13 3.2: Physical Hazards

3. 2 PHYSICAL HAZARDS

Early in 2025, processed cheese distributed to the Aldi grocery store was recalled for “foreign material contamination,” specifically stainless steel fragments (https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a64285197/aldi-cheese-recall-classified-march-2025/). The FDA recalls hundreds of food items every year. These recalls range from labeling issues to contaminants and include food, medical devices, animal feed, supplements, and drugs. Physical hazards are one of the most common reasons for food recalls. Therefore, it is vital for food safety managers to understand the nature of contamination, its sources, risks to the consumer, and approaches to eliminate or reduce contamination levels. The FDA publishes recalls with regular updates: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts

Physical hazards are foreign matter that can find its way into food either unintentionally or intentionally. They can be naturally occurring, like a fish bone, or unnatural, like metal fragments, dirt, feces, or insect parts. (https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/biological-chemical-and-physical-contaminants-animal-food/physical-contaminants). Hair, fingernails, Band-Aids, glass, or even jewelry are preventable physical hazards. These items carry germs that can contribute to a biological risks. However, foreign objects can cause choking hazards, tooth damage, or lacerations to any part of the gastrointestinal tract. In the case of the cheese recall, the physical hazard occurred during processing and is out of the control of the food service employee. The preventable procedure in a case like this is to pay attention to the food recalls, always buy from a trusted supplier, and react appropriately. On a more personal level, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) can be put in place for employees. SOP for hygiene would include limiting jewelry to one wedding band and requiring hairnets and clean clothing.