Final answer:
The contamination of food by other living organisms is known as biological contamination, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Chemical contamination refers to harmful chemicals in food, while physical contamination involves foreign objects. Biological, chemical, and physical are all different types of food contamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contamination of food items by other living organisms is known as biological contamination. This includes contamination by microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Chemical contamination, alternatively, refers to the presence of harmful chemicals in food, such as agrochemicals and environmental contaminants, which can include pesticides and industrial pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB). Another form of contamination is physical contamination, which refers to foreign objects in food that can cause harm, like glass shards or metal fragments.
It's important to recognize that these different forms of contamination can adversely affect consumer health. Biological contaminants like Norovirus, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, and Campylobacter are some of the top pathogens causing foodborne illnesses. Meanwhile, chemical contaminants can have a more insidious effect, potentially causing long-term health conditions such as cancer with prolonged exposure.