A-A-20373

August 28, 2014

COMMERCIAL ITEM DESCRIPTION

SPREADS, POULTRY-BASED, FORTIFIED, SHELF STABLE

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

the use of this Commercial Item Description (CID).

1. SCOPE. This CID covers shelf stable fortified poultry-based spreads (poultry spreads) 

packed in commercially acceptable containers, suitable for use by the Federal Government, 

humanitarian agencies, and non-governmental organizations for use in international food aid 

programs utilizing U.S. agricultural commodities for school feeding and maternal and child 

nutrition projects in low-income countries. The poultry spreads are most frequently used as an 

ingredient and are intended to supplement these diets in developing countries, which are 

typically composed of large quantities of carbohydrates, and limited in proteins and fats and 

frequently lacking in animal-sourced foods. Please note: This document does not guarantee 

purchase of this item by USDA.1

2. PURCHASER NOTES. Purchasers must specify the following:

- Type(s), fortification(s), dietary certification(s), and packaging(s) of poultry spreads

desired (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. 10.1) or USDA certification (Sec. 10.2).

3. CLASSIFICATION. The poultry spreads must conform to the following list which must be 

specified in the Commodity Requirements Document (CRD), solicitation, contract, or purchase 

order.

Types, fortifications, dietary certifications, and packagings.

2

Type I - Turkey

Type II - Chicken

Type III - Other (as specified by the purchaser)

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

METRIC

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Fortification A - No added vitamin A or added fat

Fortification B - Added fat (type of poultry used)

Fortification C - Added vitamin A

Fortification D - Added vitamin A and added fat (type of poultry used)

Fortification E - Other (as specified by the purchaser)

Dietary certification 1 - No restrictions

Dietary certification 2 - Halal

Dietary certification 3 - Kosher

Packaging a - 85 g (3 oz) can

Packaging b - 85 g (3 oz) foil lined pouch

Packaging c - 354 g (12.5 oz) can

Packaging d - 354 g (12.5 oz) foil lined pouch

Packaging e - 1.70 kg (60 oz) can

Packaging f - 1.70 kg (60 oz) foil lined pouch

Packaging g - Other (as specified by the purchaser)

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 Processing. The poultry spreads must be processed in accordance with regulatory 

requirements under the Poultry Products Inspection Act (9 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 

Parts 416 and 417) and must be processed such that the product is considered commercially 

sterile (9 CFR § 381.300 (u)).

5.2 Food security. The poultry spreads must be processed and transported in accordance with 

the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Food Defense Guidelines for the Transportation 

and Distribution of Meat, Poultry, and Processed Egg Products.

3

 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 

3 http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/4f9d737a-1f3e-49ff-851b-4884fa946bd/Transportation_Security_Guidelines.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

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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.

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

the poultry spreads must have a 36 month shelf life from the date of production when stored at 

30°C (86°F) and 65 percent relative humidity as demonstrated by actual or accelerated shelf life 

studies.

6. SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS.

6.1 Ingredients. All ingredients must be declared by their common or usual name in 

descending order of predominance by weight (9 CFR § 381.118 (a) and 9 CFR Subpart N). The 

poultry spreads must be processed from poultry hatched, grown, slaughtered and processed in the 

United States, its territories or possessions, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the Trust 

Territories of the Pacific Islands.

6.2 Poultry products. The poultry products must conform to the applicable provisions of the 

poultry products inspection and certification requirements (9 CFR Part 381). The poultry 

product must contain no poultry byproducts or variety meats. Mechanically separated poultry 

(MSP) may be used in the poultry products. Calcium must be no greater the 0.235 percent (9 

CFR § 381.173(c)) for poultry meat as obtained in the form of MSP.

6.3 Additional ingredients. The poultry spreads may contain water, sugar, modified food 

starch, salt, vitamin and mineral blend, turmeric, spices, and sodium nitrite as permitted by the 

USDA. The vitamin and mineral blend used in the poultry spreads will meet the finished 

product nutrient profile specified in this CID or CRD. When used, the additional ingredients 

must meet the standards specified in the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) or, in the absence of FCC 

specification at a minimum, meet the specifications for quality set by the US Pharmacopeia 

(USP)-National Formulary quality. The additional ingredients must be approved for those 

particular uses by FDA’s regulations on food additives or be Generally Recognized as Safe 

(GRAS) for those intended uses.

6.4 Finished product.

6.4.1 Appearance and color. The poultry spreads must be a smooth, homogeneous mixture 

that must spread evenly on breads and easily combine with other foods. The poultry spreads 

must have the appropriate cooked color of the poultry product used.

