What is one example of chemical cross contamination?

Chemical cross contamination occurs when harmful substances, such as cleaning agents or pesticides, come into contact with food, leading to potential food safety hazards. In this context, cleaning supplies represent a significant risk. For example, if a surface used for food preparation is cleaned with a chemical cleaner and the residue is not properly rinsed off, it can transfer harmful substances to the food. This is especially concerning as even small amounts of these chemicals can pose health risks to consumers.

While food particles can lead to biological cross contamination (i.e., the transfer of bacteria or allergens), water contamination typically refers to issues related to biological or chemical pollutants in water sources. Personal hygiene products, while they can also pose risks, primarily relate to concerns about biological contamination rather than chemical. Thus, cleaning supplies provide a clear and direct example of how chemicals can inadvertently contaminate food products, making them the appropriate answer in this scenario.