Fake food inspectors threatening fines, enforcement actions
LANSING, MI – The Michigan departments of Agriculture (MDA) and Community Health, in cooperation with the Michigan Restaurant Association, are warning the state’s food establishments about a scam involving fake food inspectors who are currently making the rounds in Michigan.
MDA, MDCH, state local health departments, and other agencies across the United States are reporting that restaurants are receiving calls from individuals claiming to be from a heath department and requesting to schedule an inspection at the establishment as well as requesting sensitive information. If refused, the scam artist then threatens enforcement action and fines if they don’t schedule an appointment.
“Food safety is paramount to MDA in all aspects of the food chain, including restaurants, and it’s completely unacceptable for anyone to mock our food safety programs by posing as a phony inspector,” said Don Koivisto, MDA Director. “Inspections are unannounced to ensure proper food safety measures are being followed at all times and it’s rare that a state or local inspector would schedule an inspection. Additionally, food establishment owners and managers should never provide confidential information such as a social security number over the phone.”
Here are some quick tips so you don’t fall victim to this scam:
• Ask for identification if someone stops by or calls claiming to be from the local health department or MDA that you don’t know.
• If the individual can not provide proper identification, do not allow the person access to your facility. Contact your food regulatory agency immediately and report it.
• Don’t provide sensitive or confidential information over the phone such as a social security number. State and local food inspectors would never ask for that information.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your food regulatory agency or MDA. MDA can be reached at 800-292-3939.
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