FSC 8940/8960 

METRIC 

A-A-20369 

May 17, 2023 

COMMERCIAL ITEM DESCRIPTION

PLANT-BASED NON-DAIRY BEVERAGES

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has authorized

the use of this Commercial Item Description (CID).

1. SCOPE. This CID covers plant-based non-dairy beverages (non-dairy beverages), packed in 

commercially acceptable containers, suitable for use by Federal, State, local governments, and 

other interested parties. Please note: This document does not guarantee purchase of this 

item by USDA.1

2. PURCHASER NOTES.

2.1 Purchasers must specify the following: 

• Type(s), subtype(s), flavor(s), nutrient content claim(s), sweetener(s), distribution 

requirement(s), package type(s) and agricultural practice(s) (Sec. 3).

• When compliance with analytical requirements must be verified (Sec. 7.2). 

• Manufacturer’s/distributor’s certification (Sec. 10.3) or USDA certification (Sec. 10.4).

2.2 Purchasers may specify the following: 

• Food Defense (Sec. 10.1) and Manufacturer’s Quality Assurance (Sec. 10.2). Purchaser may 

specify one of the following combinations: Sec. 10.1.1 with 10.2.1 or 10.1.2 with 10.2.2. 

• Packaging requirements other than commercial (Sec. 11). 

3. CLASSIFICATION. The non-dairy beverages must conform to the following list which 

must be specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order.

1 USDA purchase specifications are available at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food/product-specs.
A-A-20369 

2 

Types, subtypes, flavors, nutrient content claims, sweeteners, distribution requirements, 

package types and agricultural practices.2

Type I - Cereal-based

Subtype A - Oat

Subtype B - Rice

Subtype C - Corn

Subtype D - Wheat

Subtype E - Barley

Subtype F - Spelt

Subtype G - Other (as specified by purchaser) 

Type II - Nut-based

Subtype A - Almond 

Subtype B - Coconut 

Subtype C - Hazelnut

Subtype D - Walnut

Subtype E - Pistachio

Subtype F - Cashew

Subtype G - Macadamia

Subtype H - Other (as specified by purchaser) 

Type III - Legume-based

Subtype A - Soy 

Subtype B - Peanut

Subtype C - Pea

Subtype D - Other (as specified by purchaser) 

Type IV - Seed-based

Subtype A - Flax 

Subtype B - Sesame

Subtype C - Sunflower 

Subtype D - Hemp

Subtype E - Other (as specified by purchaser) 

Type V - Pseudo-cereal-based

Subtype A - Quinoa 

Subtype B - Teff

Subtype C - Amaranth

Subtype D - Other (as specified by purchaser) 

2 Not all options are available from every manufacturer. Check with the manufacturer/distributor for availability. 
A-A-20369

3

Type VI - Two or more blended

Type VII - Other (as specified by purchaser)

Flavor 1 - Original/plain

Flavor 2 - Vanilla

Flavor 3 - Chocolate

Flavor 4 - Other (as specified by purchaser)

Nutrient content claim a - Low sodium

Nutrient content claim b - Reduced sodium

Nutrient content claim c - Low fat

Nutrient content claim d - Reduced fat

Nutrient content claim e - Fortified

Nutrient content claim f - Gluten free

Nutrient content claim g - Other (as specified by the purchaser)

Sweetener (1) - Nutritive sweetener (sugar, cane syrup, etc.)

Sweetener (2) - Non-nutritive sweetener (sucralose, etc.)

Sweetener (3) - Unsweetened

Distribution requirement (a) - Shelf stable (aseptically processed and packaged)

Distribution requirement (b) - Refrigerated (pasteurized/ultra-pasteurized)

Package type (i) - Plastic bottle

Package type (ii) - Glass bottle

Package type (iii) - Can

Package type (iv) - Aseptic carton/pouch

Package type (v) - Bag-in-box

Package type (vi) - Other (as specified by the purchaser)

Agricultural practice (aa) - Conventional

Agricultural practice (bb) - Organic

4. MANUFACTURER’S/DISTRIBUTOR’S NOTES. Manufacturer’s/distributor’s 

products must meet the requirements of the:

• Processing guidelines (Sec. 5).

• Salient characteristics (Sec. 6).

• Analytical requirements: as specified by the purchaser (Sec. 7).

• Manufacturer’s/distributor’s product assurance (Sec. 8).

• Regulatory requirements (Sec. 9).
A-A-20369

4

• Quality assurance provisions: as specified by the purchaser (Sec. 10).

• Packaging requirements other than commercial: as specified by the purchaser (Sec. 11).

