The presence of pieces of glass in food is considered what type of hazard?

The presence of pieces of glass in food is classified as a physical hazard. Physical hazards are defined as foreign objects that can cause harm to a person when ingested. These objects can range from glass, metal shards, and stones to bones or plastic fragments. In the case of glass, its sharp, hard nature poses a risk of injury to the mouth, throat, or digestive tract when consumed, making it a clear and significant safety concern in food handling and preparation.

Chemical hazards, on the other hand, relate to harmful substances that can contaminate food, such as pesticides or cleaning agents. Biological hazards involve microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can cause foodborne illnesses. Environmental hazards refer to external factors that can affect food safety, like pollution or improper storage conditions. The unique characteristic of glass as a tangible object highlighting the danger it presents to physical safety is what firmly categorizes it as a physical hazard.