Final answer:
Upon observing food safety violations, the regulatory authority's first step should be to issue a warning, allowing the establishment to correct the issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the regulatory authority sees food safety violations during an inspection, the appropriate first step is to issue a warning. This immediate action allows the establishment to address and correct the violations. The authority might also provide instructions or a timeframe within which the establishment must comply with food safety regulations. Only in severe cases where the public health is in imminent danger would they consider closing the establishment without prior warning. It is not customary to notify the media as a first step, nor to immediately submit a detailed report without first alerting the establishment of the violations found. Additionally, the regulatory authority should submit a detailed report documenting the findings of the inspection and any actions taken.