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Handwashing scam plagues Hastings restaurants


(8/24/2006) By Robert Price The city of Hastings is warning of a new scam trying to clean–up on "employees must wash hands" posters. A mass–mailing is circulating among local restaurants claiming health inspectors will fine them if they do not post specific “employee hand–washing” signs, which they are conveniently selling for 1995.

Hastings health inspectors say the letter is a scam and that they routinely hand out free signs to restaurants.

“These signs are available free of charge,” said Hastings Restaurant Inspector Barbara Samson. “It is incredibly important to have your employees wash their hands. I am all for signs. It is just you should not have to pay $19.95 for them.”

The letters come from a group that calls itself the Food Service Compliance Center. An organization does not exist. The Nebraska Attorney general is now investigating the scam.
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