Hepatitis A Prevention Guide for San Diego Food Service

San Diego Health Department Requirements & FDA Compliance

The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency requires food facilities to comply with the FDA Food Code regarding Hepatitis A prevention. All food handlers must understand that Hepatitis A is a viral infection transmitted through fecal-oral contamination, making handwashing and personal hygiene non-negotiable. San Diego facilities must implement written health policies requiring employees to report gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice) to management immediately. The local health department conducts inspections specifically assessing compliance with these reporting requirements and can issue citations or temporary closure orders for violations. Facilities must maintain documentation of employee health screening and symptom reporting protocols.

Handwashing, Sanitation & Cross-Contamination Prevention

Hepatitis A prevention starts with rigorous handwashing stations positioned throughout food prep areas. The FDA Food Code mandates handwashing after restroom use, before food preparation, and after handling raw foods—particularly critical for Hepatitis A since the virus survives on surfaces. San Diego facilities must use hot water (at least 100°F) and provide soap for at least 20 seconds of scrubbing. All ready-to-eat foods (vegetables, fruits, prepared salads) must be handled with single-use gloves or cleaned utensils, never bare hands. Environmental surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils must be sanitized using approved chemical sanitizers (bleach solutions at 200 ppm or quaternary ammonium) between uses, especially after handling produce or high-risk foods.

Employee Health Screening & Symptom-Reporting Protocols

San Diego requires facilities to establish documented health screening procedures excluding symptomatic employees from food handling. Any employee with diarrhea, vomiting, or jaundice must not work until symptoms resolve and medical clearance is obtained—typically 48 hours symptom-free. Managers must be trained to recognize Hepatitis A symptoms and document all reports in writing. The CDC recommends facilities maintain confidential health records separate from personnel files. San Diego health inspectors verify these protocols exist and are enforced; failure to exclude symptomatic employees is a critical violation. Post signage in restrooms and break areas reminding staff to report symptoms immediately to supervisors without fear of retaliation.

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