A customer who has eaten lunch in the cafeteria becomes ill one hour after eating a chicken sandwich. What should the Dietitian do first?

Listening carefully and taking the complaint seriously is crucial when addressing potential foodborne illness incidents. By doing so, the Dietitian demonstrates empathy and concern for the customer's well-being. Conducting an investigation is essential to understanding the situation better, identifying any patterns or issues with food safety, and determining if the symptoms presented by the customer might be related to the chicken sandwich consumed. Gathering detailed information from the customer about their experience allows for a thorough evaluation of the incident and helps ensure that appropriate actions are taken to prevent future occurrences.

This process can involve asking the customer specific questions about their symptoms, the timeframe of events, and other foods they ingested, as well as gathering additional information from kitchen staff regarding food handling practices. The priority is to ensure the safety and health of all customers, and taking immediate action by listening and investigating is the first step in that direction.

Addressing a complaint with listening and investigation also helps build trust and ensures that the customer's concerns are validated and treated respectfully, which is essential in a food service environment.