Fraudulent Restaurant Health Inspections

Halton Regional Police Service and the Region of Halton Health Department (Food Safety) are investigating recent incidents of persons fraudulently impersonating a “Health Inspector” by contacting local restaurants by telephone to schedule an inspection. The impersonation of a public officer is a criminal offence. The most recent event occurred today.

A number of food premise operators have been contacted by phone by individuals alleging to be a “public health official”. These individuals are requesting to schedule an inspection of the premise, requesting detailed business and personal information from the owner/operator, and are requesting a call back to confirm the personal information through the use of a unique code number.

Police would like to remind restaurant staff not to give out any personal, private or secure information over the telephone to any caller whose identity they are not certain of. This is a type of criminal fraudulent activity known in other jurisdictions and is now affecting this region.

Please be advised that Halton Region Health Department public health inspectors do not request any personal information for the purpose of scheduling or conducting inspections. Regional staff always carry picture identification and will produce it upon request. Restaurant owners and operators are advised to contact either the Halton Regional Police or the Halton Region Health Department for more information.

Support Our Sponsors