Chemical Contaminants in Food and Drinks

Which of the following is a chemical contaminant?

Final answer:

Among the options provided, the tomato juice served in a pewter pitcher is the chemical contaminant. This is because pewter, a metal alloy, traditionally contains lead, which can contaminate any food or drink stored within. Modern pewters often excluded lead due to health risks, but older pewter items may still present a risk.

The term chemical contaminant refers to a potentially harmful substance that can invade the makeup of a particular product or item. From the context, you've given, the potential chemical contaminant is tomato juice served in a pewter pitcher. Pewter is a metal alloy that traditionally contains tin, copper, and lead. The lead component can seep into foods or liquids stored in the pitcher, making it a chemical contaminant.

It's crucial to note that over the years lead has been phased out in many pewters due to health concerns, but antique pewter items made before the lead ban might still contaminate food or drink placed inside them.

The presence of metals like mercury, silver, copper, and zinc in food can cause serious health risks. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has guidelines regarding consumption of certain types of seafood due to the biomagnification of heavy metals.