Which of the following is categorized as a biological hazard?

Fungus is categorized as a biological hazard because it is a living organism that can cause foodborne illness. Biological hazards include any microorganisms that can be harmful to human health, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. In food safety, certain types of fungi can produce mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can lead to serious health issues when ingested.

Detergent residue, metal shards, and food packaging materials represent chemical and physical hazards, which do not involve living organisms that can multiply or cause infections. Chemical hazards can arise from the residues of cleaning agents, while physical hazards include objects that can cause injury or harm, such as sharp metal pieces. Therefore, fungus is distinctly classified as a biological hazard due to its potential to cause illness through contamination.