Final answer:
A food handler must have regulatory authority approval to return to work after being diagnosed with a contagious disease such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause foodborne illness. Government agencies, including the FDA, mandate strict hygiene regulations to minimize food contamination risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Illnesses that require approval from a regulatory authority before a food handler is allowed to return to work are those that risk the health of the public, such as foodborne diseases. Food handlers diagnosed with contagious diseases like Salmonella, Norovirus, E. coli, and other pathogens must have clearance from health authorities before resuming work.
The prevention of foodborne illness is critically managed by government agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local health departments. They enforce strict hygiene regulations in food production, handling, and preparation to minimize contamination. Specifically, food handlers who have been ill must be symptom-free or have medical clearance ensuring they pose no risk to the public before they can return to work since they could easily initiate an outbreak in a restaurant setting.
Without a doubt, certain food items can be associated with disease occurrences if they are contaminated. For instance, foods that are improperly handled, prepared, or stored can lead to foodborne disease outbreaks, and tracing the source of such outbreaks is a key element of food safety protocols enforced by government agencies.