The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch reported an incident involving a woman impersonating a health inspector at Whole Foods Market in Kahala Mall. The event occurred on November 7, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., when the woman, described as having dark hair, approached a store employee and began inquiring about the food products.
Upon being asked for further identification and credentials by the Whole Foods staff, the woman exited the premises.
The DOH has issued a reminder to all food establishments regarding verification of identity for anyone claiming to be a DOH employee. "DOH urges all food establishments to make sure that any person identifying themselves as a DOH employee have an official DOH identification badge with a valid expiration date. Please do not hesitate to ask for proper identification if it is not prominently displayed on the employee."
The DOH Food Safety Branch is responsible for protecting and promoting health through education and regulation within Hawai‘i's food industry. This includes conducting routine inspections of locations where food is prepared, manufactured, distributed, or sold.
For more information on the department’s placarding program or to view restaurant inspection reports, visit their respective websites.