When can a food handler with a sore throat and a fever return to work with food?

A food handler with a sore throat and a fever should not return to work with food until they have a written medical release. This is essential because symptoms like a sore throat and fever can be indicative of contagious illnesses, such as strep throat or other infections that may pose a risk to food safety. Regulations often require a formal medical evaluation to ensure that the individual is no longer contagious before they can handle food again or be involved in food preparation.

Relying solely on a time frame, such as 24 hours, or waiting until they "feel better" may not adequately ensure that they are no longer infectious to others. Similarly, symptom subsiding alone might not confirm a complete recovery from an illness that could be transmitted through food handling. Obtaining a written medical release guarantees that a qualified healthcare professional has evaluated the individual and deemed them safe to return to work in a food environment.