What is the purpose of the reasonable care defense?

The reasonable care defense is primarily used to protect food service operators from liability in a lawsuit by demonstrating that they took all necessary and reasonable precautions to ensure food safety. This defense is crucial in food-related cases where allegations of negligence or foodborne illness arise. By showing that they adhered to food safety protocols, proper handling practices, and sanitation measures, operators can argue that they acted responsibly and that the incident in question was not due to their failure to provide safe food.

This approach not only highlights the diligence of the food service provider but also reinforces the importance of compliance with safety regulations and best practices in the industry. Thus, the essence of the reasonable care defense lies in establishing that the operator did everything within their power to prevent any food safety issues from occurring.