Norovirus often gets a lot of attention for outbreaks on cruise ships, but those account for only about one per cent of all reported norovirus outbreaks. Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread anywhere people gather or locations where food is served, making people sick with vomiting and diarrhea. About 20 million people get sick from norovirus each year; most get infected by having close contact with other infected people or by eating contaminated food.
“Norovirus outbreaks from contaminated food in restaurants are far too common,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Individuals who prepare food, especially the food service industry, can do more to create a work environment that promotes food safety, and ensures that workers adhere to food safety laws and regulations that are already in place.”
According to CSSA, the Vital Signs report provides key recommendations to help the food service industry prevent norovirus outbreaks from contaminated food. The recommendations, which underscore provisions in the Food and Drug Administration model Food Code and CDC guidelines, include:
• Making sure food service workers practice proper hand washing, and use utensils and single-use disposable gloves to avoid touching ready-to-eat foods with bare hands;
• Certifying kitchen managers and training food service workers in food safety practices; and
• Establishing policies that require food service workers to stay home when sick with vomiting and diarrhea, and for at least 48 hours after symptoms cease.