Administrative proceedings

(a) The Uniform Rules of Practice for the Department of Agriculture promulgated in subpart H of part 1, subtitle A, title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, are the Rules of Practice applicable to adjudicating administrative proceedings under section 12(c) of the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1041).

(b) In addition to the proceedings set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, the Administrator, at any time prior to the issuance of a complaint seeking a civil penalty under the Act may enter into a stipulation with any person, in accordance with the following prescribed conditions:

(1) The Administrator gives notice of an apparent violation of the Act or the regulations issued thereunder by such person and affords such person an opportunity for a hearing regarding the matter as provided by the Act;

(2) Such person expressly waives hearing and agrees to a specified order including an agreement to pay a specified civil penalty within a designated time; and

(3) The Administrator agrees to accept the specified civil penalty in settlement of the particular matter involved if it is paid within the designated time.

(4) If the specified penalty is not paid within the time designated in such stipulation, the amount of the stipulated penalty shall not be relevant in any respect to the penalty that may be assessed after the institution of a formal administrative proceeding pursuant to the Uniform Rules of Practice, Subpart H, Part 1, Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations.

[64 FR 40738, July 28, 1999, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 2004]