360 Training Food Handlers Practice Exam

Which condition would restrict an employee from working in a food preparation area?

1. Cold sore

2. Flu symptoms

3. Diarrhea

4. Coughing

The correct answer is: Diarrhea

An employee experiencing diarrhea should be restricted from working in a food preparation area due to the significant risk of spreading pathogens that can cause foodborne illness. Diarrhea can be a symptom of various infectious diseases, some of which can be transmitted through food. If an employee with diarrhea handles food without taking proper precautions, they could contaminate surfaces, utensils, or food itself, leading to an outbreak among consumers. Food safety regulations prioritize the health of both food handlers and the public, thus emphasizing the importance of preventing any possible contamination from employees who exhibit symptoms like diarrhea. Other conditions, though concerning, do not present the same immediate risk of transmission, making this condition particularly critical in a food service environment.