You have just learned how cross-contamination occurs, but are there different types of contamination? The answer is yes.

There are three broad types of contaminants:

• Biological Contamination
• Chemical Contamination
• Physical Contamination

Biological contamination occurs when harmful microorganisms, or pathogens, are consumed. There are four broad types of pathogens that can contaminate food and cause food borne illness: bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi (mold and yeast).

Bacteria requires six conditions to grow: food, acidity, temperature, time, oxygen, and moisture (FATTOM). Which of these following is the best course of action to prevent biological contamination?