State Food Safety Practice Exam

A manager comes into the establishment in the morning to find that the water supply was shut off overnight. What action must he take first?

1. Wait until the water is back on and resume operations

2. Contact neighboring facilities to see if their water is off

3. Close the establishment and notify the regulatory authority

4. Tap into the emergency water supply and resume operations

The correct answer is: Close the establishment and notify the regulatory authority

In a situation where the water supply has been shut off overnight, the foremost priority is to ensure the safety and health of patrons and employees. The first action that must be taken is to close the establishment and notify the regulatory authority. This is because food establishments rely heavily on consistent access to water for various essential operations, such as cooking, cleaning, and sanitizing. Without a reliable water supply, the establishment cannot operate safely, and potential health risks could arise. Notifying the regulatory authority is crucial since they can provide guidance on the next steps and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. It also allows for proper documentation of the incident and any potential impacts on food safety that need to be addressed. The well-being of customers and workers is paramount, thus prioritizing closure over attempting to operate under unsafe conditions is necessary. Other actions, such as waiting for the water to come back on or tapping into an emergency water supply, might seem practical but do not adequately address the immediate risks associated with the lack of potable water. Operating without a secure water supply can lead to contamination, improper sanitation, and other serious food safety issues, which is why closing the establishment and notifying the proper authorities is the most responsible and necessary first step.