Which action should be taken when a bar employee is diagnosed with E. coli and has been asymptomatic for a few days?

• A. Require medical clearance before return
• B. Restrict until regulatory approval is obtained
• C. Allow to work with no restrictions
• D. Reassign to non-food-contact duties only after 24 hours symptom-free

Answer: (B)

When a bar employee is diagnosed with E. coli, the priority is preventing the potential spread of a contagious illness through food. Even if they’re asymptomatic, they can shed bacteria and contaminate food or surfaces. Therefore, they must be restricted from work and not allowed to return until the local health regulator (or appropriate authority) has reviewed the case and given clearance. This ensures return-to-work decisions follow public health guidance and limits risk to customers and staff.

Medical clearance alone isn’t always enough because health authorities oversee when it’s safe to resume food-handling duties. Allowing a return with no restrictions or only after 24 hours symptom-free doesn’t address possible asymptomatic shedding or regulatory requirements.