What is a characteristic of fungi as biological contaminants?

Fungi are indeed typically larger than bacteria, which is a significant characteristic that sets them apart as biological contaminants. This size difference can affect how they are identified and controlled within food environments. Fungi, which include molds and yeasts, can often be seen with the naked eye, unlike bacteria, which require microscopic examination.

While fungi can reproduce in dry conditions, this ability is more associated with certain types of fungi rather than being a universal characteristic, making it less precise as a defining feature. The claim that fungi produce beneficial enzymes exclusively is misleading since fungi can also produce harmful enzymes that contribute to food spoilage or toxicity. The idea that fungi only prefer meats and dairy products is incorrect; fungi can grow on a wide range of substrates, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. Thus, their larger size provides a clear point of differentiation from bacteria in terms of biological contamination.