What is the most appropriate action when a food handler has a sore throat and fever?

When a food handler experiences a sore throat and fever, the most appropriate action is to stay home until approved to return to work. This is essential because these symptoms can indicate a contagious illness, such as strep throat or another infection, which poses a significant risk to food safety and public health.

By choosing to stay home, the food handler helps prevent the potential transmission of pathogens to customers and other staff in the food service environment. Food safety regulations often highlight that employees who show signs of gastrointestinal illness or other infectious diseases should not be present in food preparation areas.

While wearing gloves, using utensils for food preparation, or drinking fluids can be beneficial in different contexts, they do not address the fundamental concern of preventing the spread of illness to others in a food handling setting. Hence, prioritizing health and safety through appropriate absence is crucial for maintaining a safe food service environment.