The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has issued an announcement reminding Ohio food service operators to be suspicious of individuals calling or entering establishments claiming to be state health inspectors.
"I want to remind Ohio's restaurants and food service establishments not to give out any personal, private, or secure information to anyone without first confirming the person's identity, said ODH Director Ted Wymyslo, M.D. "Employees from the ODH Food safety program will never come into an establishment alone to conduct an inspection, they will always be with local inspectors."
Over the past few weeks, the ODH Food Safety Program has received numerous phone calls from local health departments and restaurants across the state indicating that people claiming to be state health inspectors are contacting food service operators throughout Ohio. In some instances, these individuals request to schedule an inspection of the food service operation. In other instances, individuals have entered establishments trying to collect business and personal information.
"ODH food safety staff will never ask food service operators for credit card, personal or financial information," Dr. Wymyslo added.
In Ohio, local health departments license and inspect food service establishments. Local inspectors typically will not schedule any inspections in advance or call to request an inspection. Food service operators with questions about the inspection process should contact their local health department.
