Which item is a physical contamination in food safety?

• A. Broken glass
• B. Salmonella
• C. Listeria
• D. Mold

Answer: (A)

Physical contamination happens when a foreign object ends up in food. Broken glass is a classic example because it’s an actual object that can fall into a product and cause injury if eaten or chewed. In contrast, Salmonella and Listeria are bacteria that contaminate food and cause illness, but they aren’t physical objects in the food. Mold is a living organism, so it’s also considered a biological contamination rather than an inert object. To reduce physical contamination, keep sharp, breakable items away from food prep areas, use break-resistant materials, inspect packaging, and train staff to report any breakage so affected foods are discarded.