Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

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: Amy Bell | abell@cde.ca.gov | 800-952-5609 
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Related Content
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • Extended: CNAC Student Recruitment (added 14-May-2024)
    The Child Nutrition Advisory Council (CNAC) is accepting student member applications through May 21, 2024.
  • Local Agency Procurement Review List of Operators (added 10-May-2024)
    Program operators scheduled for the School Year 2024-25 off-site local agency procurement review.
  • SFSP Application Deadline is May 15 (added 09-May-2024)
    The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division would like to remind you that your summer meal application packets for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) are due May 15.
  • USDA Final Rule: School Meal Standards (added 07-May-2024)
    This information announces the release of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule for Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
  • CNAC Student Member Recruitment Reminder (added 07-May-2024)
    The California Department of Education is currently recruiting applicants for the Child Nutrition Advisory Council (CNAC) student member position.

  • Cargill Meat Solutions Recalls Ground Beef Product (added 03-May-2024)
    Cargill Meat Solutions Recalls Ground Beef Products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.
  • Summer Meals: Rural Non-congregate Meal Service (added 03-May-2024)
    This management bulletin provides guidance on rural non-congregate meal service options in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO), collectively referred to as the Summer Meal Programs (SMP).
  • Summer EBT 2024 Benefit Issuance Timeline Update (added 03-May-2024)
    This communication provides additional information for school food authorities (SFA) about the 2024 Summer EBT (S-EBT) benefit issuance timeline and provides valuable resources SFAs may use when communicating with households.
  • CNAC Student Member Recruitment (added 03-May-2024)
    The State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI) Child Nutrition Advisory Council (CNAC) is currently accepting applications for the student member position.
  • Non-congregate Meal Service Options in Rural Areas (added 29-Apr-2024)
    This management bulletin provides guidance on non-congregate meal service options in rural areas in the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option.