AAA Food Manager Certification Practice Test

If a food handler complains about a sore throat and fever, what should the manager do with the food prepared by that handler earlier in the day?

1. Keep it for future use

2. Serve it after reheating

3. Throw it out

4. Isolate it for later examination

The correct answer is: Throw it out

When a food handler reports symptoms of a sore throat and fever, it is indicative of a potential foodborne illness. The correct course of action is to throw out the food prepared by that handler earlier in the day. This is essential in preventing the risk of food contamination and protecting the health of consumers. Food that has been handled by someone who is exhibiting symptoms of a communicable disease should be discarded to ensure that no harmful pathogens are present. Serving, retaining, or isolating the food can lead to significant health risks. Keeping it for future use or serving it after reheating does not guarantee that any pathogens present will be eliminated, and the safety of the food cannot be assured. Isolating the food for later examination could also pose potential risks, as it does not address the immediate concern of food safety. By choosing to discard the food, the manager is prioritizing the health and safety of customers while adhering to food safety regulations that aim to prevent the spread of illness through contaminated food.