Texas Food Safety Managers Practice Test

What should a manager do if a food handler reports suffering from jaundice?

1. Allow the food handler to work away from the food prep areas.

2. Report the incident to the regulatory authority.

3. Make sure the food handler wears gloves and a hair restraint.

4. Provide the handler with informational resources.

The correct answer is: Report the incident to the regulatory authority.

When a food handler reports suffering from jaundice, it is crucial for the manager to take immediate action by reporting the incident to the regulatory authority. Jaundice is a symptom associated with various illnesses, including hepatitis A, which can be highly contagious and pose serious health risks to others if food is handled improperly. Reporting the incident ensures that public health resources can be mobilized to investigate and manage the situation effectively. This is in line with food safety regulations that mandate the exclusion of workers who exhibit symptoms of certain infectious diseases, particularly those that are transmissible through food. While other actions may seem reasonable, such as allowing a food handler to work away from food prep areas or providing informational resources, they do not address the immediate health risk posed by the food handler’s condition. Wearing gloves and a hair restraint might help in minimizing risks related to other foodborne pathogens, but it does not resolve the underlying issue of a potentially infectious condition. The priority must be to safeguard public health by notifying the appropriate authorities.