6.4.2 Aroma and flavor. The poultry spreads must have an aroma and flavor typical of the type 

of poultry product specified in the CRD, solicitation, contract, or purchase order. There must be 

no foreign odors or flavors such as, but not limited to: rancid, fruity, sulfide-like, cardboard, 

tallow, painty, oily, oxidized, metallic, burnt or other off odors or flavors.

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6.4.3 Fortification. The poultry spreads must be fortified with a vitamin and mineral premix 

that will ensure the finished product meets the nutritional requirements in Table I. The supplier 

should estimate the intrinsic nutrient content of the base product as well as the specification of 

the premix that is being added to reach the target levels after 36 months at 30o

C (86oF) at 65 

percent relative humidity as demonstrated by actual or accelerated shelf life studies. The 

vitamins and minerals used in the premix shall be USP-FCC compliant, unless otherwise 

specified. Unless otherwise required in the CRD, solicitation, contract, or purchase order, the 

manufacturer will provide a Certificate of Conformance (COC) stating that the vitamin and 

mineral premix meets the stated levels and what variation may be present in the premix. When 

adding the premix the manufacturer should take the inherent properties of the foods into account 

in order to reach a total content in the final product as specified in Table I.

TABLE I. Nutrient requirements per 100 g4

Nutrient Quantity

Minimum Maximum

Calories 110 320

Protein 9.5 g 16.8 g

Total Fat 8.0 g 24.5 g

Carbohydrate 0.1 g 7.7 g

Ash 1.0 g 2.5 g

Vitamin A 0 IU5 3035 IU

Vitamin C 135 mg 300 mg

Calcium 95.0 mg 250 mg

Iron 2.0 mg 5.5 mg

Thiamin 1.0 mg 6.0 mg

Riboflavin 3.0 mg 5.0 mg

Niacin 16 mg 29.0 mg

Vitamin B6 3.5 mg 6.0 mg

Folate 0.048 mg 0.5 mg

Vitamin B12 5.5 μg6 11.5 μg

Phosphorus 144 mg 280 mg

Iodine 110 μg 370 μg

Zinc 13.6 mg 20.8 mg

Vitamin D 1700 IU 2380 IU

Selenium 5.5 μg 21.5 μg

Copper 725 μg 1740 μg

Sodium 230 mg 300 mg

4 Serving size is 43 g.

5 International unit

6

Microgram

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6.4.4 Foreign material. Determination of wholesomeness and acceptability with respect to the 

presence of foreign material, including, but not limited to: glass, dirt, insect parts, hair, wood, 

metal, paper, rubber, or plastic, must be made by a FSIS employee. All ingredients must be 

clean, sound, wholesome, and free from evidence of rodent or insect infestation. All poultry

products must be examined by a metal detection device capable of detecting metallic 

contaminants including, but not limited to: stainless steel shavings, pieces of metal from wire 

mesh conveyers, pieces of wire, and metal fragments from cutting equipment.

6.4.5 Product standard. Unless otherwise specified in the CRD, solicitation, contract, or 

purchase order, a sample of poultry spreads must be subjected to product demonstration model 

(PDM) inspection as applicable, in accordance with the requirements of this CID or CRD. The 

approved sample must serve as the product standard when evaluating each production lot.7 Any 

failure to conform to the finished product requirements or any appearance or palatability failure 

(i.e., the production is not comparable to, or better than, the PDM) must be cause for review to 

determine acceptance or rejection of the lot. Should the manufacturer at any time plan to, or 

actually produce the product using different raw material or process methodologies from the 

approved product standard, which result in a product non comparable to the product standard, the 

manufacturer shall arrange for a new or replacement PDM approval. In any event, all product 

produced must meet all requirements of this CID or CRD including product standard 

comparability.

7. ANALYTICAL REQUIREMENTS.

7.1 Analytical requirements. Unless otherwise specified in the CRD, solicitation, contract, or 

purchase order, the poultry spreads must comply with the following ranges and tolerances:

Test Tolerance

Protein Not more than 16.8 g/100 g

Fat Not more than 20 g/100 g for Fortification A and C

Not more than 24.5g/100 g for Fortification B and 

D

Sodium Not more than 300 mg/100 g

Calcium Not more than 250 mg/100 g

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

specified in the CRD, solicitation, contract, or purchase order, analytical testing will be 

performed by USDA laboratories on composite samples. The composite sample for the 

analytical tests must be 227 g (8 oz). The number of subsamples drawn to make the analytical 

composites must be based on USDA procedures. Subsamples must be a minimum of one can or 

7 A lot is defined as no more than 110 MT or one day’s (24 hours) production of the product, whichever is less. The purchaser may reduce the lot 

size by production line, shift, or batch of major ingredients if desirable.

