USDA Foods Resources

The FNS Food Safety division monitors food safety recalls and complaints about USDA Foods, and coordinates with food safety partners in the resolution of complaints that may present a food safety concern. This page provides resources for such complaints as well as product recall information for state distributing agencies participating in USDA’s food distribution programs.

For food related health concerns contact your Department of Public Health.

Hold & Recall Procedures

• USDA Preparedness and Response Recall Videos and Checklist for State and Recipient Agencies
• USDA State Emergency Notification System (SENS)
  SENS is a tool that allows state agencies to rapidly communicate critical food recall information to recipient agencies so they can remove contaminated food from distribution.
• Responding to a Food Recall
  This document provides an overview of the recall process for USDA Foods with a focus on school meals programs.
• White Paper: Food Safety Enforcement and Inspection Actions and Terminology
  This resource provides an overview of basic food safety enforcement terminology used by the Food Safety and Inspection Service that may impact school distributing agencies, school food authorities, and processors of USDA- regulated meat, poultry, and egg products. A variety of resources are provided at the end of the white paper for readers who would like additional information.
• Latest Recall Information
  This service from FoodSafety.gov lists recalls of all foods within the U.S.

WBSCM Guidance and Complaints

• FNS WBSCM Information
• File a Complaint in WBSCM
• Contact the Office of Food Safety

Consumer Complaints Outside of USDA Foods

• Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) - Contact the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) for food safety complaints involving meat, poultry or egg products.
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - Contact the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food safety complaints involving any food product other than meat, poultry, or egg products.