Michigan Food Safety Management Practice Test

Which of the following is a chemical hazard?

1. Glass bowls stored above a food preparation area.

2. Machine grease in a can which is stored away from food.

3. Cleaning chemicals stored in a soda bottle.

4. Bacteria.

The correct answer is: Cleaning chemicals stored in a soda bottle.

A chemical hazard refers to substances that can cause harm if they come into contact with food or people consuming food. In this context, cleaning chemicals stored in a soda bottle represent a clear example of a chemical hazard. This situation poses a significant risk because it can lead to the unintentional ingestion of harmful cleaning substances mistaken for a drink, or cause contamination of food due to improper storage. When cleaning chemicals are not stored in their proper, clearly labeled containers, it not only increases the potential for accidental consumption but also creates a risk of spills or leaks that can contaminate food preparation surfaces or food itself. Proper labeling and storage of chemicals are crucial components of food safety practices to prevent such hazards. Other scenarios, like glass bowls stored above a food preparation area, may present physical hazards as they could break and contaminate food; machine grease, while potentially harmful if it comes into contact with food, is not classified primarily as a chemical hazard in the same context; and bacteria are biological hazards rather than chemical ones.