Does occupational medicine perform a food handler medical?

The clinician asks about your health, symptoms, medicines, previous conditions and the duties you perform around food. Depending on workplace and local requirements, the visit may include an examination or tests relevant to infection symptoms, skin problems, gastrointestinal illness or other concerns that could affect food handling. The assessment is intended to identify issues needing treatment, temporary restriction or follow-up. Tell the clinician about vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, infected wounds, persistent cough or skin lesions instead of working through them without advice.

Take identification if requested, your employer’s form or job details, a medicine list and any relevant medical reports. Explain whether you prepare, serve, pack or transport food and whether you handle open food. Follow the clinic’s instructions about samples and appointment preparation. If you develop gastrointestinal symptoms or another potentially transmissible illness before work, notify the responsible workplace contact and seek clinical advice about staying away from food handling.

Seek prompt medical advice for persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, fever with marked weakness, dehydration, spreading skin infection or an infected cut on a hand. Urgent care is appropriate for confusion, collapse, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty or inability to keep fluids down. A workplace assessment cannot replace treatment when you are acutely unwell.

Ask which duties and health requirements were considered, whether any temporary restriction is advised, whether a sample or follow-up is needed, and what information will be recorded on the employer’s form. Ask when you may safely return to food handling after illness.