If a food handler has diarrhea or has been vomiting, which action must the manager take?

If a food handler has diarrhea or has been vomiting, which action must the manager take?

• A. Let them work in non-food area
• B. Give them extra breaks
• C. Have them wash hands and continue
• D. Exclude the food handler and send the food handler home

Answer: (D)

Vomiting or diarrhea signals a contagious illness that can spread to food, surfaces, and other staff. When a food handler has these symptoms, they must be excluded from work and sent home to recover. This reduces the risk of contaminating food or the environment through hands, clothing, or aerosols, even if they’re not actively handling food at the moment. Simply washing hands and continuing, or giving extra breaks, doesn’t remove the risk because the illness can still be contagious. Return-to-work should follow policy and local health guidance, typically requiring symptom resolution (often 24 hours) and, if needed, medical clearance before they can handle food again.

Vomiting or diarrhea signals a contagious illness that can spread to food, surfaces, and other staff. When a food handler has these symptoms, they must be excluded from work and sent home to recover. This reduces the risk of contaminating food or the environment through hands, clothing, or aerosols, even if they’re not actively handling food at the moment. Simply washing hands and continuing, or giving extra breaks, doesn’t remove the risk because the illness can still be contagious. Return-to-work should follow policy and local health guidance, typically requiring symptom resolution (often 24 hours) and, if needed, medical clearance before they can handle food again.