Utah Food Safety Practice Test

What is Hepatitis A an example of?

1. A physical hazard that affects food quality.

2. A biological hazard caused by bacteria.

3. A health hazard caused by viruses.

4. A chemical hazard from food additives.

The correct answer is: A health hazard caused by viruses.

Hepatitis A is an example of a health hazard caused by viruses because it is indeed a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and can be transmitted through contaminated food or water. This virus is particularly concerning in food safety because an infected food handler can contaminate food that is subsequently consumed by others, leading to outbreaks. Understanding Hepatitis A as a health hazard emphasizes the importance of hygiene standards, such as handwashing and the safe handling of food, to prevent transmission. In contrast to other options, physical hazards are associated with objects or materials that can cause injury or harm, while biological hazards from bacteria typically refer to pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli. Chemical hazards involve harmful substances that may be introduced into food through additives or environmental contamination. Each of these categories highlights different aspects of food safety, but Hepatitis A fits specifically into the category of health hazards caused by viruses.