Food Protection Manager (Food Safety) Certification landscape in the DMV Region.

Dear Colleagues:

I am reaching out to make you aware of a critical issue that has come to our attention in the Food Protection Manager (Food Safety) Certification landscape in the DMV Region. I believe it is important to bring this situation to everyone's attention.

ORS Interactive, Inc. has been at the forefront of providing quality hospitality and food safety training, certifying, credentialing and licensing services since 1999. Our commitment to excellence has enabled us to issue over 100,000 certifications and licenses, contributing to high standards of food safety practices in the DMV Region and other jurisdictions.

However, it has come to our notice that the integrity of Food Protection Manager (Food Safety) Certification is being compromised by fraudulent activities within the DMV Region. We have received alarming reports from our clients about entities offering to sell “official” Food Protection Manager Certifications without the necessary examination process (at prices ranging from $150 to $500 and more). This not only undermines the value of legitimate certifications but also poses a significant risk to public health and safety. Local health codes require that someone who is a Certified Food Protection Manager be designated as the PIC (Person in Charge) during all operating hours. 

As a trusted provider, we uphold the national standards set by ANSI-NAB and ensure that all our certifications are earned through proper instruction, remediation, and assessment. The process being exploited involves individuals who are familiar with the examination content, taking the test on behalf of others under false pretenses, while complicit proctors facilitate the fraud. This deceitful act is not only illegal but also short-sighted, as it could lead to catastrophic outcomes, potentially resulting in deadly foodborne illness outbreaks. The legal liabilities and risks associated with employing fraudulently certified staff are immense, as they may lack the essential knowledge and practices required to maintain stringent food safety standards.

Due to ongoing changes in workforce demographics post-pandemic, with many experienced kitchen professionals having left the industry and their positions being filled by individuals with less education and experience, the temptation to circumvent the rigorous certification process is understandable. However, it is imperative that we maintain the highest standards of food safety education and certification to protect consumers and maintain trust in our food systems.

We are urging all restaurant and foodservice industry stakeholders (operators, employees, customers and regulatory agencies) to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to Food Protection Manager (Food Safety) Certification. Together, we can preserve the integrity and value of our certifications and help ensure the safety of our food supply.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like more information.

Sincerely,

Douglas E. Adair
President
ORS Interactive Food Safety Training, Certifying, Credentialing & Licensing
400 N. Oak St, American Legion Post 130
Falls Church, VA 22046
Cell: (703) 932-6667
Land: (703) 533-7600
douglasedair@msn.com
www.orsinteractive.com