What type of contamination is characterized by symptoms such as nausea and cramps occurring within an hour after ingestion?

Chemical contamination is characterized by symptoms such as nausea and cramps occurring rapidly after ingestion, often within an hour. This type of contamination occurs when food or beverages have been contaminated by harmful substances like pesticides, heavy metals, or other toxic chemicals. These substances can lead to immediate adverse reactions in the body due to their direct effect on human health.

In contrast, microbial contamination typically involves pathogens like bacteria or viruses, which may take longer to manifest symptoms—often several hours to days after consuming contaminated food. Physical contamination refers to the presence of foreign objects in food, such as hair or glass, and does not typically result in chemical-induced symptoms. Biological contamination is a broader term that includes microbial contamination but is not specifically tied to the swift onset of symptoms associated with chemical toxins.