Food Safety Quiz

Physical Contamination in Food Safety

• Physical contaminants include foreign objects such as hair, glass, metal, or plastic that can inadvertently enter food products.
• An example of a physical contaminant is a piece of broken glass found in a food package.
• Common sources of physical contaminants include poor food handling practices, damaged packaging, and broken equipment.
• A source that is NOT a physical contaminant could be, for instance, a chemical substance like a cleaning agent or pesticide.

Symptoms of Physical Contamination

• Symptoms of physical contamination can manifest as discomfort or injury upon consuming contaminated food.
• Indicators may include the feeling of a sharp object in the mouth, choking, or oral injuries.

Prevention of Physical Contamination

• One effective way to prevent physical contamination is through strict adherence to food safety protocols, including regular inspection of food preparation areas and proper maintenance of equipment.
• Use of protective gear, like hairnets and gloves, can reduce the risk of foreign objects entering food.

Common Food Allergens

• Common food allergens include ingredients like nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, and fish.
• Awareness of food allergens is essential for preventing allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.