The Health Department alerted all citizens this Monday, specifically supervisors or owners of food establishments, to be alert to an unscrupulous impostor who poses as an Environmental Health inspector to collect fines for alleged deficiencies and thus avoid closure of the establishment.
The situation was notified to the agency by two business owners from the metropolitan area. According to the confidential information, the fraudulent person upon arrival at the establishment identified himself as a Health inspector, took a tour and alleged deficiencies. The man, who has not yet been identified, requested the collection of an alleged fine of $500 dollars to avoid the closure of the establishment.
Health personnel immediately notified the Puerto Rico Police Bureau for the corresponding investigation. The assistant secretary of Environmental Health, Mayra Toro, regretted the situation and thanked the merchants for prompt notification in order to put an end to the fraudulent scheme.
“For business owners, it is important that they request to see the person’s identification before allowing entry to their facilities. As part of the inspection process that we carry out, you are always given an official copy of the process that serves as evidence of the observations found. On the other hand, it is important to mention that the fines are only paid through a collector of the Department of Health,” said Toro, noting that no official is authorized to request money for fines by check, cash or mobile ath transfers.
In addition, he assured that all inspectors from the Department of Health are always properly identified with their credentials. Likewise, he stressed that the inspection process, “means a follow-up period for the deficiencies found to be corrected.” Similarly, he stressed that the imposition of fines is awarded after completing a process of administrative hearings “and that it is not immediate.
Environmental Health inspectors are in charge of implementing and supervising the laws and regulations established to protect public health in Puerto Rico. They inspect both fixed and ambulatory food places, food factories, dairy farms, milk pasteurizing plants, warehouses, among others. Similarly, they investigate complaints related to pet bites and take samples of water, milk and food for bacteriological and chemical analysis. Likewise, they execute embargoes and confiscations of food unfit for human consumption, just to mention some of their contributions in the Department.
The official recommended that all people who need to carry out an inspection procedure to request it through the portal.
