What is expected of all establishments regarding employee health?

All establishments are required to ensure that employees undergo health checks and report any illnesses. This requirement is critical in maintaining food safety and preventing contamination in food handling environments. When employees are healthy and report any symptoms of illness, it helps establish a protocol for managing potential health risks, such as foodborne illnesses that can arise from infected staff. Regular health checks can include evaluations of symptoms that could affect food safety, and employees are expected to disclose if they have been diagnosed with certain illnesses.

This approach not only protects the health of consumers but also promotes a culture of safety within the establishment. By prioritizing employee health checks, establishments can effectively manage the risk of spreading pathogens, which is essential for compliance with health regulations and standards set forth by food safety authorities like the USDA.