Final answer:
Quality standards for items produced by an independent operation are set by industry organizations or regulatory bodies such as the FDA or ISO.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quality standards for items produced by an independent operation are typically set by industry organizations or regulatory bodies. These standards ensure that the products meet certain quality criteria and are safe for consumers. For example, in the food industry, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets standards for food safety and quality.
Some industries may also have international standards set by organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) which provides guidelines for quality management systems across different countries and industries.
Implementing and maintaining these standards is important to ensure consistency and reliability in the products produced by independent operations.