Which of the following is a symptom that necessitates exclusion from food handling?

A sore throat with fever is a significant symptom that warrants exclusion from food handling due to the potential risk of transmitting foodborne illnesses. This combination of symptoms is often associated with infections, such as streptococcal pharyngitis or other communicable diseases, which can be spread through direct contact with food or surfaces that food handlers might touch. When a food handler exhibits these symptoms, it raises concerns about their ability to safely handle food without putting consumers at risk.

In food safety practices, it is critical to minimize any possibility of contamination in food preparation environments. Excluding individuals with a sore throat and fever helps maintain public health and safety standards by reducing the likelihood of spreading illnesses that can result from contaminated food. Other symptoms, while they may indicate some level of discomfort or illness, do not trip the same level of risk factor that sore throat with fever does in the context of food safety.