How to Respond When the Health Inspector Calls

Even if you follow a food safety plan and schedule regular cleanings, a visit from the inspector can be stressful. Here are some tips to make the visit smoother and more productive if the Health Inspector Calls.

Keep in mind that you are all part of the same team.

Keep in mind that you are part of the same team. Although it can seem as though restaurant managers and health inspectors are in a adversarial relationship at times, the truth is that they both work towards the same goal. Both of you want to ensure that patrons can enjoy food and drinks in a safe, healthy environment. You don’t have to view the visit as a hassle. Instead, you could gain valuable information that can be used to improve your business processes. Take a look at these photos of a disgusting restaurant on Food Network’s Health Inspector with Ben Vaughn, and you can see how it looks before you go.

Always be polite and professional Health Inspector Calls

Professionalism and politeness are important. You may disagree with the inspector’s findings during the inspection. These situations should not be handled by you arguing with them or asking questions about their performance. Keep calm and collected. Keep in mind that they are trying their best to complete their job. Inspections may be subjective.

You should not use confrontational or professional language if you wish to dispute something on the inspection report. You might be able reach a mutually beneficial agreement if you show some respect.

Show a willingness and ability to solve any Health Inspector Calls problem immediately

Show a willingness and ability to fix any issues immediately. If your employees continue to violate the food safety standards, it could indicate that they are not following them. Show the inspector your improvement plan and let them know that you are aware of the problem.

Get involved and be proactive

Get involved and be proactive. You can take advantage of the opportunity to serve on local committees and boards. This will give you the opportunity to influence regulations and interact directly with health inspectors in another capacity. You will be better able to adapt if you are informed about the most recent and proposed changes to food safety and health rules.

Share your food safety plans.

Please share your food safety plans. Take the time to discuss your modified plans with your food inspector as new regulations and rules are introduced. The free exchange of ideas can help everyone improve and learn. The inspector will learn about strategies you have used and can share them with other restaurants that are seeking solutions. The inspector can also provide helpful feedback to make your life easier.

Allow the inspector to share their findings with your employees.

Let the inspector give their findings to your employees. Food safety is ultimately about a competent staff that takes pride in their work and strives to make safe and delicious food. They will be open to learning more about the areas that need improvement and listening to constructive suggestions. To help them understand where improvements are needed, involve them in the process by having them speak with the inspector directly.

You should prepare for a visit from a health inspector by practicing good food safety, and maintaining a clean kitchen and preparation area. You will not only protect your customers but you’ll also be able to avoid a stressful visit by the health department. This could lead to violations or even a total shut down. Make sure you have a food safety plan and that all employees follow it.