Utah Food Safety Practice Test

If an employee with yellow skin comes to work, what organism might be suspected?

1. Salmonella

2. Norovirus

3. Hepatitis A

4. Listeria

The correct answer is: Hepatitis A

The presence of yellow skin in an employee is a key indicator of jaundice, a condition often associated with liver dysfunction. Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to jaundice as one of its symptoms. When an employee exhibits signs of jaundice, it is crucial to suspect Hepatitis A, as it is highly contagious and can be transmitted through contaminated food or water. Identifying a potential Hepatitis A infection in a food worker is important for public health, as it necessitates immediate action to prevent further transmission, including sending the employee home and investigating recent food handling practices. This preventive step is essential in maintaining food safety in a regulated environment. The other organisms listed — Salmonella, Norovirus, and Listeria — do not typically result in jaundice or yellowing of the skin, making them less relevant in this context. Therefore, suspecting Hepatitis A when an employee shows these symptoms is vital in food safety management.