Under California Retail Food Code §113949.4 and FDA Food Code 2-201.13, a food employee who had Norovirus symptoms (vomiting and/or diarrhea) must be EXCLUDED from the food facility for what minimum period after symptoms resolve, before being allowed to return to work?

Explanation

California Retail Food Code HSC §113949.4 (and FDA Food Code 2-201.13) requires exclusion of a food employee who is experiencing symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea; the employee may return only when asymptomatic for at least 24 hours OR a longer period if required by the local health officer. For confirmed Norovirus or for unconfirmed but suspicious cases, the FDA Food Code recommends 24 hours symptom-free MINIMUM and many California local enforcement agencies and operators apply 48 hours as best practice because Norovirus is shed in stool for up to 2 weeks after recovery, the infectious dose is only 10-100 viral particles, and Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne outbreaks in U.S. restaurants per CDC data. Option B leaves the decision to feelings, which is non-compliant and dangerously subjective. Option C is excessive and is not the standard. Option D applies a stool-culture standard that is appropriate for Typhoid Salmonella and Shigella but is not used for Norovirus (no widely available clinical Norovirus PCR test is required for return-to-work). For other Big 6 pathogens, return requires written medical clearance from the local health officer.