What actions do IPP take when they find a zero tolerance failure during poultry or livestock zero tolerance verification tasks?

• A. Notify the establishment that a zero-tolerance noncompliance with 9 CFR 310.18(1) (livestock) or 9 CFR 381.65(f) (poultry) exists and document the noncompliance on an NR
• B. Only notify the establishment
• C. Issue a recall immediately
• D. End inspection and suspend the establishment

Answer: (A)

When a zero-tolerance verification finds a failure, the action is to formally notify the establishment that a zero-tolerance noncompliance exists and to document the finding on a Noncompliance Report (NR). This combination ensures there’s clear, official communication to the establishment about the issue and a permanent record for enforcement and follow-up. The NR creates a traceable documentation trail that FSIS can reference for corrective actions and any further regulatory steps.

Simply notifying the establishment without documentation leaves no official record. Issuing a recall isn’t something the IPP initiates on the spot for a verification finding, and ending inspection or suspending the establishment is an extreme step reserved for more severe or ongoing noncompliance. The proper process is to notify and to document the noncompliance formally.