Ealing council has warned UK café owners to double check the credentials of visiting food safety officials, after a woman claiming to be from the Environmental Safety and Health department told the owner of a local noodle bar that he could receive a health and safety certificate in return for cash.
The bogus council official inspected the premises and then threatened the owner that if payment was not offered immediately, he could face a fine at a later point.
A phone call to the council from the suspicious noodle bar manager confirmed that she was bogus.
A spokesman from Ealing council told the This is Ealing news: “The council’s policy on visiting any premises, business or residential, is that officials must always present their photo identification badge automatically.
“There is a phone number on the ID that can be called to verify the identity of the visitor.”
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData