Which item is a physical hazard in a food facility?

Which item is a physical hazard in a food facility?

• A. Glass fragments
• B. Salmonella bacteria
• C. Listeria bacteria
• D. Norovirus

Answer: (A)

Physical hazards are foreign objects that can cause injury if someone bites into or swallows them. Glass fragments fit this category because they are nonfood items that can break off from bottles, containers, or equipment and contaminate foods, potentially injuring consumers. The other options are biological hazards—pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria, and Norovirus—that cause illness rather than physical injury from a foreign object. To prevent physical hazards, facilities should control breakage, use sturdy, intact glassware away from food preparation areas, inspect for cracks, remove shattered items promptly, and have procedures to discard any suspect product.

Physical hazards are foreign objects that can cause injury if someone bites into or swallows them. Glass fragments fit this category because they are nonfood items that can break off from bottles, containers, or equipment and contaminate foods, potentially injuring consumers. The other options are biological hazards—pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria, and Norovirus—that cause illness rather than physical injury from a foreign object. To prevent physical hazards, facilities should control breakage, use sturdy, intact glassware away from food preparation areas, inspect for cracks, remove shattered items promptly, and have procedures to discard any suspect product.