What type of contaminants can be seen with the human eye?

Physical contaminants are substances that can be seen with the naked eye and include items such as hair, pieces of glass, metal fragments, and other foreign objects that inadvertently come into contact with food. These contaminants can pose significant safety risks because they may cause harm if ingested. For instance, a piece of metal in food can lead to injury, while hair can be unappetizing and inappropriate in culinary presentations.

On the other hand, biological contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, are microscopic and cannot be seen without special equipment. Similarly, chemical contaminants typically refer to substances like pesticides or cleaning agents that remain invisible in food products. Understanding the distinction between these types of contaminants is essential for food safety and hygiene practices. Identifying physical contaminants visually is crucial for maintaining food safety standards in any food service operation.