AMSC N/A FSC 8960 

 

 METRIC

 A-A-20332D 

 May 13, 2014 

 SUPERSEDING

 A-A-20332C 

 May 3, 2007 

COMMERCIAL ITEM DESCRIPTION

WATER, DRINKING, EMERGENCY

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

authorized the use of this Commercial Item Description (CID). 

1. SCOPE. This CID covers emergency drinking water, packed in commercially acceptable 

containers, suitable for use by Federal, State, local governments, and other interested parties; and 

as a component of operational rations. Please note: This document is not associated with 

Federal nutrition assistance programs and does not guarantee purchase of this item by 

USDA.1

2. PURCHASER NOTES.

2.1 Purchasers must specify the following:

 - Type(s), size(s), and class(es) of emergency drinking water required (Sec. 3). 

 - When analytical requirements are different than specified (Sec. 7.1). 

 - When analytical requirements need to be verified (Sec. 7.2). 

 - Manufacturer’s/distributor’s certification (Sec. 10.3) or Government certification (Sec. 

10.4).

2.2 Purchasers may specify the following:

 - Food Defense (Sec. 10.1): Food Defense System Survey (FDSS) (Sec. 10.1.1), or Food 

Defense Addendum to Plant Systems Audit (PSA) (Sec. 10.1.2).

 - Manufacturer’s quality assurance (Sec. 10.2.1 or Sec. 10.2.2). 

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

3. CLASSIFICATION. The emergency drinking water must conform to the following list 

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

1 For USDA purchase specifications please visit the following websites: Commodity Purchase Specifications for Agricultural Marketing Service 

(AMS) and Commodity Purchase Specifications for Farm Service Agency (FSA).
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Types, sizes, and classes. 

Type I - Disposable pouch 

Size A - 118 ml (4.0 fl oz) 

Size B - 125 ml (4.2 fl oz) 

Size C - Other (as specified by the purchaser) 

Type II - Rigid plastic container

Size A - 118 ml (4.0 fl oz)

Size B - 125 ml (4.2 fl oz)

Size C - 500 ml (16.9 fl oz)

Size D - Other (as specified by the purchaser) 

Type III - Other (as specified by the purchaser) 

Class 1 - Thermoprocessed (Type I)

Class 2 - Ozone (O3) 

Class 3 - Ultraviolet light 

Class 4 - Hot fill

Class 5 - Other methods of disinfection

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).

 - 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 Source. Water used in processing this product must originate from a source approved by the 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or the governmental agency having jurisdiction. 

5.2 Treatment. Any treatment, other than disinfection, to lower the concentration of any 

contaminant in the water must be in accordance with EPA regulations (40 Code of Federal 

Regulations (CFR) Parts 141 to 149), or the governmental agency having jurisdiction. 
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5.3 Processing. The water must be prepared, processed, and packaged in establishments 

meeting the requirements of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (21 CFR Part 110) and 

Processing and Bottling of Bottled Drinking Water (21 CFR Part 129). The water must be 

processed and packaged so that all requirements of these standards are met. The water quality 

criteria must be maintained for a period of at least five years in storage at a temperature ranging 

from -30°C (-22°F) to 65°C (149°F). 

5.3.1. Type I, disposable pouch, Class 1, thermoprocessed. Type I, Class 1 thermoprocessed 

disposable pouches must be processed in accordance with the methods in Thermally Processed 

Low Acid Foods Packaged in Hermetically Sealed Containers (21 CFR Part 113). The filled and 

sealed flexible pouches must be thermoprocessed until a sterilization assurance given by a value 

of (F0) of not less than 6.0 has been achieved. 

5.3.2 Type II, rigid plastic container. Type II rigid plastic containers may be processed by any 

one of the following methods.

5.3.2.1 Class 2, ozone (O3). Ozone (O3) must be added in a manner consistent with Direct Food 

Substances Affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (21 CFR Part 184). 

5.3.2.2 Class 3, ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light must be operated and maintained in 

accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. 

5.3.2.3 Class 4, hot fill. The water must be not less than 82°C (180°F), or more than 93°C 

(200°F).

5.3.2.4 Class 5, other methods of disinfection. Other methods of disinfection may be used 

provided the water complies with EPA regulations (40 CFR Parts 141 to 149) and finished 

product requirements. 

5.4 Age requirement. Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase 

order, the emergency drinking water must have been packaged within 90 days of delivery.

5.5 Food security. The emergency drinking water should be processed and transported in 

accordance with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Guidance for Industry: Food 

Producers, Processors, and Transporters: Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance.2 This 

guidance 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 security 

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. 

