Food Safety Certification Practice Test

What is a major risk associated with using metal abrasive scouring pads?

1. They leave chemical residues on food

2. They can leave physical hazards on food contact surfaces

3. They can cause allergic reactions

4. They can damage kitchen equipment

The correct answer is: They can leave physical hazards on food contact surfaces

Using metal abrasive scouring pads poses a significant risk because they can leave physical hazards on food contact surfaces. These pads are made of metallic materials that can break down or shed tiny metal shards during use. If these metal fragments are not thoroughly removed from surfaces or utensils after cleaning, they can inadvertently contaminate food served on those surfaces. This contamination can lead to serious health risks for consumers, including the potential for injury or choking. While other options highlight important considerations in food safety, they do not capture the specific and immediate risk posed by metal abrasive pads in a food preparation environment. For instance, chemical residues typically come from cleaning products rather than from the pads themselves, and allergic reactions are more commonly associated with specific food allergens rather than metal used for scouring. Damage to kitchen equipment is also a possibility, but it is not as directly related to food safety as the risk of physical contamination.