What is an example of a food safety hazard?

Contaminated water is identified as a food safety hazard because it can pose serious health risks if it comes into contact with food or is consumed. Water can be a vehicle for various pathogens, chemicals, and other contaminants that can lead to foodborne illnesses. For this reason, ensuring that the water used in food preparation or processing is clean and safe is critical for maintaining overall food safety.

Fresh vegetables, cooked meat, and spices and herbs, while they can become hazardous under certain conditions, are not inherently food safety hazards. Fresh vegetables can become contaminated, cooked meat can spoil or harbor pathogens if not handled correctly, and spices and herbs typically do not pose a direct risk unless they have been improperly processed or stored. However, contaminated water is a clear, direct hazard that can lead to widespread contamination of food products.