A woman reports a toilet overflowing into the service area of a fast food restaurant. What should the manager do?

The best course of action in this situation is to close the restaurant and report the incident to the local health department. An overflowing toilet poses a serious health risk as it can lead to the contamination of food and surfaces in the service area. Closing the restaurant prevents customers and staff from being exposed to potentially harmful pathogens that could be present in the wastewater.

Reporting to the local health department is crucial because they have the authority to assess the situation and ensure that proper health and safety standards are maintained. Public health officials can guide the restaurant on the next steps, which may include professional cleaning and disinfection before the establishment can safely reopen.

Taking this action demonstrates a commitment to protecting public health, which is essential in maintaining safe food service operations. Addressing such issues promptly and effectively is vital in preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring the safety of all patrons and employees.