When FSIS receives a sample result positive for STEC in raw beef product, what action should IPP verify?

When a sample result indicates the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in raw beef products, it is crucial for the Inspection Personnel (IPP) to ensure that the establishment takes immediate and effective action to control the affected product. The correct answer highlights the importance of IPP verifying that the establishment maintains control of the contaminated product.

This step is essential because maintaining control prevents the affected product from further entering the food supply, thus minimizing potential health risks to consumers. The establishment must implement measures to either keep the product segregated or properly manage it to prevent distribution. This process helps to ensure food safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Other actions, while important in different contexts, do not directly address the immediate need for controlling the affected product. For instance, issuing a noncompliance record or contacting the supervisory chain for a recall might be necessary steps later, but they do not provide the immediate verification of control over the affected product itself. Similarly, retaining the product with a U.S. Retained tag is a method of identification but does not encompass the broader responsibility of ensuring that the establishment actively maintains control and addresses the contamination issue effectively.