Which type of food hazard is associated with allergens?

The correct answer is the category of chemical hazards, as allergens fall under this classification. Chemical hazards include any substance that can cause a toxic or adverse reaction in consumers, which covers a broad range of substances, including food allergens. Allergens are proteins found in certain foods that trigger immune responses in sensitive individuals, leading to reactions ranging from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis.

While one might think about biological hazards concerning pathogens or physical hazards regarding foreign objects, allergens specifically pertain to chemical compositions within foods that can provoke reactions in susceptible people. Allergenic hazards could be a valid term; however, it is not an officially recognized classification in food safety. Therefore, the most accurate answer remains that allergens are classified as chemical hazards in the context of food safety.