What is the recommended action for food establishment operators when including raw products on the menu?

Providing a consumer advisory to inform diners is crucial when including raw products on the menu. This advisory serves to alert customers about the potential risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked foods, such as increased risks of foodborne illnesses. By clearly communicating these risks, operators empower customers to make informed decisions regarding their food choices. This guidance is particularly important because certain populations, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems, may be more vulnerable to foodborne pathogens.

While following a comprehensive cooking guide, limiting raw items to specialty menus, and ensuring intensive training for staff are important practices in food safety and management, they do not directly address the need for customer awareness about the risks of eating raw products. The primary goal of the consumer advisory is to protect patrons by making them aware of potential hazards, which aligns with best practices in food safety and regulatory compliance.