The Office of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit (OIEA) conducts surveillance and investigation of regulated and in-commerce meat, poultry and egg products facilities; investigation of foodborne illness outbreaks; response to natural disaster and intentional contamination events; execution and application of enforcement of FSIS criminal, civil and administrative sanctions and authorities; verification that state meat and poultry programs are conducted in a manner at least equal to the federal program; and verification that meat, poultry and egg products imported into the United States are produced under equivalent standards. OIEA is also responsible for defending the Agency before third parties concerning complaints of discrimination, appeals of adverse actions and unfair labor practice charges.