Which is a recommended action regarding policy questions while performing HAV?

• A. Use the Meat and Poultry Hazards and Controls Guide as an aid
• B. Ask the establishment for additional documents and explanation
• C. Discuss policy questions with your supervisor and utilize askFSIS for policy questions when needed
• D. Notify your supervisor even in clear cases of noncompliance

Answer: (C)

When you encounter policy questions during HAV, you should bring the issue to your supervisor and use AskFSIS for policy questions when needed. This approach ensures you get an official, current policy interpretation and a documented, consistent stance to follow. Your supervisor can clarify any ambiguity and guide you to the proper resources, and AskFSIS provides direct access to policy experts who can answer questions and maintain a reliable reference for future audits or inspections.

Using the guide alone can aid your understanding, but it isn’t the official policy source. Asking the establishment for extra documents doesn’t provide an authoritative policy interpretation, and focusing on noncompliance issues without consulting the official policy channel can lead to inconsistent decisions.