Enviro~Connections ALERT (February 27, 2019)

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February 27, 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

About Us

Maricopa County Environmental Services provides essential, regional environmental services seeking to prevent and remove environmental health risks. The Department’s Environmental Health Specialists and Field Technicians are in the community every day making sure that among other things, food in all the eating and drinking establishments in the County is protected from contamination, that water supplies throughout the County are safe to drink, and that vector borne health illnesses and risks are minimized. It is our belief that with continued support, future generations will reap the benefits of today’s actions.

Contact Us

For all Environmental Services Permitting, you may visit:

Development Services Center

Development Services Center Planning & Development / Environmental Services Department

501 N. 44th Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85008 (Map)

Phone: (602) 506-6616

8:00 a.m. - 5:00p.m

Monday thru Friday

(Excluding Holidays) 

Department Locations & Hours

ESD.Maricopa.gov 

Need assistance en Español or in 中文 for your food related business?

Spanish

Nuestros representantes o enlaces para negocios hispanos de venta de alimentos están disponibles para asistirles entendiendo las necesidades culturales de su negocio y asistiéndoles en su idioma.

Do you need to make sure that your ethnic foods meet Maricopa County Health Code standards? Our language liaisons are available to assist you!

Chinese Words

如果您與您的食品業務有文化上了解的問題和語言上的困難,我們的中文翻譯官可幫助您。

MCESD Environmental Health Division Office Locations:

Eastern Regional Office (Map)
106 E. Baseline Rd.,
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: (602) 372-3000

8:00 a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Monday thru Friday
(Excluding Holidays)

Northern Regional Office (Map)
15023 N. 75th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: (602) 506-6980

Western Regional Office (Map)
16140 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr., Suite #105
Peoria, AZ 85382
Phone: (602) 506-6015

8:00 a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Monday thru Friday
(Excluding Holidays)

Mobile Food Office (Map)
1645 E. Roosevelt
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Phone: (602) 506-6872

8:00 a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Monday thru Friday
(Excluding Holidays)

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Beware of Environmental Health Inspector imposters

Beware -- Inspectors

We are frequently warned to be on guard against scam artists. They target us online, by sending e-mails, or by “robocalls”. Sometimes it’s a long story with complicated plot twists…and sometimes it’s the old fashioned “I need your credit card number”.

No industry is immune. Believe it or not, people pose as Environmental Health Specialists (“health inspectors”) and target unsuspecting restaurants and establishments. Whether it is to steal industry secrets, steal money, or just give them a scare, we can only guess as to what their motives are.

Inspector - Badge

If someone comes to your establishment claiming to work for the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department they will:

  • Introduce themselves to the owner, manager, or person in charge and state the purpose of their visit,
  • Present a County issued photo identification card and metal badge inscribed with the words “Deputy Officer” and the Maricopa County seal,
  • Present a County issued business card on request, and
  • Present the operator’s Rights of Inspection.

Inspections should be conducted during normal operating hours or other reasonable times.

  • Other reasonable times includes any time food service and/or food preparation is occurring, regardless of whether or not the food establishment is open to the public.
  • Facility inspections may be conducted during other times when agreed upon by the permit holder.

An Environmental Health Specialist DOES NOT:

  • Call to schedule appointments for routine inspections. Inspections are unannounced
  • Ask for or accept payment for services during an inspection
  • Charge money or fees for letter grades, other signs, or equipment
  • Sell or endorse products, or
  • Ask owners to call phone numbers and enter numeric codes, or tell the owner to give out a code when called to schedule an inspection.
Suspicious Inspector

If you receive a call or are approached by someone saying they are a “health inspector” or any employee from Maricopa County Environmental Services Department asking for personal or secure information, for payment for any services rendered, or if they are unable to provide a valid photo ID and badge:  

  • Don’t give out any personal or secure information,
  • Get a name and contact number,
  • Call the Environmental Services Department (Inspectors Verification Hotline 602 372-4994 – For your convenience this number is posted on our ESD.Maricopa.gov Web site’s Home Page), and
  • Call your local law enforcement agency.

The impersonation of a public officer is a criminal offense. Anyone found impersonating a health inspector or any government employee is guilty of a felony crime.  

Oral Culture Learner Project

Research suggests that food employees are predominately oral culture learners.  Oral culture learners place greater emphasis on emotion and being able to personally relate to information.  In addition, oral culture learners like to focus on the big picture, not the details, and they learn better when taught in the kitchen where the concepts will be applied.  The U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) Oral Culture Learner 

Oral Culture Training

Project provides free food safety educational materials that are specifically targeted towards oral culture learning food employees.  Poster boards for bare hand contact, employee health, handwashing, and other foodborne illness risk factors are available in many languages. Testimonial videos are available to educate food employees on the possible consequences of poor food safety practices.  Click on enclosed link for more information about the resources that are available through the FDA’s Oral Culture Learner Project.

Lee Dominick -- InfoLee Dominick -- Video

Stay More Connected!

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Follow Us, Like Us, Watch Us and More!

Maricopa County Environmental Services department is constantly working to make effective use of social media. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel, and connect with us on FacebookTwitter, LinkedIn and Instagram!   

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