State Food Safety Practice Exam

Which symptom must a food worker report to their manager?

1. A sore throat

2. Stomach cramps

3. Sensitivity to light

4. An infected wound

The correct answer is: An infected wound

Food workers are required to report symptoms that can significantly impact food safety. An infected wound is particularly concerning because it poses a direct risk of contamination in food preparation environments. If a food worker has an infected wound, especially on the hands or arms, it can increase the likelihood of pathogens being transferred to food items, leading to foodborne illnesses. This is why reporting such symptoms is crucial; it enables the manager to take appropriate action, which may include removing the worker from food handling duties until the infection is resolved. The other symptoms, while they may indicate health issues, do not necessarily represent an immediate risk of transmitting pathogens through food. A sore throat or stomach cramps may suggest a variety of illnesses, but unless they are part of a condition that is transmissible through food, they may not require the same level of urgency in reporting. Sensitivity to light is typically not associated with food safety concerns. Therefore, the focus on infected wounds relates directly to the health and safety protocols in food service, emphasizing the importance of preventing food contamination.