What should a food handler do in response to a foodborne illness outbreak?

In the event of a foodborne illness outbreak, it is critical for a food handler to report the situation to a supervisor and fully cooperate with inspections. This response is important for several reasons. First, reporting the outbreak helps ensure that the establishment can take appropriate action to address the situation, such as tracing potential sources of contamination, identifying affected customers, and implementing measures to prevent further illnesses.

Cooperation with inspections allows health officials to assess the food safety practices in place and identify any lapses that may have contributed to the outbreak. It is essential for maintaining public health and safety, as well as for the establishment's reputation and operation. This proactive approach can help to mitigate the impact of the outbreak on customers and the business itself.

The other options do not contribute to effectively managing a foodborne illness outbreak. Ignoring the situation poses a significant risk to public health, while sending customers home may not address the root causes of the issue. Additionally, merely changing gloves does not resolve any underlying contamination if the food handler is not addressing the outbreak seriously. Hence, reporting and cooperating remain the best course of action.