What does chemical contamination refer to?

Chemical contamination refers specifically to the presence of harmful substances or chemicals in food that can pose health risks when ingested. This can occur through various means such as pesticide residues, cleaning agents, or food additives that may not be safe. Understanding chemical contamination is crucial for maintaining food safety standards, as it can lead to serious health issues if the contaminated food is consumed.

On the other hand, the other options address different aspects of food safety: organic materials in food relate to natural components rather than hazardous chemicals, contamination by bacteria focuses on biological hazards, and cross-contamination refers to the transfer of harmful microorganisms or substances between different foods. Each of these areas is important for overall food safety, but they do not specifically define chemical contamination as accurately as the correct answer does.