Wendys Training Practice Test

When can a food handler with a sore throat and a fever return to work with or around food?

1. After 24 hours

2. When a written medical release is provided

3. When they feel better

4. When the fever breaks

The correct answer is: When a written medical release is provided

A food handler with a sore throat and a fever must typically have a written medical release provided before returning to work with or around food. This requirement is in place to ensure that the health and safety of customers and coworkers are prioritized. A medical release indicates that a healthcare professional has assessed the food handler's condition and deemed them fit to return to work without posing a risk of spreading illness, especially considering that symptoms like a sore throat and fever can be indicative of contagious infections. While other options may seem plausible, they lack the necessary assurances required in food safety protocols. Simply feeling better or having the fever break does not guarantee that the individual is no longer contagious or that their illness will not affect food safety. Returning to work based on time elapsed alone (like waiting 24 hours) also does not ensure the individual is healthy enough to resume duties safely. Therefore, the need for a formal medical release serves as a safeguard for public health in the food service environment.