What should you do after a foodborne illness outbreak in your establishment?

After a foodborne illness outbreak in your establishment, it is crucial to report the incident to the health department and review your safety practices. This response is essential for several reasons.

First, notifying the health department enables public health officials to investigate the outbreak and determine its cause. This not only helps prevent further cases of illness but also protects the reputation of your establishment and the broader community. By involving the health department, you're participating in a larger effort to ensure food safety standards are upheld.

Second, reviewing safety practices is vital to understand what went wrong and how it can be prevented in the future. This reflection can lead to improvements in handling, preparation, and serving practices, ultimately ensuring that food safety protocols are followed rigorously.

Continuing normal operations without addressing the issue would put customers at risk and could lead to further outbreaks. Ignoring the situation entirely runs counter to public health responsibilities and can have severe consequences. Changing suppliers might also be a step taken later on, but it does not address the immediate need for investigation and improvement of current food safety measures.

Thus, taking proactive steps by reporting to health authorities and reviewing safety practices is the most responsible course of action following a foodborne illness outbreak.