What is one way to keep food safe from physical contamination?

Keeping food covered is an effective way to protect it from physical contamination. This practice eliminates the risk of foreign objects, such as hair, dust, or insects, entering the food. By covering food during storage or while it's being prepared, you create a barrier that minimizes exposure to potential contaminants, thus ensuring the safety and quality of the food.

The other options introduce risks to food safety. Storing food in the same area as cleaning supplies could lead to chemical contamination, while using the same utensils for different food types increases the risk of cross-contamination. Leaving food unattended can expose it to environmental hazards and pests, further compromising its safety. Hence, keeping food covered stands out as a critical preventive measure.