What must occur when pesticide residues exceed permissible tolerances during lab analysis?

When pesticide residues exceed permissible tolerances during lab analysis, it is crucial to ensure public safety and regulatory compliance. This scenario necessitates that the shipment be seized and a hold order issued. The process of seizing the shipment is a protective measure aimed at preventing any potential harm to consumers and the environment. This action allows authorities to investigate the source of the violation, assess the extent of the problem, and determine appropriate remedial actions.

This course of action is in line with regulatory frameworks that dictate how to handle products that do not meet safety standards. It also provides a clear chain of custody for the affected products while ensuring that no harmful products reach the market.

In contrast, selling the shipment immediately, marking it for research use only, or returning it to the supplier do not adequately address the risk posed by non-compliant pesticide levels. These alternatives lack the necessary regulatory response to prevent potential exposure to hazardous substances.