If an employee has a sore throat, what should you do?

When an employee presents with a sore throat, it is essential to prioritize food safety and employee health. Sending the employee home is the appropriate action because a sore throat can be a symptom of a contagious illness, which poses a risk to both the employee and customers. By sending them home, you not only protect the health of your employees but also prevent the potential spread of illness to others in the workplace.

It is important to maintain a safe environment in food service, as employees who are ill may handle food or interact with customers, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses or outbreaks. Allowing the employee to continue working could lead to negative consequences for your establishment's reputation and the well-being of your patrons.

Encouraging them to drink water or providing throat lozenges, while helpful for minor symptoms, does not address the underlying concern of possible contagion. Hence, the best course of action is to send the employee home to ensure everyone's safety and health.