Which situation supports a reasonable care defense against a food-related lawsuit?

The situation that supports a reasonable care defense against a food-related lawsuit is when the operation has established standards and training in place. This indicates that the establishment takes its responsibility for food safety seriously and actively implements measures to ensure that food is handled, prepared, and served safely.

Having proper safety standards and providing training demonstrates that the establishment is committed to following industry best practices and is proactive in minimizing risks associated with food safety. If a lawsuit arises, the presence of systematic training and procedures can serve as evidence that the operation acted with due diligence and in accordance with accepted safety standards. This reinforces the legal argument that the establishment took reasonable steps to protect customers, thereby strengthening the defense against potential claims.

In contrast, scenarios like having no safety standards, a history of violations, or ignoring customer complaints indicate a lack of commitment to safety and could significantly weaken a defense if a lawsuit ensues. These situations suggest negligence and disregard for customer health, which could lead to liability for any resulting issues.