Texas Food Managers Certification Practice Exam

What should a food establishment do when there is a foodborne illness outbreak?

1. Notify and cooperate with the local health department

2. Close down immediately

3. Ignore the complaints

4. Investigate only internally

The correct answer is: Notify and cooperate with the local health department

When a food establishment experiences a foodborne illness outbreak, the most appropriate action is to notify and cooperate with the local health department. This step is crucial because the health department has the expertise and resources to investigate the outbreak effectively. They can identify the source of the illness, implement control measures to prevent further spread, and protect public health. Cooperation with health officials also ensures that proper protocols are followed, which can help the establishment maintain compliance with health regulations and safeguard its reputation. Engaging with health authorities allows for a systematic approach to handling the outbreak, including possibly conducting environmental assessments and sampling food products or surfaces to identify pathogens. While closing down may seem like a necessary action, it is not always required at the onset of an outbreak. Immediate response and investigation should be prioritized, which may not necessarily involve closure unless directed by health authorities. Ignoring complaints or only conducting an internal investigation lacks transparency and can lead to further risk to consumers and potential legal ramifications for the establishment. Thus, promptly notifying and working with local health officials is the best course of action in the event of a foodborne illness outbreak.