Final answer:
A food handler who spills sanitizer into a fryer is creating a chemical hazard. This represents the potential for harmful substances to contaminate food and pose health risks if ingested. It's vital to adhere to strict food safety practices to prevent such incidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a food handler spills sanitizer into the fryer and allows it to mingle with grease, the situation presents a chemical hazard. This type of hazard refers to harmful substances, such as cleaning chemicals, entering the food supply and potentially causing harm if consumed. Unlike biological hazards such as bacteria or viruses, or physical hazards like foreign objects, chemical hazards involve substances that may not be easily removed through normal food preparation processes, including cooking. In a kitchen setting, it's crucial to prevent such contaminants from coming into contact with food, as they can lead to serious health risks.
Good food safety practices are essential to prevent chemical hazards. These practices include storing chemicals away from food, using appropriate amounts of sanitizers, and ensuring that any chemical spills are cleaned up promptly and thoroughly to avoid accidental food contamination.