Biological Contaminants in Food

Which is a biological contaminant?

A Bones in a chicken fillet

B Norovirus in shellfish

C Metal shavings in a can of peaches

D Tomato juice served in a pewter pitcher

Final answer:

B

Explanation:

A biological contaminant refers to harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can contaminate food. Norovirus in shellfish is an example of a biological contaminant. These contaminants can cause foodborne diseases and serious health problems.

In the context of food safety, a biological contaminant refers to harmful organisms like bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can contaminate food and cause illness. The correct answer to your question, therefore, is B Norovirus in shellfish. This is a biological contaminant as it is a virus that can infect people who consume contaminated shellfish. It's important to know that such organisms are the cause of many foodborne diseases and can result in serious health problems.

For example, as reported by the CDC, Salmonella and E. coli bacterial outbreaks have occurred in foods as diverse as peanut butter, vegetable sprouts, and eggs. In contrast, bones in a chicken fillet and metal shavings in a can of peaches are physical contaminants, while tomato juice served in a pewter pitcher might lead to chemical contamination (due to possible lead content).