What does biological contamination pertain to?

Biological contamination refers to the presence of harmful microorganisms or pathogens that originate from living organisms. This encompasses bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, all of which can cause foodborne illnesses and health hazards when they contaminate food. The focus on "life and living things" accurately captures the essence of biological contamination, as these microorganisms are living entities that can proliferate and adversely affect food safety.

The other options do not accurately describe biological contamination. Non-living substances and inorganic materials are not associated with biological hazards—they are either chemical or physical contaminants that do not involve living organisms. Processed food items, while they can be a medium for biological contamination, do not inherently relate to the concept of contamination itself; it is the presence of live pathogens that defines biological contamination. Thus, understanding the role of living organisms is vital in the context of food safety and biological contamination.