Which of the following is a key reason for performing a physical examination on food handlers?

Performing a physical examination on food handlers primarily aims to evaluate the risk of foodborne illness. Food handlers are a crucial part of the food safety system as they can be carriers of pathogens that lead to foodborne illnesses. By assessing their health status, including any symptoms of illness or conditions that could potentially contribute to contamination, health inspectors can identify individuals who may pose a risk to food safety. This helps prevent the spread of diseases through food, ensuring the overall safety of food for consumers.

While assessing personal hygiene, ensuring compliance with local laws, and determining the ability to work are important considerations, the primary goal of a physical examination in this context is to identify any health risks that food handlers may carry that could lead to foodborne illness outbreaks. The focus is on public health implications rather than other factors that, while relevant, do not directly address the immediate health risk posed to consumers.