ops #doh #compliance #emergency #all-staff
The DOH inspector is at the door. Read this. Now.
First 60 seconds
- [ ] Greet politely: "Welcome — I'll let our manager know you're here."
- [ ] Notify MOD IMMEDIATELY (radio, text, fetch in person)
- [ ] DO NOT pretend the inspector is a guest
- [ ] DO NOT obstruct, delay, or argue
- [ ] DO NOT clean anything you weren't already cleaning
MOD response
Whoever is the active MOD at this moment owns the inspection:
- [ ] Greet inspector by title if known
- [ ] Confirm credentials — DOH inspectors carry official ID
- [ ] Walk the inspection alongside the inspector — never leave them alone
- [ ] Take notes on EVERY item they flag
- [ ] Polite, factual, brief. NEVER argue or get defensive.
- [ ] Have these documents ready:
- [ ] Food Protection Manager Certificate (NYC DOHMH)
- [ ] Most recent permit / inspection report
- [ ] Food safety log (walk-in temps, sanitizer tests, employee health)
- [ ] Allergen training records
- [ ] Pest control service records (most recent)
- [ ] Hand wash sink signage, no-bare-hand-contact signage
During the walk
- [ ] If inspector points at something: look, acknowledge, don't deflect
- [ ] If a staff member is doing something wrong, fix it AFTER inspector moves on
- [ ] Have inspector explain unfamiliar terms — take notes
- [ ] Fix what can be fixed in real time during the walk ("Let me get that sanitizer bucket up to concentration right now.")
At the end
- [ ] Read inspection summary CAREFULLY before signing
- [ ] Ask questions on anything unclear
- [ ] Confirm score / letter grade
- [ ] Sign the report
- [ ] Get a copy
- [ ] Note re-inspection date if applicable
After inspector leaves
- [ ] DO NOT change anything visible in inspected areas for 24 hours (in case of follow-up)
- [ ] Call GM with results — same call, same day
- [ ] File the inspection report in the daily ops binder
- [ ] Brief staff at next pre-shift on what came up