What is included in the category of physical contamination?

Physical contamination refers to the presence of foreign objects in food that can cause injury or discomfort to the consumer. This category specifically includes choking hazards, which can be anything from pieces of bone or metal to wood splinters that accidentally find their way into food products. These objects are not supposed to be in the food and can lead to serious health risks like choking or injury if ingested.

Bacteria, chemical residues, and pathogens fall under different categories of food safety concerns. Bacteria and pathogens are related to biological contamination, as they involve microorganisms that can multiply and cause foodborne illness. Chemical residues pertain to contamination through chemicals, which could be pesticides or cleaning agents, and are categorized under chemical contamination. Understanding these distinctions helps in identifying and mitigating specific types of risks in food safety.