Which of the following is an example of a physical contaminant?

A physical contaminant is defined as any foreign object that can accidentally get into food and cause harm to a consumer. In this context, hair is indeed an example of a physical contaminant because it can easily fall into food products during preparation or service, potentially causing injury or an unpleasant experience for the customer.

Physical contaminants can include items like broken glass, metal shards, plastic pieces, or any other tangible objects that shouldn't be present in food. These contaminants are distinct from biological contaminants, such as bacteria, and chemical contaminants, such as cleaning agents and pesticides, which are substances that can cause harm through biological or chemical reactions.

Understanding the various types of contaminants is crucial for maintaining food safety and ensuring a high quality of service in any food establishment. Recognizing what constitutes a physical contaminant helps staff implement appropriate measures to prevent such foreign objects from coming into contact with food, thereby safeguarding public health.