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Commodity Hold and Recall Process

Nutrition Services Division Management Bulletin

To: All School Nutrition Program Sponsors, County Superintendents of Schools, Diocesan Superintendents of Schools

Number: 01-410

Attention: Food Services Directors

Date: November 2001

Subject: Commodity Hold and Recall Process
Reference: United States Department of Agriculture DA Bulletin Number ALL-2001-01

This management bulletin provides updated information regarding the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) process for handling commodity holds and recalls. The Commodity Hold and Recall process is used when a food safety issue is raised about a USDA commodity. The process does not relieve vendors of their responsibility for replacement and reimbursement of recalled products.

The Commodity Hold and Recall process was jointly developed by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Attached is a summary of the new process, which became effective August 1, 2001.

If you suspect a food safety issue, please contact FNS immediately through their commodity complaint hotline at 1-800-446-6991. You may also contact the Food Administration Unit at 1-800-952-5609, or your local health department.

Attachment

Commodity Hold and Recall Process at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/fd/holdrecallchart.asp

Questions:   Food Distribution Program | 916-324-7132
Last Reviewed: Thursday, March 6, 2025
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