5. PROCESSING GUIDELINES.

5.1 Processing. The non-dairy beverages must be processed in accordance with Current Good 

Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food

(21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 117). The shelf stable non-dairy beverages must be 

hermetically sealed and thermally processed to ensure commercial sterility.

5.2 Pasteurization. The manufacture of non-dairy beverages must be subjected to such 

temperatures and holding periods in approved systems as will assure proper pasteurization or 

ultra-pasteurization of the product. The heat treatment by either process will be sufficient to 

ensure public health safety and to assure adequate keeping quality yet retain the most desirable 

flavor and body characteristics of the finished product.

5.3 Shelf stable. The shelf stable non-dairy beverages must be subjected to sufficient heat 

processing and packaged in a hermetically sealed container, to conform to the applicable 

requirements of 21 CFR Parts 108, 113, and 117 to maintain the commercial sterility of the nondairy beverages under normal non-refrigerated conditions.

5.4 Food defense. The non-dairy beverages must be processed and transported in accordance 

with Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food Against Intentional Adulteration (21 CFR Part 121).

This regulation identifies the kinds of preventive measures food manufacturers, processors, or 

handlers may take to minimize the risk that food under their control will be subject to tampering 

or other malicious, criminal, or terrorist actions. The implementation of enhanced food defense

preventive measures provides for the security of a plant’s production processes and includes the 

storage and transportation of pre-production raw materials, other ingredients, and postproduction finished product.

5.5 Organic ingredients. When organic non-dairy beverages are specified in the solicitation, 

contract, or purchase order, they must be produced, handled, and labeled in accordance with the 

USDA organic regulations by an operation that is certified organic in accordance with the 

requirements of the National Organic Program (7 CFR Part 205). A Certificate of Organic 

Production or Handling must be provided to verify that the product was processed and handled in 

accordance with the USDA organic regulations.

5.6 Temperature. Once the refrigerated non-dairy beverages are packaged, they must be 

maintained at a temperature greater than 0°C (32°F) but not more than 7°C (45°F).
A-A-20369 

5 

5.7 Shelf life. Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order, the 

refrigerated non-dairy beverages must have a remaining shelf life of at least three months from

the date of manufacturing when stored at 7°C (45°F). The shelf stable non-dairy beverages must 

have a remaining shelf life of at least six months from the date of manufacturing. 

6. SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS.

6.1 Definitions.

6.1.1 Low sodium. The low sodium non-dairy beverages must comply with all applicable 

Federal regulations including those contained in 21 CFR §101.61(b)(4). 

6.1.2 Reduced sodium. The reduced sodium non-dairy beverages must comply with all 

applicable Federal regulations including those contained in 21 CFR §101.61(b)(6). 

6.1.3 Low fat. The low fat non-dairy beverages must comply with all applicable Federal 

regulations including those contained in 21 CFR §101.62(b)(2). 

6.1.4 Reduced fat. The reduced fat non-dairy beverages must comply with all applicable 

Federal regulations including those contained in 21 CFR §101.62(b)(4). 

6.1.5 Fortified. The fortified non-dairy beverages must comply with all applicable Federal 

regulations including those contained in 21 CFR §104.20 and 21 CFR Part 101. If products are

used for National School Lunch Program, they must comply with all applicable Federal 

regulations including those contained in 7 CFR §210.10 (d)(3). 

6.1.6 Gluten free. The gluten free non-dairy beverages must comply with all applicable Federal 

regulations including those contained in 21 CFR §101.91. 

6.1.7 Sweetener. The sweetened non-dairy beverages must comply with all applicable Federal 

regulations including those contained in 21 CFR Part 168. 

6.2 Labeling. All ingredients must be declared by their common or usual name in descending 

order of predominance by weight (21 CFR §101.4) unless exempted by 21 CFR §101.100. 

6.3 Ingredients.

6.3.1 Raw ingredients. The ingredients used to produce the non-dairy beverages must be the 

latest season's crop, and be properly mature, wholesome, and clean.

6.3.2 Additional processing ingredients. When used, all additional ingredients must meet the 

standards specified in the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) or, in the absence of FCC specification 
A-A-20369 

6 

at a minimum, meet the specifications for quality set by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)-National 

Formulary. The additional ingredients must be approved food additives (21 CFR Part 170) or 

meet Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) requirements (21 CFR Parts 182 and 184) for those 

uses by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

6.4 Finished product.

6.4.1 Flavor and odor. The non-dairy beverages must have appropriate characteristic flavors 

and odors. There must be no foreign flavors or odors such as, but not limited to, burnt, scorched, 

stale, rancid, musty, or moldy. 

