Which of the following contaminants requires a mandatory exclusion of an employee?

When it comes to food safety and the prevention of foodborne illnesses, certain health conditions necessitate the exclusion of an employee from food handling duties. Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can be transmitted through contaminated food and water, primarily affecting the liver. Because of its potential to spread through food handled by infected individuals, health regulations mandate that employees diagnosed with Hepatitis A be excluded from work until they are cleared by health authorities.

In contrast, other conditions such as seasonal allergies, heartburn, and minor cuts do not pose a significant risk of transmitting foodborne illnesses. While minor cuts can be managed with proper bandaging and gloves, they do not require exclusion unless they are infected. Seasonal allergies and heartburn are not contagious and therefore do not necessitate exclusion from food handling roles.

Understanding the seriousness of Hepatitis A and its transmission routes underscores the importance of stringent health policies in food service to ensure the safety of the public.