Contaminants

Contaminants are unwanted substances or impurities that enter an environment, food, or product, potentially causing harm or reducing quality. They can originate from natural sources, human activities, or pollution, and may include chemicals, bacteria, viruses, or physical particles. For example, contaminants in drinking water might be bacteria or chemicals that make it unsafe to drink. In food, contaminants can be pesticides or foreign objects. Identifying and controlling contaminants is important for health, safety, and maintaining the integrity of products and environments.