What does contamination refer to in the context of food safety?

Contamination in the context of food safety refers to the presence of harmful substances or microorganisms in food that can pose a risk to health. This can include bacteria, viruses, parasites, allergens, or chemical residues that may contaminate the food either during production, processing, storage, or preparation. Understanding contamination is crucial as it emphasizes the importance of hygiene practices and safe food handling procedures to prevent foodborne illnesses. The other options pertain to food safety but do not accurately define contamination, as they describe cooking processes, flavoring, and inspection practices rather than the risks associated with unsafe food.