What should a quality manager do upon discovering that raw dairy materials have a high color value?

Choosing to collect a random sampling of products produced and compare them visually against retained samples is the most appropriate action for a quality manager upon discovering that raw dairy materials have a high color value. This approach allows for a systematic and objective evaluation of the product quality.

By comparing the current batch to retained samples, the manager can assess whether the high color value negatively impacts the product’s quality, safety, or consumer acceptance. This method leverages data and visual analysis to ascertain the significance of the color discrepancy and guides any necessary decision-making regarding production or further testing.

This action also aligns with quality assurance protocols, which emphasize the importance of assessing the overall impact of any variances in materials on the final product. It's critical to have a clear understanding of whether the high color value is an anomaly or indicative of a larger issue before deciding on the next steps such as discarding or modifying specifications.

Other approaches, such as tasting the product or immediately discarding it, lack the rigor of a systematic quality check. Informing upper management to change the specification without conducting a thorough evaluation could lead to unnecessary alterations that may not be warranted based on the findings.