What should be done if a food handler complains of a sore throat with fever?

When a food handler reports a sore throat accompanied by a fever, sending them home is the appropriate action to take. This is crucial for preventing the spread of illness to both the food handler’s coworkers and to the customers they serve. Viruses and bacteria that cause these symptoms can be easily transmitted, especially in food preparation environments.

By sending the handler home, you protect the health of others and comply with food safety regulations that require symptomatic employees to refrain from working until they are no longer contagious. This action not only ensures the safety of the food being prepared but also helps maintain the overall hygiene standards of the establishment.

The other options do not sufficiently address the potential risk of transmitting illness. Allowing the handler to continue working poses a threat to public health, while simply advising them to drink more liquids or reporting to local health authority does not provide immediate relief for the situation.