Question

Among the following, the chemical hazard in fishery product is

• A. Bones
• B. Glass
• C. Saxitoxin
• D. Clostridium botulinum

Hint:

Remember: Physical = "Hard/Sharp Objects", Biological = "Germs", Chemical = "Poisons/Toxins". Marine biotoxins like Saxitoxin, Ciguatoxin, and Domoic acid are always categorized as chemical hazards in HACCP.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify a "chemical hazard" associated with fishery products from the given list. In food safety, hazards are categorized into physical, chemical, and biological types. Understanding these categories is crucial for implementing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems in the seafood industry.
Detailed Explanation:

• Classification of Hazards:
• Physical Hazards: These are foreign objects that can cause injury if consumed, such as bones, glass, metal fragments, or plastic.

• Biological Hazards: These involve living organisms or their toxins that cause illness, such as bacteria (Clostridium botulinum), viruses, or parasites.

• Chemical Hazards: These are chemical substances that can cause harm, including environmental pollutants (mercury, lead), cleaning residues, antibiotics, and naturally occurring marine biotoxins.

• Analysis of Saxitoxin: Saxitoxin is a potent neurotoxin naturally produced by certain species of marine dinoflagellates (algae). It accumulates in filter-feeding bivalves (mussels, clams) and is responsible for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). Because it is a chemical compound (a carbamate alkaloid), it is classified as a chemical hazard.

• Evaluation of Options:
• Bones and Glass: These are physical hazards.

• Clostridium botulinum: This is a biological hazard (bacterium), though the toxin it produces is a chemical entity, the presence of the organism itself makes it a biological concern.

• Saxitoxin: This is a pure chemical biotoxin and fits the definition of a chemical hazard perfectly.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct chemical hazard is Saxitoxin.