Shingles and Food Service: Exclusion Required Until Lesions Crust

Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Vesicular fluid contains infectious VZV. Transmission occurs via direct contact with lesions or respiratory droplets (less common).

Food-Code Exclusion

• FDA Food Code & CDC: Food handlers with active shingles must be excluded from food preparation until all lesions have crusted over (typically 7–10 days).
• Lesions on exposed skin (face, hands) pose direct contamination risk.
• Even covered lesions require exclusion if drainage cannot be contained.

Return-to-Work

After crusting, employee may return with lesions covered. No negative VZV PCR required. Vaccination (Shingrix) recommended for adults ≥50 to prevent recurrence.