What is an example of physical contamination in food?

Physical contamination in food refers to the presence of foreign objects that can cause harm if ingested. This contamination typically involves substances that are not meant to be part of the food product and can cause injury or illness.

Examples such as hair and glass clearly fall into this category because they are tangible items that can inadvertently end up in food products during various stages of preparation, cooking, or serving. Hair can shed from food handlers and, if not managed properly, can contaminate food. Glass can be introduced from broken dishes, equipment failures, or packaging materials, presenting a serious risk if someone were to consume food with glass shards.

In contrast, the other options refer to conditions or other types of contamination. High temperature cooking is a method and not related to the introduction of foreign objects. Yeast and mold are biological contaminants, associated more with spoilage than with physical contamination. Improper refrigeration pertains to temperature abuse, which can lead to spoilage or growth of pathogens but does not involve physical foreign objects.

Thus, the correct identification of hair and glass as examples of physical contamination emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe food preparation environment free from foreign objects.