6.4.2 Color. The non-dairy beverages must be uniformly colored throughout and characterized 

by the type and/or flavor it represents. 

6.5 Defects and foreign material. The ingredients used to produce the non-dairy beverages

that have Defect Action Levels must not exceed those tolerances specified in 21 CFR §117.110. 

All other ingredients must be clean, sound, wholesome, and free from foreign material including 

but not limited to extraneous plant material, dirt, plastic, wood, metal, and evidence of insect or 

rodent infestation. 

6.6 Aflatoxin testing. All USDA certified non-dairy beverages must be tested by USDA, 

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Science and Technology Program (S&T) for aflatoxin. 

The aflatoxin content of the finished product will not be greater than 20 parts per billion (ppb) as 

evidenced by an AMS, USDA certificate. When non-dairy beverages are certified by the 

manufacturer, a Certificate of Analysis as verification of aflatoxin testing will be provided by the 

manufacturer. The aflatoxin content of the finished product must not be greater than 20 ppb. 

7. ANALYTICAL REQUIREMENTS.

7.1 Analytical and microbiological requirements. Unless otherwise specified in the 

solicitation, contract or purchase order, the following analytical and microbiological 

requirements for the non-dairy beverages must conform to those in Table I: 
A-A-20369 

7 

TABLE I. Analytical and microbiological requirements

Test Requirement

Sodium Must not exceed the limit specified by the 

purchaser in the solicitation, contract, or 

purchase order.

Fat Must not exceed the limit specified by the 

purchaser in the solicitation, contract, or 

purchase order.

Aflatoxin Less than 20 ppb 

Salmonella Must be negative 

Escherichia coli (E. coli) Less than 3 Colony Forming Units (CFU) per 

gram (g) or Most Probable Number (MPN) 

per g3

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) Must be negative 

7.2 Analytical verification. Purchaser must specify manufacturer’s/distributor’s certification 

(Sec. 10.3) or USDA certification (Sec. 10.4). 

7.3 USDA verification procedures. When USDA certification (Sec. 10.4) is specified in the 

solicitation, contract, or purchase order, analytical testing must be performed as follows.

7.3.1 Product verification sampling. When USDA verification of analytical requirements is 

specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order, analytical testing must be performed on 

subsamples of packages randomly selected from the lot. The number of subsamples must be 

based on USDA inspection service sampling procedures and plans (7 CFR §52.38). The contents 

of each will be used to create a composite sample that will be used in the analytical testing.

7.3.2 Analytical testing and reporting. When specified in the solicitation, contract, or 

purchase order, the analyses must be made in accordance with the following methods from the 

Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC) International Official Methods of 

Analysis (OMA) or as specified in Table II. Any result not conforming to the analytical 

requirements may be cause for rejection of the lot.

3 Findings indicate zero colonies (CFU) per plate or zero tubes producing gas for MPN.
A-A-20369 

8 

TABLE II. Analytical and microbiological testing and reporting

Test Method Reported as

Sodium AOAC 963.09, 985.35, 2011.14, or 2015.06 Nearest 0.1 percent

Fat AOAC 932.06, 983.23, 996.06, or 2008.06 Nearest 0.1 percent

Aflatoxin AOAC 991.31 or 998.03 Nearest 1 ppb

Salmonella AOAC 967.26, 967.28, 996.08, 2003.09, 

2004.03, 2011.03, 2011.17, 2013.09, or BAM 

Ch. 54

Must be reported as 

positive or negative 

E. coli AOAC 991.14, 2011.17, or BAM Ch. 44 Must be reported as 

positive or negative 

L. monocytogenes AOAC 2003.12, 2013.11, 2016.08, or BAM 

Ch. 104 

Must be reported as 

positive or negative 

8. MANUFACTURER’S/DISTRIBUTOR’S PRODUCT ASSURANCE. The manufacturer/ 

distributor must certify that the non-dairy beverages provided meet the salient characteristics of 

this CID, conform to their own specifications, standards, and quality assurance practices, and be 

the same non-dairy beverages offered for sale in the commercial market. The purchaser reserves 

the right to require proof of conformance. 

9. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. The delivered non-dairy beverages must comply 

with all applicable Federal, State, and local mandatory requirements and regulations relating to 

the preparation, packaging, labeling, storage, distribution, and sale of the non-dairy beverages in 

the commercial marketplace. Delivered non-dairy beverages must comply with all applicable 

provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act, the Fair Packaging and 

Labeling Act, Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), and regulations 

promulgated thereunder. The allergen statement must be provided in a format which complies 

with FALCPA for any product which contains wheat, fish, milk, soy, tree nuts, eggs, peanuts, 

sesame, and Crustacean shellfish or those in effect on the date of the solicitation, contract, or 

purchase order. When the non-dairy beverages are used for the Child Nutrition Programs, the 

non-dairy beverages must comply with all applicable provisions of those programs.

