Final answer:
The restaurant owner or the manager is typically responsible for reporting a food handler's diagnosis of a foodborne illness to the regulatory authority, as part of their compliance with health and safety regulations set by the FDA and local health departments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual responsible for notifying the regulatory authority when a food handler is diagnosed with a foodborne illness is generally the restaurant owner or the person in charge at the food establishment. Although the food handler themselves has a responsibility to report their illness, it is the establishment's owner or manager's duty to ensure that the regulatory authorities are informed, in alignment with the standard protocols set by health departments and regulatory agencies.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other local departments of health set and enforce rules of hygiene to prevent foodborne illnesses. Proper notification is part of these rules, ensuring a quick response to prevent further spread of illnesses. Therefore, in a professional context, the establishment's management plays a critical role in health and safety compliance and in preventing the spread of diseases by communicating with health authorities.