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Michigan, New Hampshire Warn of Fake Inspectors

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

Health officials in both Michigan and New Hampshire are warning restaurants to be wary of callers claiming to be state food inspectors.

New Hampshire first issued a warning in June about fraudulent food inspectors and recently issued an updated warning because officials believe the problem is persisting.

In a recent wire report, New Hampshire Public Health Director Jose Montero said restaurants are complaining about fraudulent inspectors calling and attempting to schedule inspections, threatening fees if restaurants do not comply.

According to the report, "state inspectors conduct unannounced inspections, don't threaten enforcement action and don't ask for confidential information over the phone. He said they also have proper photo identification."

Earlier this month, Michigan issued a warning about a similar situation.

"State and local food inspections are typically unannounced to ensure proper food safety measures are always being adhered to and it's rare an inspector would schedule a visit in advance. Additionally, we never ask for sensitive, confidential financial information from an owner," said Keith Creagh, Michigan Department of Health Director. "It is completely unacceptable for imposters to threaten or attempt to intimidate Michigan's food establishments and we will be working with law enforcement officials to address it."

Full post as published by Food Safety News on January 21, 2011 (boomark / email).