2 http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/FoodDefense/ucm083075.htm
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6. SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS.

6.1 Finished product. The product must be palatable, potable, and free from visible sediment, 

turbidity, and have been processed in accordance with the methods in Processing and Bottling of 

Bottled Drinking Water (21 CFR Part 129) and Thermally Processed Low Acid Foods Packaged 

in Hermetically Sealed Containers (21 CFR Part 113) according to the type of drinking water 

specified. The emergency drinking water must conform to Requirements for Specific 

Standardized Beverages (21 CFR Part 165), be properly processed, odorless, colorless, and must 

be hermetically sealed in a non-contaminating container made from materials approved by NSFInternational for contact with drinking water. 

6.1.1 Flavor and odor. The emergency drinking water must be free from objectionable flavors 

and odors.

6.1.2 Color and turbidity. The emergency drinking water must be colorless and have a 

turbidity of less than or equal to 1 Nephelometer Turbidity Unit (NTU). 

6.2 Foreign material. The emergency drinking water must be clean and free from foreign 

material including, but not limited to, packaging materials, adhesives, organic particles, or 

artifacts due to processing.

7. ANALYTICAL REQUIREMENTS.

7.1 Analytical and microbiological requirements. Unless otherwise specified in the 

solicitation, contract, or purchase order, the analytical and microbiological requirements for the 

emergency drinking water must be as follows: 

7.1.1 pH. The pH value of the emergency drinking water must be not less than 6.0 and not more 

than 8.0. 

7.1.2 Sodium content. The emergency drinking water must not contain greater than 160 mg/L 

Sodium (Na). 

7.1.3 Coliforms. The total coliform count must be less than 1.1 Most Probable Number (MPN) 

per 100 ml or less than 1.0 Colony Forming Unit (CFU) per 100 ml.3,4 

7.1.4 Heterotrophic plate count. The heterotrophic plate count must be not more than 500 

CFU per ml. 

7.1.5 Turbidity. Not to exceed 1 NTU. 

3 When SM 9223B is used, the total coliform count must be less than 1.8 MPN per 100 ml or if Presence-Absence Broth is used report as present 

or absent in 100 ml. 4 Findings indicate zero colonies (CFU) per plate or zero tubes producing gas for MPN.
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7.2 Product verification. When USDA or other designated governmental agency verification 

of analytical and microbiological requirements is specified in the solicitation, contract, or 

purchase order, the following procedures must be followed. 

7.2.1 Sampling procedures for pH and sodium. Analysis for pH and sodium must be 

performed on a composite sample. The composite sample must be 1.9 L (64 oz) prepared from 

five randomly selected subsamples. Subsamples must be a minimum of one pouch/container and 

must contain the appropriate number of pouches/containers to yield a 1.9 L (64 oz) sample when 

composited. 

7.2.2 Sampling procedures for turbidity.

5 Analysis for turbidity must be performed on a 

composite sample. The composite sample must be 1.9 L (64 oz) prepared from five randomly 

selected subsamples. Subsamples must be a minimum of one pouch/container and must contain 

the appropriate number of pouches/containers to yield a 1.9 L (64 oz) sample when composited. 

7.2.3 Sampling procedures for coliforms and heterotrophic plate count. Analysis for 

coliforms and heterotrophic plate count must be performed on five randomly selected individual 

pouches or containers. 

7.3 Analytical and microbiological testing. When specified in the solicitation, contract, or 

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

AOAC International Official Methods of Analysis (OMA), the Standard Methods for the 

Examination of Water and Wastewater (SM), or the U.S. EPA Drinking Water Methods for 

Chemical Contaminants: 

Test Method6 Additional methods7

 pH 973.41 SM 4500H+-B, EPA 150.1 

 Sodium 973.54 EPA 200.7 

 Total coliforms SM 9221B SM 9222B, SM 9223B 

 Heterotrophic plate count SM 9215 A, B --------

 Turbidity -------- SM 2130B, EPA 180.1 

7.4 Test results. The test result for pH must be reported to the nearest 0.1 value. The test 

results for sodium must be reported to the nearest mg/L. The test result for total coliforms must 

be reported to the nearest CFU per 100 ml or to the nearest MPN per 100 ml. The test result for 

heterotrophic plate count must be reported to the nearest 10 CFU per ml. The test result for 

turbidity must be reported to the nearest 0.1 NTU. Any result not conforming to the finished 

product requirements must be cause for rejection of the lot.

