Who is responsible for notifying the regulatory authority when a food handler is diagnosed with...

In a food service operation, thePerson in Charge (PIC)carries the legal and ethical burden of managing employee health to prevent the spread of foodborne illness. According to the FDA Food Code and ServSafe guidelines, the PIC is responsible for identifying and acting upon the "Big 6" pathogens:Norovirus,Hepatitis A,Shigella spp.,Nontyphoidal Salmonella,Salmonella Typhi, andShiga toxin-producing E. coli. When an employee reports a diagnosis of any of these illnesses, thePIC is mandatory required to notify the local regulatory authority(usually the county or city health department).

While the employee (Option C) is responsible for reporting their illness to the PIC, and the inspector (Option A) may find out during a routine visit, the proactive duty of reporting the diagnosis to health officials lies with management. This reporting trigger is crucial because these pathogens are highly contagious and represent a significant public health threat. The regulatory authority will then work with the PIC to determine the necessary "exclusions" or "restrictions" for the sick employee and help investigate if a wider outbreak has occurred. The PIC must also maintain records of employee health and ensure that staff are trained on the importance of reporting symptoms such as jaundice, vomiting, or diarrhea. Failure to report a known case of a Big 6 pathogen can lead to severe legal penalties and the immediate suspension of the operation's permit.