The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a public warning regarding a recent scam involving fraudsters impersonating FDA officers to exploit food service establishments.
These scammers reportedly claim to be investigating food poisoning incidents and use this pretext to demand access to the WhatsApp accounts of targeted businesses.
According to the FDA, the goal of these criminals is to access confidential information such as client databases or compromise the establishments’ systems. In some cases, they also extort money under false pretences.
The FDA clarified its procedures, emphasising that food poisoning investigations are treated as serious public health matters and are conducted through onsite inspections, not via phone calls.
Food vendors, restaurants, and eateries are advised to exercise caution when dealing with such calls. Suspicious communications should be reported immediately to the police or any FDA regional office.
The FDA has also reiterated that its field officers are not authorised to collect payments from clients. Establishments are urged to verify any claims by contacting the FDA directly at 0551112224/5 or via email at [email protected].
