What symptom requires a food handler to be excluded from the operation?

Jaundice is a significant symptom that requires a food handler to be excluded from food operations because it can indicate a serious illness, particularly hepatitis A, which can be transmitted through food. When a food handler presents with jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, it is crucial to err on the side of caution, as this symptom suggests a potential risk for spreading foodborne illness.

In the context of food safety, the presence of jaundice in a food handler signals that they may be infectious and can contaminate food, thereby posing a threat to consumer health. Consequently, food safety regulations dictate that individuals exhibiting this symptom must be excluded from work until they are no longer contagious and have received medical clearance.

In contrast, while vomiting also requires exclusion, jaundice specifically indicates a potentially serious and communicable condition. Headaches and coughing, while they can impact employee performance, do not typically indicate the same level of risk for foodborne illnesses and therefore do not necessitate exclusion from the operation.