[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 4]
[Revised as of January 1, 2005]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR247.16]

[Page 418]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
    CHAPTER II--FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
PART 247_COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 247.16  Investigations.

    (a) Authority. The Department may make an investigation of any 
allegation of noncompliance with this part. The investigation may 
include, where appropriate, a review of pertinent practices and policies 
of any State or 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 or local agency has failed to 
comply with the requirements of this part.
    (b) Confidentiality. No State or local agency, participant, or other 
person shall intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any 
individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege 
under this part because the individual has made a complaint or formal 
allegation, or 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 purpose of this part, including the conduct 
of any investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding.