Contamination of food items by other living oraganisms is known as?

Food contamination is the presence of harmful substances or microorganisms in food that can cause foodborne illness. There are three main types of food contamination: biological, chemical, and physical.

Biological contamination is caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. These microorganisms can cause foodborne illness if they are ingested in large numbers. Some common sources of biological contamination include:

* Raw meat, poultry, and seafood

* Unpasteurized milk and juice

* Fruits and vegetables that have not been properly washed

* Food that has been left out at room temperature for too long

Chemical contamination is caused by the presence of harmful chemicals in food. These chemicals can come from a variety of sources, including:

* Pesticides and fertilizers used on crops

* Cleaning products used in food processing facilities

* Food additives

* Environmental pollutants

Physical contamination is caused by the presence of foreign objects in food. These objects can include:

* Glass

* Metal

* Plastic

* Wood

* Hair

Physical contamination can cause a variety of health problems, including choking, lacerations, and tooth damage.