What is an example of a physical food hazard?

A physical food hazard refers to any foreign object that may potentially cause harm to a person when they consume food. This can include items that are unintentionally present in food products, creating a risk for injury or illness.

In this context, glass is an example of a physical food hazard because it can easily be introduced into food items during the preparation or packaging processes. If a piece of glass were to break and fall into a dish, it poses a significant risk of injury if someone were to bite into or swallow it. This makes it distinct from other types of hazards that do not involve physical objects.

The other options, while they may pose risks related to food safety, do not fit the definition of a physical hazard. Contaminated water represents a chemical or biological hazard, improper cooking temperature pertains to a microbiological hazard regarding the growth of pathogens, and poor ventilation is more related to environmental conditions rather than a physical object that could cause harm. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for maintaining proper food safety protocols.