If a deli experiences multiple illness reports after ham purchases, which action should be taken immediately?

• A. Notify regulatory authorities
• B. Close the deli and notify the regulatory authorities
• C. Reopen after decontamination
• D. Do nothing

Answer: (B)

When multiple illness reports are traced to a specific food item, the priority is to stop exposure and start a formal investigation. Closing the deli immediately and notifying regulatory authorities accomplishes both: it prevents further customers from being exposed to the suspected contaminated ham, and it brings in official guidance and expertise to investigate, trace the source, and determine the appropriate actions (such as product recalls or further testing). Reopening after decontamination is not sufficient by itself if the cause or extent hasn’t been investigated and cleared by authorities. Doing nothing delays protection of public health, which is not acceptable. Notifying authorities without stopping service could allow more people to be exposed, and closing without involving authorities may miss critical investigation steps.