Which option correctly distinguishes physical hazards from biological hazards with kitchen examples?

• A. A physical hazard includes glass fragments; a biological hazard would include Salmonella.
• B. A physical hazard includes Norovirus; a biological hazard includes a plastic bag.
• C. A physical hazard includes a cooking thermometer; a biological hazard includes a wooden spoon.
• D. A physical hazard includes Listeria; a biological hazard includes a metal shard.

Answer: (C)

Physical hazards are foreign objects or parts that can injure or contaminate food, while biological hazards are living microorganisms that can cause illness. The pairing uses a cooking thermometer as an example of a physical hazard: if the thermometer breaks or has exposed sharp edges, glass or metal fragments could end up in food. The wooden spoon example illustrates a biological hazard: wood can harbor bacteria on its porous surface if it isn’t cleaned and sanitized properly, posing a contamination risk.

This combination helps you see the distinction in practical terms—foreign objects vs. microorganisms. Other pairings tend to mix the concept with items or risks that aren’t as clearly defined in everyday kitchen practice (for instance, a harmless utensil being labeled as a biological hazard, or a biological agent paired with a non-biological object).