Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam

What should be done if a food handler is ill with diarrhea or vomiting?

1. They should continue to work with precautions

2. They should perform extra cleaning tasks

3. They should stay away from food handling until symptoms have resolved

4. They should consult a supervisor only

The correct answer is: They should stay away from food handling until symptoms have resolved

When a food handler is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, it is critical for them to stay away from food handling until their symptoms have fully resolved. This is because diarrhea and vomiting can be signs of foodborne illnesses that are highly contagious and can pose significant risks to food safety. If a food handler were to continue working while exhibiting these symptoms, they could unintentionally contaminate food, surfaces, and equipment, leading to potential outbreaks of illness among customers and staff. Proper guidelines in food safety emphasize the importance of excluding food handlers from work during illness to protect public health. Once the symptoms have completely resolved, it is generally recommended that they refrain from food handling for at least 48 hours, allowing enough time for the body to recover and reduce the risk of spreading any contagious pathogens. This practice is crucial in maintaining safe food environments and preventing contamination in food service operations.