Which of the following is NOT one of the main food hazards?

The correct answer in this case is the option referring to mechanical hazards, as it is not typically classified among the main food hazards that food handlers need to be concerned with.

In food safety, the primary categories of food hazards include biological, chemical, and physical hazards. Biological hazards involve microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Chemical hazards include harmful substances that may contaminate food, including pesticides or food additives that are not used correctly. Physical hazards refer to foreign objects that can inadvertently be found in food, such as glass, metal fragments, or stones.

Mechanical hazards, on the other hand, do not fit into this standard classification of food hazards. While mechanical issues can affect food safety—like malfunctioning equipment leading to cross-contamination—they are not one of the recognized main hazards directly affecting food safety practices. This distinction is important for food handlers to ensure they focus on the most critical risks to public health.