Posted: October 27th, 2008 - 2:11pm by Doug Powell

The Delaware County Health Department and others in Indiana are starting to crack down on food establishments that lack a policy of excluding employees from work if they have one of five illnesses.

The Star Press reports that during recent inspections, the county health department instructed the following establishments to have an employee illness/infection control policy in place by January: Gene's Lounge, Pilot/Subway in Daleville, McDonald's in Daleville, Byrd's Landing Bar and Grill, Cowan Elementary and High schools, Central High School, Daleville Elementary and High schools and Papa John's on Madison Street.

Robert Murphy, manager of the Fazoli's in Muncie, said,

"We have posted something in back that lets all employees know what the new policy is. It's really a good idea to post it so everybody knows about it. The flu season will be coming up before you know it."

Keith Ramsey, manager of MCL Cafeteria at Muncie Mall, said,

"We are in business to serve good, wholesome-cooked food to nourish bodies. If people are sick, they need to stay home."

The state health department says food service operators might not be comfortable discussing "private" matters like diarrhea, vomiting and boils, but for the spread of disease to be prevented, illnesses and symptoms must be discussed.