5

 Analysis for turbidity must be conducted by a lab accredited by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP). A 

separate sample from that identified in 7.2.1 must be selected. 6

 Methods used by the USDA for testing of emergency drinking water. 7 Additional methods listed may be used when performed by a lab accredited by the NELAP.
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8. MANUFACTURER’S/DISTRIBUTOR’S PRODUCT ASSURANCE. The manufacturer/ 

distributor must certify that the emergency drinking water provided will meet the salient 

characteristics of this CID, conform to their own specifications, standards, and quality assurance 

practices, and be the same emergency drinking water offered for sale in the commercial market. 

The purchaser reserves the right to require proof of conformance. 

9. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. The delivered emergency drinking water must 

comply with all applicable Federal and State mandatory requirements and regulations relating to 

the preparation, packaging, labeling, storage, distribution, and sale of the emergency drinking 

water in the commercial marketplace. Delivered emergency drinking water must comply with all 

applicable provisions of the EPA, Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Fair Packaging and 

Labeling Act, and regulations promulgated thereunder. 

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

purchaser may specify 10.1.1 or 10.1.2, and 10.2.1 or 10.2.2. 

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

be conducted by USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Fruit and Vegetable Program 

(FV), 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 postproduction 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) slaughter, when applicable, and 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, FV, 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 the FDA’s “Guidance for Industry - Food Producers, Processors, and 

Transporters: Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance.”) For further information, see 

Sec. 13.

10.1.2 Food defense addendum to PSA. When required in the solicitation, contract, or 

purchase order, a food defense addendum must be conducted by USDA, AMS, FV, 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. (An 

AMS, FDSS, PSA verifies the participating company’s adherence to the FDA’s “Guidance for 

Industry - Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters: Food Security Preventive Measures 

Guidance.”) For further information, see Sec. 13.
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10.2 Manufacturer’s quality assurance. When required in the solicitation, contract, or 

purchase order, the product manufacturer must 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 PSA. A PSA conducted by USDA, AMS, or other audit performed by a third party 

auditing service is required within 12 months prior to the date of the awarding of the contract. 

(An AMS PSA verifies the manufacturer's capability to produce products in a clean sanitary 

environment in accordance with 21 CFR Part 110 - Current Good Manufacturing Practice in 

Manufacturing, Packing, or Holding Human Food, and verifies that the manufacturer has in 

place an internal quality assurance program.) 

10.2.2 Plant survey. A plant survey conducted by USDA, AMS, or other survey performed by 

a third party auditing service is required within 12 months prior to the date of the awarding of the 

contract. (An AMS plant survey audit verifies that, at the time of the survey, the manufacturer 

produces products in a clean sanitary environment in accordance with 21 CFR Part 110 - 

Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing, or Holding Human Food.) 

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

or purchase order, the manufacturer/distributor must certify that the emergency drinking water 

distributed meets or exceeds the requirements of this CID. 

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

that product quality and acceptability or both be determined, the SCI Division, FV, AMS, 

USDA, or designated government agency must be the certifying program. Inspectors must 

certify the quality and acceptability of the emergency drinking water in accordance with SCI 

Division or designated government agency procedures, which include selecting random samples 

of the emergency drinking water, evaluating the samples for conformance with the salient 

characteristics of this CID and other contractual requirements, and documenting the findings on 

official agency score sheets and/or certificates. In addition, when required in the solicitation, 

contract, or purchase order, inspectors must examine the emergency drinking water for 

conformance to the U.S. 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, government certification must include evaluation of the quality and 

condition of samples of emergency drinking water and compliance with requirements in 

the following areas: 
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 - Processing guidelines (Sec. 5). 

 - Salient characteristics (Sec. 6).

 - Analytical and microbiological requirements when specified in the solicitation, contract, 

or purchase order (Sec. 7). When analytical and microbiological testing is specified, 

inspection personnel must select samples and submit them to the USDA, Science and 

Technology Program (S&TP) laboratory or a laboratory accredited by the NELAP for 

analysis.

 - Packaging requirements (Sec. 11 or as specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase 

order).

13. REFERENCE NOTES.

13.1 USDA services.

13.1.1 USDA certification. For a USDA certification contact the Associate Director, 

Inspection Operations, SCI Division, FV, AMS, USDA, Room 1536 South Building, STOP 

0240, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0240, telephone (202) 720-

2482, fax (202) 720-0393, or via E-mail: Nathaniel.Taylor@ams.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, Inspection Operations, SCI Division, FV, 

AMS, USDA, Room 1536 South Building, STOP 0240, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, DC 20250-0240, telephone (202) 720-5021, fax (202) 260-8927, or via E-mail: 

fvaudits@ams.usda.gov. 

