What is the protocol for sick food workers who can transmit illness through contact with food?

The protocol for sick food workers who can transmit illness through contact with food mandates that they must be prevented from working until they are well. This measure is critical in ensuring food safety and protecting the health of customers and other employees. When food workers exhibit symptoms of communicable illnesses, they pose a risk of contaminating food products, surfaces, and utensils, which can lead to widespread foodborne illness outbreaks.

By requiring sick food workers to stay home until they are fully recovered, food establishments actively reduce the chances of spreading infectious diseases. This adherence to health guidelines not only safeguards the safety of the food being served but also aligns with best practices established by health authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local health departments.

Other options may suggest that workers can take certain precautions or continue working while avoiding specific tasks, which could undermine health protocols and increase the risk of illness transmission. Thus, the proper and most effective response is to prevent those who are sick from working until they have made a complete recovery.