What action should be taken if a food handler is ill?

When a food handler is ill, the appropriate action is to notify a supervisor and refrain from working with food. This measure is vital for ensuring food safety and preventing the spread of illness to customers and other employees. Illnesses that can be transmitted through food can pose serious health risks, and therefore, it is essential for food handlers to take responsibility for their health and the health of those they serve.

By informing a supervisor, the establishment can take necessary steps, such as finding coverage for the ill food handler, assessing the level of risk to food safety, and implementing any additional safety measures as required.

Continuing to work as normal while ill could lead to food contamination, while only working with pre-packaged foods does not eliminate the risk of spreading germs, as surfaces and other areas may still be contaminated. Simply wearing a mask does not adequately protect food from contamination, nor does it prevent the transmission of all types of illnesses. Thus, notifying a supervisor and avoiding working with food are the most responsible actions when a food handler is feeling unwell.