What is a crucial action that inspectors must take regarding samples?

Collecting representative samples for testing is a crucial action for inspectors because it ensures that the results obtained reflect the overall quality and condition of the entire batch of peanuts. This practice is essential for maintaining the integrity of the inspection process, as it allows for accurate assessments of factors such as contamination, quality assurance, and compliance with safety standards.

When inspectors take samples, they need to ensure that these samples adequately represent the whole lot. This involves using proper techniques and adhering to established protocols for collecting and handling samples. By doing so, inspectors can make informed decisions based on reliable data, which ultimately helps in identifying potential issues and ensuring the safety of the peanuts entering the market.

In contrast, immediately discarding non-compliant samples could lead to overlooking important problems that need to be addressed. Selecting only the highest quality peanuts does not necessarily reflect the standards required for all peanuts in a batch, and storing samples at room temperature may not preserve their condition for proper testing, which can compromise the integrity of the results.