Illinois Food Service License Practice Test

A food handler prepares and delivers meals to elderly individuals receiving Cancer Care Services at home. What symptoms require the food handler to stay at home from work?

1. Cough and headache

2. Nausea and dizziness

3. Sore throat and fever

4. Muscle aches and fatigue

The correct answer is: Sore throat and fever

The choice indicating sore throat and fever is the correct answer because these symptoms can be indicative of a significant health issue that poses a risk to the vulnerable population being served, especially individuals receiving cancer care. A sore throat and fever may suggest the presence of an infectious illness, such as strep throat or another viral infection, which could be easily transmitted to elderly individuals with weakened immune systems. It is essential for food handlers to maintain high standards of hygiene and safety, particularly when handling food for those who are more susceptible to illness. In this context, other symptoms such as cough and headache, nausea and dizziness, or muscle aches and fatigue, while they may indicate that the food handler is feeling unwell, do not specifically highlight an immediate risk of transmitting an infectious illness through food handling as strongly as sore throat coupled with fever does. The priority is to ensure that the health of those receiving meals is not compromised, which is why the presence of sore throat and fever necessitates staying home from work for the safety of the clients.