How should you handle an employee who is showing symptoms of a foodborne illness?

The recommended approach when handling an employee who is showing symptoms of a foodborne illness is to exclude them from work until they are symptom-free for 24 hours. This practice is essential for maintaining food safety and preventing the spread of illness within the workplace and to customers.

When an employee exhibits symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, or fever, they may pose a risk for contamination. By excluding the employee, the likelihood of pathogen transmission through food handling is significantly reduced. This precautionary measure helps protect not only the health of the employee but also the safety of customers who consume the food prepared.

The policy of requiring employees to be symptom-free for a full 24 hours is a standard in many food safety guidelines. It ensures that the employee has fully recovered and reduces the chance of them inadvertently spreading any pathogens they may carry even after initial symptoms have resolved.

In contrast, allowing an employee to continue working despite feeling fine can lead to an increased risk of foodborne illness outbreaks, especially in environments where food is prepared and served. Asking them to wear gloves while working does not address the root issue, as gloves do not provide complete protection against the potential pathogens that may still be present. Additionally, informing co-workers about the situation can create unnecessary concern and may