Which statement correctly identifies the main cause of foodborne illness?

• A. Biological hazards
• B. Chemical hazards
• C. Physical hazards
• D. Nutritional hazards

Answer: (A)

Biological hazards are the main cause of foodborne illness. Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites contaminate food or multiply in it, especially when handling is poor, temperatures aren’t controlled, or cross-contamination occurs. When people eat contaminated food, they can develop illness from these microorganisms. Controlling biological hazards is the focus of essential food-safety practices like cooking to safe internal temperatures, keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold, washing hands and surfaces, preventing cross-contamination, and promptly refrigerating perishable items.

Chemical hazards can cause illness too, but they come from toxins or residues and aren’t the primary driver of most foodborne illnesses. Physical hazards involve foreign objects and usually cause injury or choking rather than illness from pathogens. Nutritional hazards relate to nutrient imbalances, not contamination leading to illness.