Hepatitis A Prevention in Austin Food Service (2026)

Austin Health Department Hepatitis A Requirements

The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department requires all food service workers in Austin to follow Texas Food Rules (Chapter 228, Texas Administrative Code), which mandate hepatitis A vaccination or immunity documentation for food handlers. Managers must ensure staff complete food handler certification and maintain records of vaccination status. The health department conducts routine inspections and can issue citations for non-compliance with immunization requirements. Any suspected hepatitis A case in a food facility must be reported immediately to the Austin health department, which may trigger customer notification and temporary closure protocols.

Common Contamination Sources & Prevention

Hepatitis A most commonly contaminates produce (particularly berries and leafy greens), shellfish from contaminated waters, and ready-to-eat foods touched by infected handlers with poor hand hygiene. Prevent contamination by sourcing produce from verified suppliers, cooking shellfish to safe internal temperatures (as required by Texas Food Rules), and implementing rigorous handwashing stations with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds—especially after restroom use. Separate raw produce from ready-to-eat foods, sanitize cutting boards between uses, and never allow employees with active symptoms to work food preparation areas. Regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces using approved sanitizers reduces viral persistence.

Staff Monitoring & Reporting in Texas

Texas law requires food service workers to report symptoms of hepatitis A (jaundice, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue) to their manager and seek medical evaluation immediately. Employers must exclude symptomatic staff from the facility and notify the Austin health department within 24 hours of suspected or confirmed cases. The health department may conduct trace-back investigations to identify contaminated products and affected customers. Document all exclusions and medical clearances, maintaining confidential employee health records. Staff returning to work after hepatitis A must provide written medical clearance from a healthcare provider confirming non-contagious status.

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