Which of the following is NOT a form of food contamination?

Food contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances or organisms in food that can lead to illness. The correct answer, environmental, is not traditionally classified as a form of food contamination in the same way as the others listed.

Biological contamination involves harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can contaminate food. Chemical contamination includes harmful substances like pesticides, food additives, or other chemicals that can compromise food safety. Physical contamination refers to foreign objects like glass, metal, or plastic that can accidentally get into food products, posing a risk of injury or illness.

While environmental factors can influence food safety, they do not categorize as a direct form of contamination like the biological, chemical, and physical types do. Consequently, environmental factors may affect food production or storage conditions but do not represent a direct form of contamination impacting food safety.