Illness ReportingQuestion 165 of 319
A line cook in California refuses to work because she has diarrhea and reports this to her manager. The manager threatens to fire her if she doesn't come in. Which legal protection applies?
a.California has no whistleblower law for food workers
b.Only federal OSHA covers her, not state law
c.Cal. Labor Code §6310/§6311 prohibits retaliation against employees who report unsafe conditions or refuse hazardous work, and FDA Food Code §2-201 supports the reporting duty
d.Her protection ends as soon as she clocks out
Explanation
California Labor Code §6310 and §6311 prohibit retaliation, including firing, against an employee who reports unsafe conditions to the employer or a government agency, or who refuses to perform hazardous work. Combined with FDA Food Code §2-201 (which makes illness reporting a duty), a food worker who reports symptoms or refuses to handle food while sick is legally protected from retaliation.
Law Reference: Cal. Labor Code §6310Practice all 319 questions free — no signup required.
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