What type of contamination is caused by bacteria?

Biological contamination refers specifically to the presence of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, in food or the food environment. This form of contamination can occur when food is improperly handled, comes into contact with contaminated surfaces, or is stored at incorrect temperatures, allowing bacteria to multiply. Bacteria can cause foodborne illnesses when ingested, leading to a range of health issues from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe complications.

In contrast, chemical contamination involves harmful substances that may enter food through pesticides, cleaning agents, or other chemicals, while physical contamination can involve foreign objects like hair, glass, or metal fragments. Environmental contamination is more broad and can include various elements from the surrounding environment that may affect food safety, but it doesn’t specifically pertain to the presence of microorganisms. Thus, biological contamination is the most accurate term for contamination caused by bacteria.