Texas Food Safety Managers Practice Test

What action must the person in charge take if a food handler has a sore throat and fever?

1. Make the food handler wear a medical face mask.

2. Allow the food handler to wash dishes.

3. Send the food handler home.

4. Provide the food handler with over-the-counter medication.

The correct answer is: Send the food handler home.

When a food handler presents with a sore throat and fever, it is essential to prioritize the health and safety of both the employee and the customers. The correct action is to send the food handler home. This approach helps to prevent the potential spread of illness, as individuals exhibiting these symptoms are at a higher risk of transmitting infections, especially in a food handling environment where hygiene is critical. Maintaining a healthy workforce is pivotal to food safety practices, and sending home symptomatic employees is a standard protocol in food safety regulations. It is not only about protecting customers but also about ensuring that the food handler can recuperate without the stress of working while unwell. Allowing the food handler to wash dishes or providing over-the-counter medication would not effectively address the risk of illness transmission to others, while requiring the individual to wear a medical face mask would not eliminate the risk, as symptoms indicate a more serious concern that needs to be managed by removing the individual from the workplace. Prioritizing health by sending the employee home aligns with food safety best practices and policies designed to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.