Final answer:
The manager of the deli must immediately halt the sale of the suspect food item, preserve any remaining food for analysis, and notify local health authorities. Subsequent actions include cooperating with health authorities in their investigation and implementing sanitary and food safety measures to prevent future outbreaks.
Step-by-step explanation:
When over twenty customers report severe nausea and vomiting after consuming sliced ham from a deli, the manager needs to take immediate action to address what is potentially a serious foodborne illness outbreak. The priority is to ensure the safety of future consumers by halting the sale of the suspect food item and preserving any remaining ham for analysis by health authorities.
Next, the manager should notify local health authorities of the situation, as they can assist in the investigation to confirm the cause of illness and help prevent further cases. Cooperation with investigators will likely involve providing transaction records and staff interviews to identify the source of contamination and any lapses in food handling procedures. The response at the establishment could include sanitizing the affected areas, reviewing and improving food safety practices, and ensuring all staff are trained in proper hygiene and safe food handling.
An epidemiological investigation, such as a case-control study, may be conducted to identify the food item linked to the illness. In a situation where people reported illness after eating oysters, a hypothesis might be formulated that oysters are the contaminated food source. Epidemiological data will help to confirm or refute this hypothesis and determine the course of action.
Through prompt management actions and collaboration with health officials, effective measures can be implemented to resolve the outbreak and prevent future occurrences. Advice from experts in food safety, sanitary practices, and regulations will be critical throughout this process.