[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 4]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR248.19]

[Page 433-434]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
    CHAPTER II--FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
PART 248--WIC FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP)--Table of Contents
 
           Subpart F--Monitoring and Review of State Agencies
 
Sec. 248.19  Investigations.

    (a) Authority. The Department may make an investigation of any 
allegation of noncompliance with this part and FNS guidelines and 
instructions. The investigation may include, where appropriate, a review 
of pertinent practices and policies of any State and local agency, the 
circumstances under which the possible noncompliance with this part 
occurred, and other factors relevant to a determination as to whether 
the State and local agency has failed to comply with the requirements of 
this part.
    (b) Confidentiality. No State or local agency, recipient, or other 
person shall

[[Page 434]]

intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual for 
the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege under this part 
because that person has made a complaint or formal allegation, or has 
testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, 
proceeding, or hearing under this part. The identity of every 
complainant shall be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to 
carry out the purposes of this part, including the conducting of any 
investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding.