Food Safety & Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that is spread when a person ingests food or water that has been contaminated by the feces of an infected person. It is usually transmitted when an infected person has not properly washed his/her hands after using the bathroom or before preparing and eating food.

To prevent the spread of Hepatitis A:

• Ensure employees are hand-washing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, before preparing, serving, or eating food, switching tasks, and after any possible contamination.
• Regularly clean restrooms (staff and public) and common areas of your restaurant using a bleach solution that contains 5000 ppm (1 and 2/3 cups bleach in 1 gallon water) allowing 1 minute of contact time and then rinse with water. Have staff wear disposable gloves & mask while cleaning and wash their hands after removing the gloves.
• Do not allow food handlers to work when ill or return to work until they have been symptom-free for two days.

If you have questions or would like additional information on hand-washing and cleaning procedures, please contact the Environmental Health Bureau at (831) 755-4508.

 

Hepatitis A Disinfection Guidelines:

 

See this page about Hepatitis A symptoms and resources.