What could be classified as a physical food hazard?

Metal fragments are classified as a physical food hazard because they are foreign objects that can be present in food and pose a risk of injury to consumers. These may come from equipment, utensils, or packaging materials that break or wear down. If consumers inadvertently consume food with metal fragments, it can lead to serious physical harm, including cuts, choking, or internal injury, thus significantly impacting food safety.

While cleaning agents and infected cuts are indeed hazards, they are classified as chemical and biological hazards respectively, not physical. Expired ingredients are more related to the quality and safety of food but fall under the category of spoilage rather than a physical hazard. Understanding the distinction between these types of hazards is important in maintaining food safety standards and protecting consumers.