Scenarios: Chemical and Physical Contaminants

Amara works in a hospital kitchen and notices that a coworker has been storing a bottle of glass cleaner on the same shelf as dry food ingredients. The cleaner is not labeled and was transferred from its original container into a plain spray bottle. Amara knows this could put patients at serious risk.

What is the most immediate problem with storing the glass cleaner on the food shelf?

• The cleaner requires refrigeration to remain safe for use.

• The cleaner produces fumes that slow down food preparation.

• The cleaner will lose effectiveness when stored near dry ingredients.

• The cleaner could spill or drip and contaminate nearby food items.

When a chemical is moved into a new container, what must be done to keep it safe for use in a foodservice operation?

• Refrigerate the container to slow any chemical reactions.

• Use a food-grade container so it blends in with supplies.

• Dilute the chemical with water before transferring it.

• Label the new container with the name of the chemical.

List two steps Amara should take right away to fix the chemical storage problem she found.

Miguel is a prep cook at a catering company. While slicing vegetables, he notices that the blade guard on the food processor is cracked and has a small piece of hard plastic missing. His supervisor tells him to keep using the machine because a big event order is due in two hours.

The missing piece of plastic from the blade guard is an example of what type of contaminant?

• Chemical contaminant

• Radiological contaminant

• Physical contaminant

• Biological contaminant

What is the correct action to take when a piece of equipment is damaged and poses a contamination risk?

• Stop using the equipment and have it repaired or replaced.

• Slow down production until the event deadline has passed.

• Cover the damaged area with tape and continue using it.

• Rinse the equipment with hot water before each use.

What is one risk to customers if Miguel continues using the cracked food processor?