Which type of contamination can pests cause?

Pests can introduce various forms of contamination to food, specifically through waste secretions and cross-contamination. Pests, such as rodents and insects, often leave behind droppings, urine, and other bodily fluids that can contaminate food and surfaces in food handling areas. This biological contamination poses significant health risks, as it can lead to foodborne illnesses.

Additionally, pests can facilitate cross-contamination, where harmful bacteria from the pests transfer to food or food contact surfaces, further increasing the risk of food safety issues. Recognizing the link between pests and these types of contamination is essential for maintaining proper hygiene and ensuring food safety in any food handling environment.

Other options are unrelated to the specific types of contamination caused by pests. For example, using clean hands for food handling is a practice that prevents contamination rather than describing a form of it. Improving food quality and harvesting crops also do not pertain to contamination; instead, they focus on aspects of food production and handling that contribute to safety and quality.