Which category includes viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi as common causes of foodborne illness?

• A. Biological Contaminants
• B. Chemical Contaminants
• C. Physical Contaminants
• D. Allergen Contaminants

Answer: (A)

Biological contaminants are living organisms that can contaminate food and cause illness. Viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi fall into this category because they can multiply in food or produce toxins that make people sick. For example, norovirus and hepatitis A are viruses that spread through contaminated food; Salmonella or E. coli are bacteria; parasites like Giardia can contaminate water and foods; fungi can produce toxins in moldy foods. This category is distinct from chemical contaminants (harmful substances like cleaners, pesticides, or metals), physical contaminants (foreign objects like glass or metal fragments), and allergen contaminants (specific proteins that trigger allergic reactions).