CCD Issues Administrative Hold on Bluebonnet Labs-Tested Products: Uncertainty Looms for License Holders
February 14, 2025 – The CCD has placed an administrative hold—not a recall—on all products tested by Bluebonnet Labs, LLC, following concerns that some products may never have been tested at the Texas-based facility. This raises serious compliance questions, including the potential shipment of restricted products across state lines over the past year. The hold impacts license holders statewide, leaving them with unsaleable products and a difficult choice: wait two weeks and hope for release or pay for costly retesting.
The Stakes: A Two-Week Deadline or a Costly Gamble
For now, license holders must segregate affected products while CCD investigates whether the tests actually occurred. If confirmed within two weeks, products will be released for sale. If not, this could trigger one of the largest recalls in state history.
Meanwhile, businesses are left in limbo. Retailers and producers cannot move product, creating significant financial strain. The only immediate solution is retesting, which costs $100–$250 per test—a burden that falls on either the producer or retailer. Rural businesses face even greater challenges, as sending samples to approved labs adds extra costs.
Tracking the Affected Products: A Frustrating Process
Another complication: CCD’s initial notice only included parent and sample IDs, not sublot IDs, making it difficult to identify specific packages. To track affected inventory, license holders must run a Lineage and Recall Report in BioTrack—a task that may be unfamiliar to many. Those struggling with this process can request a breakout report from CCD for faster identification.
Next Steps: Hunker Down and Get Organized
For now, this is a waiting game. Businesses must perform a full inventory check, ensure affected products are separated, and decide whether to retest or wait. While frustration is high, the focus should be on mitigating damage, staying compliant, and preparing for the CCD’s final decision.
This situation is messy—but finger-pointing can wait. Right now, license holders must focus on damage control and clearing their plates before the next wave hits.
For assistance, contact CCD at 505-476-4995 or administrativehold@rld.nm.gov.
