How long must food workers with vomiting or diarrhea stay home before returning to work?

Food workers who have experienced vomiting or diarrhea must stay home for at least 24 hours before returning to work. This guideline helps ensure the safety of both employees and customers. The 24-hour period allows time for the worker's symptoms to resolve completely and reduces the risk of spreading any contagious illness, particularly those caused by viruses like norovirus, which can easily pass through food handling if proper precautions are not taken.

The potential for contamination is particularly high during the first few days of symptoms; thus, adhering to this guideline is a vital aspect of food safety and public health policy. By enforcing this waiting period, establishments like Starbucks can help maintain a safe environment for food preparation and service.