News Release

News Release

Health Department of Northwest Michigan
serving Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego Counties
Visit us at www.nwhealth.org

Health Department warns food establishments of phony inspector scam

(September 6, 2011) Public health officials are warning local establishments of a scam involving a fake food inspector investigating a “complaint” by phone for the second time this year.

"We want to remind the 600 food establishments in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego that your local food inspector will always personally contact you if there is a complaint, even if it comes through a state agency," said Scott Kendzierski, Director of Environmental Health for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. "If a state inspector comes to your facility, your local food inspector will always accompany him or her."

The Health Department does not ask food service establishments to make telephone calls for inspection code numbers, schedule appointments to schedule restaurant inspections, or accept cash on the premises for any reason. If food service operators have any doubts or suspicions about the identity of an inspector, or believe they are a victim of a scam, they should call Penney Massey, Food Service Program Supervisor at 231-547-7668.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) suggests these tips to food establishments so they don't fall victim to this scam:

Ask for identification if someone stops by or calls claiming to be from the local health department, MDA, or federal food agencies that you don't know.

If the individual cannot provide proper identification, do not allow the person access to your facility. Contact your food regulatory agency immediately and report it.

Never 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.

"We work hard to develop collegial relationships with food service operators. It is completely unacceptable for imposters to threaten or attempt to intimidate them. We will be working closely with local law enforcement officials to address any complaints," Kendzierski said.

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan is mandated by the Michigan Public Health Code to promote wellness, prevent disease, provide quality healthcare, address health problems of vulnerable populations, and protect the environment for the residents and visitors of Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties. For additional information, contact Massey at 231-547-7668.

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