Final answer:
Food service management must notify the regulatory authority when food handlers show symptoms of a foodborne illness to prevent the spread of diseases through contaminated food.
Step-by-step explanation:
The person in charge of a food service establishment must notify the regulatory authority when food handlers have symptoms of a foodborne illness. This is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases through food contamination, which can arise from improper handling, preparation, or storage of food. It is especially important because foodborne illness can cause severe and sometimes even long-lasting symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fevers, and aches. The safety of the food supply is a high priority for government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, and they stipulate that symptoms such as those caused by Salmonella must be reported.
Visible tattoos, completion of training, or lack of recent sick leave are not conditions that must be reported. Instead, a focus on hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, is emphasized for keeping food safe. Foodborne diseases can affect everyone but are particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, and therefore prompt reporting of potential illnesses is a key part of food safety protocols.