The state Department of Health is alerting food establishments that a woman with dark hair recently impersonated a health inspector.

The woman went into Whole Foods Kahala on Thursday, claimed to be a Department of Health inspector, and started questioning an employee about the store’s food products.  

But when a Whole Foods staff member requested an ID and credentials, she left.

In the aftermath of this impersonation, the Department of Health is reminding the food service industry that DOH badges contain the inspector’s name, job title, expiration date and photograph of the inspector. A manager can examine the badge or call the Food Safety Branch (808-586-8000) to verify the person’s identity. Food establishments can refuse entry if the “inspector” cannot provide a valid DOH ID badge.

Also, inspectors always carry equipment to conduct their inspections. "An inspector would likely have a thermometer/thermocouple, sanitizer test strips, alcohol swabs, flashlight, inspection reports (printed or accessible on their work-issued iPad), and blank placards," according to DOH.