Physical contamination refers to contamination by a foreign object. It can occur at any stage from collection, preparation and delivery. Apart from the typical contamination hazards physical contamination has the added consequence of causing serious harm to consumers, i.e. broken teeth or choking.
Typical physical contaminants found in food include jewellery, plastic, bones, stones, hair, pest remains, and fabrics. Along with that, problems with the food premises or equipment, such as flaking paint or loose screws can be a source of physical contamination. Physical contaminants may even carry harmful pathogens or toxic compounds, posing an even greater threat by cross-contamination in food.