Book excerpt: Over the past few years, several food recalls, such as for beef and peanut products, have affected schools. It is especially important that recalls affecting schools be carried out efficiently and effectively because young children have a higher risk of complications from food-borne illnesses. This report determined how federal agencies: (1) notified states and schools about food recalls; (2) advised states and schools about disposal and reimbursement of recalled food; and (3) ensured that recalls were being carried out effectively. To do this, the author interviewed officials from 23 school districts that had experience with at least one of four recent cases involving the safety of food in the school lunch program. Includes recommendations. Illustrations.