Be on alert for fake health inspectors

Staff report

COLUMBUS

The Ohio Department of Health alerted Ohio food-service operators to be suspicious of individuals calling or entering establishments claiming to be state health inspectors.

Over the past few weeks, the ODH has received phone calls from local health departments and restaurants indicating that people claiming to be state health inspectors are trying to schedule an inspection of the food service or collect business and personal information.

Restaurants and other food-service establishments should not give out any personal, private or secure information to anyone without first confirming the person’s identity, said ODH Director Dr. Ted Wymyslo. State inspectors always are accompanied by local inspectors, he said.

For more information on the ODH Food Safety Program or Ohio’s food safety rules visit: www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/eh/foods/food2.aspx.