Chemical Portal

Must know Q&A

What kinds of chemical hazards are there?

  • Pesticides, sanitizers and cleaning agents, toxins produced by bacteria, and heavy metals are just a few examples of the most common kinds of chemical hazard. There are both prominent and rare members in all of these categories.

How are chemical hazards monitored?

  • Laboratory tests, whether on-site or off-site, are the standard for a wide range of potential contaminants. For some, environmental monitoring is needed.

How are chemical hazards managed?

  • Avoiding introduction of these hazards in the first place covers a lot of possible contaminants, whether by testing manufacturing inputs or through appropriate rinsing to remove cleaning agents before contact with food. For pesticides which often must be in contact with produce, washing is often enough to reduce concentration. Care must be taken with all sources of chemical contamination.

What are the regulations for chemical use in food?

  • The FDA is the primary entity in the USA responsible for regulating chemical hazards in food, but the USDA and EPA also have resources and regulations that affect food and agriculture.

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