4

 8th Edition, FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) or the FDA BAM Online is available at https://www.fda.gov/food/laboratorymethods-food/bacteriological-analytical-manual-bam.
A-A-20369 

9 

10. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS. Purchaser must specify 10.3 or 10.4. 

Purchaser may specify one of the following combinations: 10.1.1 with 10.2.1 or 10.1.2 with 

10.2.2. 

10.1 Food defense. When required in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order, a Food 

Defense Systems Survey (FDSS) or audit must be conducted by USDA, AMS, Specialty Crops 

Program (SCP), Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division. Food defense requirements include 

a documented and operational food defense plan that provides for the security of a plant’s 

production processes and includes the storage and transportation of pre-production raw materials 

and other ingredients and post-production finished product. The plan must address the following 

areas: (1) food security plan management; (2) outside and inside security of the production and 

storage facilities; (3) processing, including all raw material sources; (4) shipping and receiving; 

(5) storage; (6) water and ice supply; (7) mail handling; (8) personnel security; and (9) 

transportation, shipping, and receiving. 

10.1.1 FDSS. When required in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order, a FDSS must be 

conducted by USDA, AMS, SCP, SCI Division. The FDSS verifies that operators of food 

establishments have implemented measures to minimize the risk of tampering or other criminal 

actions against the food under their control. An AMS FDSS verifies the participating company’s 

adherence to Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food Against Intentional Adulteration (21 CFR 

Part 121). 

10.1.2 Food defense section of the Plant Systems Audit (PSA). When required in the 

solicitation, contract, or purchase order, a food defense audit will be conducted as part of the 

PSA. The audit will be conducted by USDA, AMS, SCP, SCI Division auditors. This verifies 

that operators of food establishments have implemented measures to minimize the risk of 

tampering or other criminal actions against the food under their control. The food defense 

section of the PSA verifies the participating company’s adherence to Mitigation Strategies to 

Protect Food Against Intentional Adulteration (21 CFR Part 121). 

10.2 Manufacturer’s quality assurance. When required in the solicitation, contract, or 

purchase order, the product manufacturer will be required to provide evidence, by certificate that 

the manufacturing plant has undertaken one of the following quality assurance measures within 

12 months prior to providing a bid or no later than 10 business days from the date of the 

awarding of the contract. Failure to provide this documentation within the proper time frame 

may result in the contract being terminated for cause.

10.2.1 Plant survey. A plant survey conducted by USDA, AMS, SCP, SCI Division is required 

within 12 months prior to the date of the awarding of the contract. The plant survey audit 

verifies that, at the time of the survey, the manufacturer produces products in a clean, sanitary 

environment in accordance with Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and 

Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food (21 CFR Part 117). 
A-A-20369 

10 

10.2.2 PSA. A PSA conducted by USDA, AMS, SCP, SCI Division is required within 12 

months prior to the date of the awarding of the contract. The PSA verifies the manufacturer’s 

capability to produce products in a clean, sanitary environment in accordance with Current Good 

Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food

(21 CFR Part 117) and verifies that the manufacturer has in place an internal quality assurance 

program that meets or exceeds USDA requirements. 

10.3 Manufacturer’s/distributor’s certification. When required in the solicitation, contract, 

or purchase order, the manufacturer/distributor must certify that the non-dairy beverages

delivered meet or exceed the requirements of this CID. The manufacturer/distributor must 

certify via a Certificate of Conformance or other adequate documentation (as specified by the 

purchaser) that the non-dairy beverages meet analytical requirements specified in Sec. 7 of this 

CID.

10.4 USDA certification. When required in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order that 

product quality and acceptability or both be determined, the USDA, AMS, SCP, SCI Division 

inspectors, must be the certifying program. SCI Division inspectors must certify the quality and 

acceptability of the non-dairy beverages in accordance with SCI Division procedures, which 

include selecting random samples of the non-dairy beverages, evaluating the samples for 

conformance with the salient characteristics and analytical requirements of this CID and other 

contractual requirements, and documenting the findings on official SCI Division score sheets 

and/or certificates. In addition, when required in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order, 

SCI Division inspectors will examine the non-dairy beverages for conformance to the Standards 

for Condition of Food Containers (7 CFR Part 42) in effect on the date of the solicitation. 

