[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 7, Volume 4]

[Revised as of January 1, 2006]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 7CFR246.21]



[Page 394]

 

                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE

 

    CHAPTER II--FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

 

PART 246_SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS AND 

CHILDREN--Table of Contents

 

                     Subpart F_Monitoring and Review

 

Sec. 246.21  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 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 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.