Which factor is NOT considered a major food hazard?

The factor that is not considered a major food hazard is weather-related hazards. Major food hazards are typically categorized into three primary types: biological, chemical, and allergenic.

Biological hazards include microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can contaminate food and cause illness. Chemical hazards encompass harmful substances that may accidentally be introduced during food processing or storage, such as pesticides or cleaning agents. Allergenic hazards pertain to food allergens, which are proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, making them a critical consideration for food safety.

In contrast, weather-related factors, while they can impact the food supply chain (such as affecting agriculture, food production rates, or storage conditions), are not classified as direct food hazards in terms of causing contamination or foodborne illnesses. Therefore, weather-related issues do not fit into the recognized categories of food hazards that directly affect food safety and consumer health in the same way the other types do.