Over the past two weeks, numerous complaints and inquiries have filtered into the TPH offices from more than 30 foodservice operators, indicating they’ve been contacted by people posing to be health inspectors, who are interested in conducting onsite inspections. As part of those inspections, they are also requesting business and personal info from the operator.
“If you’re contacted by someone attempting to schedule an inspection and asking for personal information, contact your local police department,” said Jim Chan, healthy environments manager for Toronto Public Health, in a press release. “Legitimate public health inspectors do not call ahead to schedule inspections. In most cases, inspections are unannounced.”
Reports of similar incidents have occurred across Ontario and British Columbia.
Operators can also contact TPH at (416) 338-7600 to verify the identity of an inspector. TPH Inspectors carry a badge and photo identification card.
