(a) If FSIS takes a withholding action or imposes a suspension, the establishment will be notified orally and, as promptly as circumstances permit, in writing. The written notification will:
- (1) State the effective date of the action(s),
- (2) Describe the reasons for the action(s),
- (3) Identify the products or processes affected by the action(s),
- (4) Provide the establishment an opportunity to present immediate and corrective action and further planned preventive action; and
- (5) Advise the establishment that it may appeal the action as provided in §§ 306.5, 381.35, and 590.310 of this chapter.
(b) The prior notification provided for in § 500.4 of this part will:
- (1) State the type of action that FSIS may take;
- (2) Describe the reason for the proposed action;
- (3) Identify the products or processes affected by the proposed action;
- (4) Advise the establishment of its right to contact FSIS to contest the basis for the proposed action or to explain how compliance has been or will be achieved; and
- (5) Advise the establishment that it will have three business days from receipt of the written notification to respond to FSIS unless the time period is extended by FSIS.
- (c) An establishment may appeal the withholding action or suspension, as provided in §§ 306.5, 381.35, and 590.310 of this chapter.
- (d) If FSIS suspends inspection and does not hold the suspension action in abeyance as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, the establishment may request a hearing pursuant to the Uniform Rules of Practice, 7 CFR Subtitle A, part 1, subpart H. Upon such request, the Administrator will file a complaint that will include a request for an expedited hearing.
- (e) FSIS may hold a suspension in abeyance and allow the establishment to operate under the conditions agreed to by FSIS and the establishment.
[64 FR 66546, Nov. 29, 1999, as amended at 85 FR 68673, Oct. 29, 2020; 85 FR 81340, Dec. 16, 2020]