11. PACKAGING. Preservation, packaging, packing, labeling, and case marking must be 

commercial unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order.

12. USDA INSPECTION NOTES. When Sec. 10.4 is specified in the solicitation, contract, 

or purchase order, USDA certification must include evaluation of the quality and condition 

of samples of non-dairy beverages and compliance with requirements in the following 

areas:

• Processing guidelines (Sec. 5). 

• Salient characteristics (Sec. 6).

• Analytical requirements when specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order

(Sec. 7). When USDA analytical testing is specified, SCI Division inspection personnel must 

select samples and submit them to the USDA, AMS, Science and Technology Program 

(S&T) laboratory for analysis.

• Packaging requirements (Sec. 11).
A-A-20369 

11 

13. REFERENCE NOTES.

13.1 USDA services. 

13.1.1 USDA certification. For USDA certification information contact: National Program 

Mission Support, SCI Division, SCP, AMS, USDA, via E-mail: 

SCIinspectionoperations@usda.gov.

13.1.2 USDA FDSS, plant survey, and PSA. For a USDA FDSS, plant survey, and PSA 

contact the Chief, Auditing Services Branch, SCI Division, SCP, AMS, USDA, Room 1566 

South Building, STOP 0247, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-

0247, telephone (202) 720-5021, fax (866) 230-9168, or via E-mail: SCAudits@usda.gov.

13.1.3 Analytical testing and technical information. For USDA technical information on 

analytical testing, contact the Laboratory Approval and Testing Division, S&T, AMS, USDA, 

STOP 0272, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0272, telephone 

(202) 690-4089 or via E-mail: LATD@usda.gov. Samples for specified USDA analytical 

testing should be sent to the USDA, AMS, S&TP laboratory for analysis at: USDA, AMS, S&T, 

National Science Laboratory, 801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite B, Gastonia, NC 28054.

13.2 Sources of documents.

13.2.1 Sources of information for nongovernmental documents are as follows:

Copies of the AOAC International OMA may be obtained from: AOAC International, 2275 

Research Boulevard, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20850-3250, telephone (301) 924-7077. 

Internet address: https://www.aoac.org for nonmembers and https://www.eoma.aoac.org for 

members and AOAC OMA subscribers. 

Copies of the Food Chemicals Codex and U.S. Pharmacopeia may be purchased from: United 

States Pharmacopeia Convention, 12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20877, 

telephone (800) 227-8772 or (301) 881-0666, fax (301) 816-8148 or on the Internet at: 

https://www.usp.org.

13.2.2 Sources of information for governmental documents are as follows:

Applicable provisions of the Standards for Condition of Food Containers are contained in 7 CFR 

Part 42, the National Organic Program are contained in 7 CFR Part 205, the National School 

Lunch Program are contained in 7 CFR Part 210, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act are 

contained in 16 CFR Parts 500 to 503, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act are 

contained in 21 CFR Parts 1 to 199. These documents may be purchased from: Superintendent 

of Documents, New Orders, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000. Credit card 
A-A-20369 

12 

(Visa, MasterCard, Discover/NOVUS, and American Express) purchases may be made by 

calling the Superintendent of Documents at (866) 512-1800, (202) 512-1800. These 

documents may also be obtained free of charge on the Internet at: https://www.ecfr.gov/.

Copies of U.S. standards and inspection instructions for fruits, vegetables, and other specialty 

products may be obtained from: SCI Division, SCP, AMS, USDA, 100 Riverside Parkway, 

Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22406, telephone (650) 552-9073, fax (650) 552-9147, or via 

E-mail: FVSupplyDepot@usda.gov or on the Internet at: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards and https://www.ams.usda.gov/gradesstandards/how-purchase-equipment-and-visual-aids. 

Copies of the FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual are available online from: FDA, Center 

of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) on the Internet at: 

https://www.fda.gov/food/laboratory-methods-food/bacteriological-analytical-manual-bam. 

Copies of this CID and the Standards for Condition of Food Containers (7 CFR Part 42) are 

available from: Director, SCI Division, SCP, AMS, USDA, Room 1536 South Building, 

STOP 0240, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0240, via E-mail: 

CIDS@usda.gov or on the Internet at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/cids

and https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-42.
A-A-20369 

13 

CIVIL AGENCY COORDINATING ACTIVITY:

DOJ - BOP

HHS - FDA

USDA - SCP

VA - OSS

PREPARING ACTIVITY:

USDA - SCP

Non-Discrimination Policy: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations 

and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited 

from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, 

disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation 

for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and 

complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American 

Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA 

through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. 

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to 

File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the 

information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to 

USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.