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pouch and must contain the appropriate number of poultry spread containers to yield a 227 g (8 

oz) sample.

7.3 Analytical testing. When specified in the CRD, 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) or the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) as 

specified below:

Test Method

Protein 984.13, 992.15, or 2007.04

Fat 991.36, 2007.04, 2008.06, or AM 5-048

Sodium 976.25, 984.279 2011.14

Calcium 983.199

7.4 Test results. Test results for protein and fat, must be reported to the nearest 0.1 g. Test 

results for sodium and calcium must be reported to the nearest 0.1 mg. Any result not 

conforming to the analytical requirements will be cause for rejection of the lot.

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

distributor must certify that the poultry spreads provided meet the salient characteristics of this 

CID, conform to their own specifications, standards, and quality assurance practices, and are the 

same poultry spreads offered for sale in the commercial export market. The purchaser reserves 

the right to require proof of conformance.

9. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. The delivered poultry spreads must comply with all 

applicable Federal and State mandatory requirements and regulations, relating to the preparation, 

packaging, labeling, storage, distribution, and sales of the poultry spreads in the commercial 

export marketplace. Delivered poultry spreads must comply with all applicable provisions of the 

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, and regulations 

promulgated thereunder. When a known allergen is included in the poultry spreads, the poultry 

spreads must comply with the allergen labeling requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and 

Cosmetic Act.

10. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS. Purchaser must specify 10.1 or 10.2.

10.1 Manufacturer’s/distributor’s certification. When required in the CRD, solicitation, 

contract, or purchase order, the manufacturer/distributor must certify that the finished poultry 

spreads distributed meet or exceed the requirements of this CID.

8 AOCS test method.

9 As dry ash.

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10.2 USDA certification. When required in the CRD, solicitation, contract, or purchase order 

that product quality, acceptability or both be determined, the USDA, Agricultural Marketing 

Service (AMS), Livestock, Poultry and Seed Program (LPS), Quality Assessment Division 

(QAD), must be the certifying agency. LPS QAD inspectors must certify the quality and 

acceptability of the poultry spreads in accordance with LPS procedures, which include: selecting 

random samples of the poultry spreads, evaluating the samples for conformance with the salient 

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

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

contract, or purchase order, LPS will examine the poultry spreads 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 CRD, solicitation, contract, or purchase order.

12. USDA INSPECTION NOTES. When Section 10.2 is specified in the CRD, solicitation, 

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

condition of samples of poultry spreads and compliance with requirements in the following 

areas:

- Processing guidelines (Sec. 5).

- Salient characteristics (Sec. 6).

- Analytical requirements when specified in the CRD, solicitation, contract, or purchase 

order (Sec. 7). When USDA analytical testing is specified, LPS inspection personnel 

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

(S&TP) laboratory for analysis.

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

purchase order).

13. REFERENCE NOTES.

13.1 USDA contacts.

13.1.1 LPS certification contact, For LPS certification contact the Director, QAD, LPS, 

AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0258, telephone 

(202) 260-8954, or via E-mail: Jennifer.Porter@ams.usda.gov.

13.1.2 Analytical testing and technical information contact. 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 E-mail: KerryR.Smith@ams.usda.gov.

13.2 Sources of documents.

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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 AOCS may be obtained from : AOCS, P.O. Box 17190, Urbana, IL 61803-

7190, telephone (217) 359-2344, Fax (217) 351-8091. Internet address: 

http://www.aocs.org.

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: 

http://www.usp.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 Poultry Inspection Regulations are contained in 9 CFR Part 381, the Regulatory 

Requirements Under the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act 

are container in 9 CFR Parts 416, 417, and 424, 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 

(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 the FSIS Food Defense Guidelines for the Transportation and Distribution of Meat, 

Poultry, and Processed Egg Products are available online from: USDA, FSIS on the Internet 

at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/4f9d737a-1f3e-49ff-851b74884fa946bd/Transportation_Security_Guidelines.pdf?MOD=AJPERES.

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

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

which may improve this CID are available from or provided to: Chief, Standardization 

Branch, USDA, AMS, FV, SCI Division, Riverside Business Park, 100 Riverside Parkway, 

Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22406, telephone (540) 361-1130, Fax (540) 361-1199, via Email: CIDS@ams.usda.gov or on the Internet at: 

www.ams.usda.gov/CommercialItemDescription.

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CIVIL AGENCY COORDINATING ACTIVITIES:

HHS - FDA

USDA - FV

USDA - LPS

USDA- FSA

USDA - FAS

PREPARING ACTIVITY:

USDA - FV

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).

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