Is it safe for persons with Hepatitis C to be preparing food?

Hi! I have recently found out that a fellow co-worker has Hepatitis C. We work in a restaurant and she frequently prepares food. I must also add that her hygiene isn't the greatest which concerns me further. Should I be worried for myself and for my customers? Thanks in advance.

Yes it is safe for someone with Hep C to be preparing food. No, you should not be worried for yourself and your customers. Hep c is a blood borne pathogen, which means it is transmitted from blood to blood. HCV must come in contact with another persons blood in order to be spread. Many people don't know about this virus; public education is needed to raise awareness. Many people have the risk factors but haven't been tested. Source(s): Hep C educator, advocate, survivor; HCV clear for 6 years due to interferon combo therapy

Hep C is a blood borne virus, just like HIV so you can't get it unless your blood comes in contact with the infected person..........so if you'll wear gloves while preparing food (which you should) i don't think you have anything to be worried about.......plus you would NOT believe all the people who have Hep C and DO NOT KNOW IT..........same as HIV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If your co-worker does not wash her hands after using the bathroom, she could indeed spread Hep C. Or if she cut herself when preparing food and did not properly sanitize the bloody area. And I am sure she also eats at the restaurant as well, correct? The utensils and plates should always be sanitized. When my mother was diagnosed w/ it 7 years ago, her doctor told her to either use bleach or make sure only she used the utensils, plates, etc that she ate off of. And to use a dishwasher as well to sterilize the dishes. The problem w/ bleach is that it reacts w/ dish washing soap.
As previous people have already stated, Hep C is spread through blood. The chances of your coworker spreading Hep C to customers or other coworkers through the handling of food are impossible. You mentioned her hygeine is poor. I would be more worried about her spreading a bacterial infection or the common cold than spreading Hep C.
I am an health care provider
First..... Hep C is NOTHING like HIV.
Second...... You spread Hep A by not washing your hands after going to the bathroom. The only time this would be an issue would be if it is her time of the month.
Third... unless her hygine has to do with blood being on her, it really isnt an issue.
I would go to my manager aver her hygine, only if I was 100% sure, without a dout that she has Hep C.