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.Her protection ends as soon as she clocks out
b.California has no whistleblower law for food workers
c.Only federal OSHA covers her, not state law
d.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
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 §6310This topic, taught in full in the Food Handler Card guide. Food Handler Card — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 · 14-day refund →
Practice all 319 questions free — no signup required.
Own the complete Food Handler Card guide — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 →
Related questions on this topic
- Why is Hepatitis A a particularly dangerous foodborne illness for restaurants to manage?
- A line cook cuts his finger while slicing onions. The wound is small but bleeding. Which step is the correct way to allow him to keep working?
- Two customers at a deli call the health department within 24 hours saying they got sick with the same symptoms after eating there. The manager learns of this. What is the manager's correct first response?
- A baker attended a family wedding where several guests later tested positive for Norovirus. He himself has no symptoms. Under the FDA Food Code, what must he do?
- Under HACCP principles, where does employee health and illness reporting fit?
- What documentation does the FDA Food Code expect a Person-in-Charge to keep when an employee reports a reportable symptom or diagnosis?
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass team · Verified against California Food Handler Card Exam · How we review