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How to Handle Foodborne Illness Outbreaks: A Food Handler’s Role

How to Handle Foodborne Illness Outbreaks: A Food Handler’s Role

October 24-2024

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Compliance Executive (Food Division)

How to Handle Foodborne Illness Outbreaks: A Food Handler’s Role

Foodborne illnesses can have devastating effects on both public health and the reputation of a food business. When a suspected foodborne illness outbreak occurs in the workplace, food handlers play a critical role in containing the outbreak, ensuring food safety, and protecting consumers. Food handlers are often the first line of defense, and their response to an outbreak can mean the difference between quickly resolving the issue and allowing it to spread further.

In this blog, we will outline the essential steps food handlers should follow if a foodborne illness outbreak is suspected, from identifying the signs to ensuring proper sanitation and reporting.

SOURCE- CDC

PathogenCommon Symptoms Prevention Methods
SalmonellaNausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever Proper cooking and storage temperatures, avoid
cross-contamination.
E. coliSevere stomach cramps, bloody Cook meat thoroughly, wash raw vegetables, avoid raw milk.
ListeriaFever, muscle aches, diarrhoea Proper refrigeration, avoid unpasteurized dairy, clean equipment
regularly.
NorovirusVomiting, watery diarrhoea,
stomach pain
Handwashing, disinfect surfaces, avoid handling food when sick.
Campylobacter Diarrhoea, fever, cramps, nausea Proper cooking of poultry, avoid cross-contamination, clean
surfaces.
Clostridium perfringens Abdominal cramps, diarrhoea Keep food at proper temperatures, avoid the "danger zone" (4°C - 60°C).

Handling a foodborne illness outbreak is a critical responsibility for food handlers. By following the proper steps, from identifying the signs to supporting the investigation, food handlers can minimize the impact of an outbreak and prevent further contamination.

With the increasing demand for safe and high-quality food, the role of food handlers in maintaining safety will only grow. Investing in comprehensive food safety training ensures that food handlers are prepared to handle outbreaks and protect consumers.

At Sustainable Futures Trainings, we offer Exemplar Global-accredited ISO 22000 training courses designed to help food handlers and management teams implement effective food safety management systems. Our courses cover critical areas such as identifying hazards, controlling contamination, and maintaining hygiene protocols, ensuring your team is equipped to handle foodborne illness outbreaks efficiently. Join our training programs today to ensure your business meets the highest food safety standards.

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Foodborne Pathogens and Illnesses. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/17/1/p1-1101_article 
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “FDA’s Foodborne Outbreak Response Improvement Plan https://www.fda.gov/food/new-era-smarter-food-safety/new-era-smarter-food-safety-fdas-foodborne-outbreak-response-improvement-plan

      3  World Health Organization (WHO). “Five Keys to Safer Food.” Link

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