Food Safety Quiz: ServSafe Diagnostic Test

Wheezing or shortness of breath can indicate a customer is having an allergic reaction. These symptoms are commonly associated with respiratory allergies, such as asthma or hay fever. Wheezing refers to a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing, which occurs due to narrowed airways. Shortness of breath refers to difficulty in breathing or a feeling of not getting enough air. Both symptoms can be a result of the body's immune response to an allergen, causing inflammation and constriction of the airways.

Chemicals should be stored away from prep areas to ensure food safety. Storing chemicals near food preparation areas can lead to cross-contamination, posing a risk to the health and safety of consumers. By keeping chemicals separate from prep areas, the chances of accidental contamination are minimized, and the risk of chemical exposure to food and utensils is reduced.

A food handler should wash his or her hands after prepping food in a designated sink for handwashing. This sink is specifically designated for the purpose of handwashing and is separate from sinks used for other tasks such as food preparation or utility purposes. Using a designated sink for handwashing helps to maintain proper hygiene and prevent the spread of harmful bacteria or contaminants.

To make gloves easier to put on, a food handler should select the correct size gloves. This is because gloves that are too small can be difficult to put on and may tear, while gloves that are too large can be loose and uncomfortable. By selecting the correct size gloves, the food handler can ensure a proper fit, making it easier to put them on and work comfortably.

Hand antiseptic is used to lower the number of pathogens on the skin. It is not meant to eliminate the need for handwashing or the use of gloves, but rather to complement these practices by providing an additional layer of protection against harmful microorganisms. By using hand antiseptic, the risk of transmitting diseases and infections through hand contact is reduced, promoting better hygiene and preventing the spread of pathogens.

Telling customers how an item is prepared can help prevent allergic reactions. By providing information about the ingredients and cooking methods used, customers with allergies can make informed decisions about what they can safely consume. This allows them to avoid potential allergens and reduces the risk of an allergic reaction.

Jaundice is a symptom of liver disease characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the buildup of bilirubin. It is caused by various factors such as hepatitis A, B, or C, alcohol abuse, or certain medications. Jaundice indicates a serious health condition and can be highly contagious if caused by a viral infection. Therefore, a food handler with jaundice should be excluded from the operation to prevent the spread of the disease to others through food handling.

After leaving and returning to the prep area, food handlers should wash their hands. This is important to maintain proper hygiene and prevent the spread of bacteria or contaminants. Washing hands helps to remove any dirt, germs, or chemicals that may have been picked up during the absence. It is a crucial step in ensuring food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses.

Jewelry is a potential physical contaminant because it is an object that can accidentally fall into food or beverages and contaminate them. It may contain dirt, bacteria, or other harmful substances that can pose a health risk if ingested. Therefore, it is important to remove jewelry before handling or preparing food to prevent any potential contamination.

The manager should tell the food handler to go home because working with diarrhea can pose a risk of contaminating the food and spreading illness to others. It is important to prioritize food safety and prevent any potential harm to customers.

A food handler diagnosed with jaundice should only return to work when approved by the regulatory authority. This is because jaundice is a symptom of various underlying conditions, such as liver disease or hepatitis, which can be contagious. The regulatory authority ensures that the food handler is no longer a risk to public health before allowing them to resume work. The other options, such as after 1 week or when the skin returns to a natural color, do not consider the potential contagiousness of the underlying condition and do not involve the necessary approval from the regulatory authority.

Single-use gloves are not required when washing produce because the purpose of wearing gloves is to prevent contamination of food, and washing produce does not involve direct contact with ready-to-eat food or cooked food. The main concern when washing produce is removing dirt and bacteria from the surface, which can be effectively done by thorough washing with water. Wearing gloves in this situation may not be necessary and could even be counterproductive, as it may lead to a false sense of security and neglect proper hand hygiene practices.

Bones in fish are an example of physical contamination because they are foreign objects that can be accidentally ingested and cause harm or discomfort to the person consuming the fish. Physical contamination refers to the presence of any non-food item in food that can cause injury or illness if consumed. Sneezing on food, touching dirty food-contact surfaces, and cooking tomato sauce in a copper pan are examples of other types of contamination, such as biological or chemical contamination.

Bacteria thrive in environments with temperatures between 70 degrees and 125 degrees F because this range provides the ideal conditions for bacterial growth. At lower temperatures, bacterial growth slows down, while at higher temperatures, bacteria may be killed off. Therefore, food held within this temperature range provides a suitable environment for bacteria to multiply rapidly.

To prevent seafood toxins from causing a foodborne illness, it is important to purchase food from approved, reputable suppliers. This ensures that the seafood has been sourced from reliable sources and has undergone proper inspections and quality control measures. By purchasing from trusted suppliers, the risk of seafood toxins contaminating the food is minimized, reducing the chances of foodborne illnesses.

Wild game is commonly associated with parasites because animals in the wild can be carriers of various parasites such as ticks, fleas, and worms. These parasites can be transmitted to humans if the meat is not properly cooked or handled. Therefore, it is important to ensure that wild game is cooked thoroughly to kill any potential parasites before consuming it.

The L in the FDA's ALERT tool stands for "Look." This suggests that the tool emphasizes the importance of carefully observing and examining the situation or object in question. By looking closely, one can identify any potential risks or issues that may need to be addressed.

Excluding staff with vomiting from the operation is a useful practice for preventing Norovirus from causing foodborne illness. Norovirus is highly contagious and can easily spread through contaminated food or surfaces. By excluding staff who are experiencing vomiting, the risk of transmitting the virus to the food or other staff members is significantly reduced. This practice helps to maintain a safe and hygienic environment in the operation, minimizing the chances of Norovirus contamination and preventing foodborne illness.

A food handler with a sore throat and fever should be excluded from the operation when the customers served are primarily a high-risk population. This is because high-risk populations, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. Therefore, to prevent the spread of any potential infection or illness, it is important to exclude the food handler from the operation when serving high-risk populations.

Salmonella Typhi is a bacterium that causes typhoid fever, a potentially life-threatening illness. It is commonly associated with contaminated water and poor sanitation. While all the options can potentially be contaminated with Salmonella Typhi, beverages, especially those made with contaminated water, are more likely to be a source of infection. This is because the bacterium can survive and multiply in water, making it easier to spread through the consumption of contaminated beverages. Therefore, beverages are the most closely associated food item with Salmonella Typhi.