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 We are frequently warned to be on guard against scam artists. Especially during times of crisis,stress or confusion. Scammers may 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.
When a Maricopa County Environmental Health Specialist comes to your establishment, they will:
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- 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:
- 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.
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:
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- 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.
Gloves help keep your hands clean and lessen your chance of getting germs that can make you and others sick. Follow the simple best practices shared below.
 Click here or on image to enlarge.
- Social distancing should be maintained when putting a pickup/dine out system in place. The use of tape, floor signs, or other methods to keep customers six feet apart are useful tools.
- Per the Governor’s Executive Order, consumption of food and drink must be done off premises.
- Prevent customers from coming inside of your establishment whenever possible.
- Establish a phone or an online order capability.
- Have orders ready to avoid crowds of five or more during pick up.
- Place an employee at your front door to communicate with and deliver food to customers.
- Staff should continue to wash hands frequently even if only handing packages to customers.
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Many food establishments are currently closed as a result of the Governor’s Order with restrictions on dine-in service. You won’t be closed forever, so here are some things to do to make sure you are ready when you are allowed to re-open. This checklist will help you identify key points to ensure proper employee hygiene and food safety practices are in place.
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More people are wearing cloth masks in public because of the CDC’s new recommendations.
Public Health wants to remind everyone that the masks are not a substitute for staying six feet away from others.
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Get answers to your Coronavirus questions by calling the COVID-19 Hotline toll-free at 1-844-542-8201.
Other resources:
Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected - Arizona Governor's Executive Order
Additional Guidance on Essential Services
Flexible Food Item & Sale of Goods at Restaurants - Governor's Executive Order
Governor Ducey Announces 90-Day Free Trial for restaurants, Bars Impacted by COVID-19
New Assistance to Support AZ Small Businesses
 Click here or on image to enlarge.
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