event in partnership with Chicagoland Food Science Foundation. The event was held at the space generously provided by the DuPage Event Center & Fairgrounds! Participants included farm bureau members and DuPage county residents interested in learning about the science of food safety.

The event began with a presentation by Linda Perucca and Victoria Sluis from Chicagoland Food Science Foundation. Topics included everyday food safety, food safety myths, the science of how we taste, how baked goods rise, how popcorn pops, the chemistry of eggs, and the science of mayonnaise.

Throughout the presentation there were many interactive experiments and demonstrations that brought these topics to life. Demonstrations and experiments included hand washing procedures, taste receptor experiments, gluten experiments, popcorn demonstrations, a mayonnaise emulsion demonstration, and much more!

Here are some interesting food myth busts that were shared by Chicagoland Food Science Foundation.

Food Myths about Eggs

  • Eggs can make your blood cholesterol level high and should be avoided
    • Eggs are low in saturated fat and have no trans-fat making them a healthy source of protein
  • Brown Eggs are healthier than White Eggs
    • Both colors are very similar in nutritional value
  • Blood spots in an egg are bad
    • Blood spots are a rupture of a tiny blood vessel in the egg but they still edible
  • Free-Range vs Cage- Free
    • Free-range are allowed extra space and can access outside area
  • You will get Salmonella if you eat raw eggs
    • About 1 in 20,000 eggs are contaminated with Salmonella

Presenters and participants discussed food safety.

After the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions related to food science and food safety. Thank you to the Chicagoland Food Science Foundation for leading this event and the wonderful presentation!

The event ended with a catered lunch from Blackberry Market! Attendees had time during and after lunch to network with each other. This time was filled with wonderful discussions about kitchen safety, food safety, and food science. Overall, the event was a wonderful time of discovery and connection. Thank you to all who attended!