Michigan Food Safety Management Practice Test

What should a manager do for a food handler returning from a tropical holiday who reported her group had Salmonella food poisoning?

1. Make certain she wears gloves at all times

2. Allocate tasks away from all food

3. Restrict her from working with exposed food until given approval by the regulatory authority.

4. Exclude her from work until approval is given by the regulatory authority.

The correct answer is: Exclude her from work until approval is given by the regulatory authority.

In this scenario, the most appropriate action for a manager regarding a food handler returning from a tropical holiday and reporting Salmonella food poisoning is to exclude her from work until approval is given by the regulatory authority. This is crucial because Salmonella is a highly infectious pathogen that can be transmitted through contaminated food and surfaces, which poses a significant risk to public health. By excluding the food handler from work, the manager ensures that the risk of spreading the illness to customers and other staff is minimized. This action is especially important given that the food handler has been directly impacted by the illness, and there is a possibility that she could still be shedding the bacteria, even if she feels well. The requirement for regulatory approval before returning to work reinforces the need for established public health protocols that safeguard the food supply and ensure that only those who are cleared of any potential infectious risks engage in food handling duties. This approach not only protects consumers but also helps uphold the overall integrity of food safety standards within the establishment.