What is a common source of chemical contamination in food?

Chemical contamination in food often arises from the use of cleaning agents, which are substances used to sanitize surfaces and utensils in the kitchen. If these cleaning agents are not used correctly, such as failing to rinse them off properly after cleaning, they can remain on food-contact surfaces and subsequently transfer to food items. This contamination can pose serious health risks if consumed, as certain chemicals can be toxic or can cause allergic reactions.

The context of the other choices highlights different types of hazards. Improperly cleaned utensils could lead to physical or biological contamination rather than chemical. Raw meat is primarily a risk for biological contamination due to potential pathogens like bacteria. Fresh produce can also be subject to biological contamination, particularly if it is not washed properly or if it comes into contact with contaminated water. Therefore, while all these options can lead to various types of contamination risks, cleaning agents are specifically associated with chemical contamination in food.