Michigan Food Safety Management Practice Test

What is an example of a physical hazard in food safety?

1. Viruses

2. Bird feathers

3. Approved cleaning chemicals

4. Deli paper

The correct answer is: Bird feathers

A physical hazard in food safety refers to any foreign object or material that can inadvertently find its way into food products and pose a risk to consumers. Bird feathers exemplify this category because they are tangible items that can contaminate food, leading to potential choking hazards or injury if ingested. Recognizing physical hazards is crucial in food safety practices to prevent contamination and ensure the safety and quality of the food served. In contrast, viruses fall under biological hazards, as they are living organisms that can cause illness but are not physical objects. Approved cleaning chemicals, while relevant for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation, do not qualify as a physical hazard because they are intended for use in food preparation environments rather than being foreign objects. Similarly, deli paper is a product used for serving or wrapping food but does not represent a hazard unless it is contaminated or presents a choking risk, which is not typical. Understanding the nature of different hazards helps in implementing effective food safety practices.