Except as provided in 42 U.S.C. 1786(o)(2) and 7 C.F.R. 246.18(a)(2) and 246.18(a)(3)(iii), the participation of a local WIC agency or authorized WIC vendor in the WIC program may continue during an administrative appeal. Except as provided in 42 U.S.C. 1786(o)(2) and 7 C.F.R. 246.18(a)(2) and 246.18(a)(3)(iii), the adverse action shall become effective upon issuance of a final agency decision pursuant to G.S. 150B-36 which upholds the adverse action.