State Food Safety Practice Exam

Which confirmed food worker infection must be reported to the regulatory authority?

1. Rotavirus

2. Borreliosis

3. Hepatitis A

4. Toxoplasmosis

The correct answer is: Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, and it is highly contagious, especially in food handling contexts. When a food worker is diagnosed with Hepatitis A, it poses a significant risk of transmission to consumers through food or beverage prepared by the infected individual. Because of the potential for widespread outbreaks and serious health consequences, such infections are mandated by health regulations to be reported to the regulatory authority. This ensures that appropriate measures can be taken to protect public health, including closure of the food establishment, investigation of potential exposure, and vaccination efforts for at-risk individuals. In contrast, other infections may not carry the same level of immediacy or risk in food safety contexts, leading to variations in reporting requirements. For instance, while rotavirus and toxoplasmosis can also have implications for public health, they are generally not as directly linked to foodborne transmission as Hepatitis A is. Borreliosis, while significant in terms of health, is more associated with tick bites than food handling. Understanding the differences in how these infections affect public safety is crucial for food service workers and regulatory authorities alike.