When requested, must health inspectors show their photo identification and badge to the person in charge of an establishment?

Health inspectors are required to show their photo identification and badge to the person in charge of an establishment when they arrive for an inspection. This requirement is crucial for several reasons. It establishes the legitimacy of the inspector and helps ensure that the inspection process is conducted transparently and professionally. Displaying identification serves to reassure the establishment's staff that they are interacting with an authorized representative of the health department. This practice is part of the regulations governing health inspections, as it promotes accountability and trust between the health department and food service establishments.

Additionally, this protocol helps to prevent unauthorized individuals from posing as inspectors, protecting both the establishment and the public from potential fraud or misinformation. Being proactive about verifying the identity of inspectors contributes to cooperative and compliant interactions during the inspection process.