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

analytical testing, contact a member of the Laboratory Approval and Testing Division, 

S&TP, AMS, USDA, STOP 0272, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-

0272, telephone (202) 690-0621 or via E-mail: KerryR.Smith@ams.usda.gov.

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, 481 

North Frederick Avenue, Suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417, telephone (301) 924-

7077. Internet address: http://www.aoac.org for nonmembers and 

http://www.eoma.aoac.org for members and AOAC OMA subscribers. 

Copies of the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater may be obtained 

from: American Public Health Association, 800 I Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20001, 

telephone (202) 777-2742. Internet address: http://www.apha.org. 
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Copies of the NELAP accredited laboratories may be obtained from: The NELAC Institute, 

P.O. Box 2439, Weatherford, TX 76086, telephone (817) 598-1624. Internet address: 

http://www.nelac-institute.org/accred-labs.php. 

Information on materials approved by NSF International for contact with drinking water may be 

obtained from: NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, 789 North Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, 

MI 48105, telephone (734) 769-8010. Internet address: http://www.nsf.org/. 

13.2.2 Sources of information for governmental documents are as follows: 

Applicable provisions of the U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers are contained in 7 

CFR Part 42, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act are contained in 16 CFR Parts 500 to 503, the 

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act are contained in 21 CFR Parts 1 to 199 and the 

Environmental Protection Agency Act are contained in 40 CFR Parts 141 to 149. These 

documents may be purchased from: Superintendent of Documents, New Orders, P.O. Box 

979050, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000. Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover/ NOVUS, 

and American Express) purchases may be made by calling the Superintendent of 

Documents on (866) 512-1800, (202) 512-1800. These documents may also be obtained free 

of charge on the Internet at: 

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR. 

Copies of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations are available from: Office of Drinking 

Water, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), WH550D, 401 M Street SW, Washington, 

DC 20460 or on the Internet at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/standards.html. 

Copies of the U.S. EPA Drinking Water Methods for Chemical Contaminants may be obtained 

from: National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 

22161, telephone (703) 605-6000. Internet address: 

http://www.ntis.gov/products/publications.aspx

Copies of Guidance for Industry - Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters: Food Security 

Preventive Measures Guidance is available online from: FDA, Center for Food Safety and 

Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) on the Internet at: 

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation

/FoodDefense/ucm083075.htm 

Copies of the FDA Technical Bulletin Number.5 - Macroanalytical Procedures Manual, Chapter 

V, 1984; Electronic Version 1998 may be obtained from: Internet address: 

http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm2006953.htm

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

available from: Chief, Standardization Branch, SCI Division, FV, AMS, USDA, Riverside 

Business Park, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22406, telephone 
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(540) 361-1130, Fax (540) 361-1199, via E-mail: CIDS@ams.usda.gov or on the Internet at: 

www.ams.usda.gov/CommercialItemDescription.

Copies of this CID are also available online at: ASSIST Online (https://assist.dla.mil) or 

ASSIST Quick Search (http://quicksearch.dla.mil) or from the Standardization Documents 

Order Desk, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Document Services, Building 4D, 700 

Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094. 

Beneficial comments, recommendations, additions, deletions, clarifications, etc., and any data 

which may improve this document should be sent to: DLA Troop Support, ATTN: DLAFTSA, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5092 or Fax (215) 737-2963, or via Email: dscpsubsweb@dla.mil. 

MILITARY INTERESTS: CIVIL AGENCY COORDINATING ACTIVITIES:

Custodians DOJ - BOP

 HHS - FDA

Army - GL USDA - FV

Navy - SA

Air Force - 35 

DLA - SS

Review Activities PREPARING ACTIVITY:

Army - MD, QM DLA - SS

Navy - MC (Project No. 8960-2013-001) 

NOTE: The activities listed above were interested in this document as of the date of this document. Since organizations and 

responsibilities can change, you should verify the currency of the information above using the ASSIST Online database at 

https://assist.dla.mil. 

Non-Discrimination Policy: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and 

applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where 

applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from 

any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the 

Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) To File an Employment Complaint: If you 

wish to file an employment complaint, you must contact your agency's EEO Counselor (PDF) within 45 days of the date of the alleged 

discriminatory act, event, or in the case of a personnel action. Additional information can be found online at 

http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_file.html. To File a Program Complaint: If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of 

discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at 

http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a 

letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email 

at program.intake@usda.gov. Persons with Disabilities: Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities and you wish to 

file either an EEO or program complaint please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (in 

Spanish). Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint, please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or 

by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please contact 

USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).