Which scenario is a contamination event that requires a written cleanup procedure under FDA Food Code?

• A. A Child Vomits Before Making It to the Restroom Bathroom
• B. A Customer Sneezes into a Napkin
• C. A Spilled Salt Shaker
• D. A Visitor Uses Restroom

Answer: (A)

Vomiting in a food-service area is a contamination event because it can spread pathogens to food-contact surfaces and the surrounding environment, potentially exposing staff and customers. The FDA Food Code requires a written cleanup procedure to ensure a standardized, safe response: isolate the area, don appropriate PPE, remove and bag contaminated waste, clean and sanitize all affected surfaces with an approved disinfectant at the correct concentration and contact time, perform proper hand hygiene, and re-clean surrounding areas before resuming service. This formal plan helps prevent cross-contamination and protects everyone involved. The other scenarios don’t involve a contamination incident at the same level or require a documented cleanup protocol in the same way, so they don’t fit this requirement.