What type of food hazard involves chemicals not meant to be consumed?

The correct answer is chemical hazards, which refer to the presence of harmful substances in food that are not intended for consumption. These can include cleaning agents, pesticides, heavy metals, and other industrial chemicals that might accidentally contaminate food during processing, preparation, or storage. Identifying and controlling chemical hazards is essential for food safety, as they can lead to severe health consequences if ingested.

Biological hazards are related to living organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can cause foodborne illnesses. Physical hazards involve foreign objects, like hair, glass, or metal, that can accidentally enter food, posing a physical risk to consumers. Environmental hazards encompass elements in the surrounding environment, such as toxic plants or polluted water sources that can affect food safety, but these do not specifically pertain to chemicals not meant for consumption.