DHHS Issues Warning Of Fraudulent Food Inspectors

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Public Health Services (DPHS), Food Protection Section is advising restaurant owners and operators to be on the alert for callers misrepresenting themselves as New Hampshire food inspectors.

“We have been notified of complaints from concerned restaurant owners from various regions of the State who have received calls from someone posing as a health inspector and, in at least one instance, asking for an inspection fee,” said DPHS Interim Director Patricia Tilley. “The fraudulent inspector may attempt to schedule an inspection at the restaurant or threaten to impose fines if they do not schedule an appointment. Our food protection inspectors conduct unannounced inspections and would not be calling to schedule appointments for routine inspections. They also do not threaten enforcement actions or ask for confidential information or money over the phone.”

Officials conducting restaurant inspections will also have proper photo identification from the State of New Hampshire. Food service establishments are advised not to provide confidential information or payments over the phone.

Restaurant owners and operators are advised to immediately report suspicious or fraudulent calls to local law enforcement officials. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the DHHS Food Protection Section at 603-271-4589. You can also call the New Hampshire Department of Justice Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-468-4454 between 9am-3pm.