When a USDA commodity may be dangerous or has not been made according to USDA’s bid specifications, USDA may place it on hold. Temporary holds allow for further testing of the questionable product. The Commodity Distribution Unit (CDU) will inform all recipient agencies (RAs) by e-mail message and posting of information on the OKDHS Web site of any temporary holds. The notice will give the product name and contract number. If the recipient agency (RA) has removed the commodity from its original carton, all of that product on hand is held until further notice. The contract number and pack date should be recorded on the inventory record for any item removed from the original container. The recipient agency (RA)does not destroy or use the product until the Commodity Distribution Unit (CDU) authorizes them to do so.

Recalls are generally the result of a commodity:

• not meeting USDA’s bid specifications
• contamination
• infestation
• other health or safety concerns

USDA initiates all recalls. The Commodity Distribution Unit (CDU) notifies recipient agencies (RAs) by e-mail message of recalls and instructs them in the disposal of the products and provides information regarding the basis for recall. If destruction of the commodity is chosen, recipient agencies (RAs) may have to send proof, such as a certification from a landfill site or the USDA issued form for verification of destruction that will be placed on the OKDHS Web site.

Recipient agencies (RAs) follow the specific directions of the Commodity Distribution Unit (CDU) before any commodity is destroyed. Recipient agencies (RAs) are responsible for storing commodities correctly once they are received. Failure to do so may result in spoilage and an unsafe product. When a loss is caused by negligence, the Commodity Distribution Unit (CDU) may file a claim against the recipient agency (RA) for the loss at the current USDA purchase price.

A link to recalls that affect Oklahoma will be posted on the on the Commodities Distribution Unit page.