When taking a sample, which statement about payment is correct?

• A. Samples need to be reimbursed at cost/reasonable price
• B. Samples can be taken without consent of establishment
• C. Samples must be paid for by the establishment
• D. No payment is required

Answer: (A)

Paying for samples at cost or a reasonable price keeps the sampling process fair and unbiased. When public health staff collect samples during an inspection, the agency should reimburse the true cost of obtaining and handling the sample, rather than assigning that expense to the establishment or to some inflated amount. This approach prevents the establishment from bearing the cost of testing, supports cooperation, and avoids any perception that payment could influence the results. The other statements miss this fairness principle: sampling typically requires appropriate consent or authority, and simply charging the establishment or waiving payment ignores the real costs involved in sampling.