Which symptoms must be reported to your regulatory authority when it afflicts a food handler?

Jaundice is a crucial symptom that must be reported to the regulatory authority when it affects a food handler because it is a significant indicator of a potential foodborne illness, particularly hepatitis A. This condition signifies liver dysfunction and is associated with the spread of pathogens that can contaminate food and cause illness. The presence of jaundice can be a strong sign that the individual may pose a risk to public health, especially in food service environments where hygiene and food safety are paramount.

While fever, cough, and nausea can also be indicative of illness, they are not as directly linked to foodborne illness transmission in the same way that jaundice is. Therefore, reporting jaundice helps ensure that necessary precautions and actions can be taken to protect consumers from potential disease outbreaks.