What is a common source of physical contaminants in food?

A common source of physical contaminants in food includes items such as hair and nails. Physical contaminants refer to any foreign objects that can unintentionally end up in food and pose a risk to consumers. Hair, nails, pieces of metal, glass, or plastic can all be categorized as physical contaminants.

In a kitchen or food preparation environment, hair can easily fall from staff, especially if not controlled by using hairnets or appropriate headgear. Similarly, nails can break or chip during handling, ending up in the food being prepared or served. These types of contaminants can lead to safety concerns, as they might not only create unpleasant eating experiences but could also lead to injury if consumed.

In contrast to physical contaminants, bacteria are biological hazards and do not fit into this category. Pesticides are chemical residues and therefore considered chemical hazards. Cleaning chemicals also fall under chemical contaminants, as they can pose health risks if they infiltrate food. Thus, while all these elements can be harmful in a food environment, hair and nails specifically represent common sources of physical contamination.