FSC 8905/8940

A-A-20155D

July 8, 2009

SUPERSEDING 

A-A-20155C 

October 8, 2004 

COMMERCIAL ITEM DESCRIPTION 

TUNA, CANNED OR IN FLEXIBLE POUCHES 

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

 the use of this Commercial Item Description (CID).

1. SCOPE. This CID covers canned or flexibly pouched tuna (tuna), packed in commercially 

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

interested parties, and as a component of operational rations. 

2. PURCHASER NOTES.

2.1 Purchasers shall specify the following: 

 - Type(s), form(s), color(s), packing media, flavor(s), and salt/sodium level(s) required (Sec. 

3). 

- When analytical requirements are different than specified (Sec. 6.1). 

 - When analytical requirements need to be verified (Sec. 6.2). 

 - Manufacturer’s/distributor’s product assurance (Sec. 7). 

 - Manufacturer's/distributor's certification (Sec. 9.2) or U.S. Department of Commerce 

(USDC) certification (Sec. 9.3). 

 - Product examination: For USDA Procurements Only (Sec. 9.4).

2.2 Purchasers may specify the following: 

 - Manufacturer’s quality assurance (Sec 9.1). 

 - Packaging requirements other than commercial (Sec. 10). 

3. CLASSIFICATION. The tuna shall conform to the following list which shall be specified in 

the solicitation, contract, or purchase order.

 METRIC 
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Types, forms, colors, packing media, flavors, and salt/sodium levels. 

Type A - Can 

Type B - Flexible pouch 

Type C - Foil Top Can/No Opener Required 

Form I - Chunk 

Form II - Solid 

Color a - Light 

Color b - White (Albacore) 

Packing media 1 - Water 

Packing media 2 - Vegetable oil (except in olive oil) 

Packing media 3 - Vegetable oil (non-hydrogenated)

Packing media 4 - Olive oil 

Packing media 5 - Broth

Flavor 1 - Lemon Pepper 

Flavor 2 - BBQ 

Flavor 3 - Sweet and Spicy 

Flavor 4 - Herb and Garlic 

Flavor 5 - Hickory Smoked 

Salt/sodium level (a) - Regular (no more than 1.5 percent salt) 

Salt/sodium level (b) - No salt added (no sodium chloride added during processing) 

Salt/sodium level (c) - Very low sodium (35 mg or less sodium per serving) 

Salt/sodium level (d) - Low sodium (140 mg or less sodium per serving) 

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

products shall meet the requirements of the: 

 - Salient characteristics (Sec. 5). 

 - Analytical requirements: as specified by the purchaser (Sec. 6). 

 - Manufacturer's/distributor's product assurance (Sec. 7). 

 - Regulatory requirements (Sec. 8). 

 - Quality assurance provisions: as specified by the purchaser (Sec. 9).

 - Packaging requirements other than commercial: as specified by the purchaser (Sec. 10). 
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5. SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS.

5.1 Standard of Identity. The canned tuna (and pouched tuna as applicable) shall meet the 

requirements of 21 CFR § 161.190, Canned Tuna. 

5.2 Processing. The tuna shall be prepared in accordance with 21 CFR Part 110, Good 

Manufacturing Practices, 21 CFR Part 123, Fish and Fishery Products, and be commercially 

sterile ready-to-use. 

5.3 Raw ingredients. Tuna shall be the only fish used and shall be in good condition; i.e., 

exposed surfaces shall be of a color and bloom typical of tuna, which has been properly stored 

and handled. Cut surfaces and naturally exposed surfaces shall show no more than slight 

darkening or discoloration due to dehydration, aging, and/or microbial activity. No odors foreign 

to tuna shall be present. Changes in color and odors characteristically associated with frozen 

tuna in excellent condition shall be acceptable. Frozen tuna shall show no evidence of having 

been defrosted and refrozen or other evidence of mishandling. Raw tuna to be processed shall 

show no evidence of decomposition or hydrocarbon contamination (e.g., fuel oil). NOTE: As 

these elements are difficult to determine in the end item, at a minimum, assessment of this clause 

must be performed at the time of butcher prior to any precooking step. This process is to be 

monitored by the USDC or their designate and must be considered and included in Sec. 9, 

Quality Assurance Provisions. 

5.4 Seasonings/flavorings. Seasonings and flavorings, when used, shall be in accordance with 

21 CFR § 161.190 (a)(6). 

5.5 Finished product. 

5.5.1 Color. “Light” tuna (Color a) and “white” tuna (Color b) shall be in accordance with 21 

CFR § 161.190 (a)(4). Flavored tuna shall have an even distribution of the applicable color and 

flavoring throughout (e.g., even distribution of pepper for lemon pepper flavored chunk light 

tuna). 

5.5.2 Odor, flavor, and texture. The tuna shall have an odor and flavor typical of the species 

that have been subjected to proper handling and good manufacturing practices. Texture shall be 

moist and tender, not dry and stringy. Flavored tuna shall have an odor and flavor indicative of 

the label (e.g., lemon pepper, hickory smoked BBQ, sweet and spicy, etc.) 

5.5.3 Pressed cake weight of canned product. Procedures and criteria are found in 21 CFR § 

161.190 (c) Fill of Container. Failure to meet pressed cake weight specified in the contract shall 

be basis for rejection of the lot. 
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5.6 Foreign material. There shall be no foreign material such as, but not limited to, struvite 

crystals, dirt, insects, insect parts, hair, wood, glass, or metal. 

5.7 Broth. Broth, when used, must comply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

Standard of Identity for Canned Tuna as outlined in 21 CFR § 161.190. 

5.8 Net contents. Broth, when used, must comply with the FDA Standard of Identity for 

Canned Tuna as outlined in 21 CFR § 161.190. The packaged tuna, in any form, must meet the 

conditions set out in the applicable federal regulations with regard to net weight of contents so 

that substitution of non-tuna ingredients is discouraged. 

6. ANALYTICAL REQUIREMENTS. 

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

purchase order, analytical requirements for the tuna shall be as follows: 

 Salt/sodium level a Not more than 1.5 percent salt

 Salt/sodium level b, c, d Must not exceed limits specified in 21 CFR § 101.61 

 Methylmercury Not more than 1.0 ppm 

 Histamine 1/ 

1/ Histamine testing shall be performed at the frequency to provide the same assurance as the 

methods recommended by the FDA “Fish and Fisheries Products Hazards & Controls 

Guidance”, in effect on the date of the solicitation. 

6.2 Product verification. When USDC verification of analytical requirements is specified in 

the solicitation, contract, or purchase order, the following procedures will be followed. 

6.2.1 Sampling procedures. USDC inspection service will select the number of product 

containers based on agency inspection service sampling procedures and plans. 

6.2.2 Samples. Analytical testing for salt and sodium shall be performed on a composite 

sample. The composite sample shall be 680 g (24 oz). The minimum number of 12 sample units 

shall be used for deriving the composite sample. The sample units shall represent all the codes 

selected for product evaluation. Equal amounts of product will be taken from each selected 

sample unit and from each code. If the sample size is too small to provide for sampling all 

codes, more sample units may be selected with less product taken from each can or pouch. 

Analytical testing for methylmercury and histamine shall be performed on three individual 85 g 

(3 oz) samples. Samples for methylmercury and histamine may be derived from raw material or 

finished product. 
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6.3 Analytical testing. Analytical testing shall be in accordance with the following methods 

from the Official Methods of Analysis of the AOAC International. 

Test Method

 Salt 937.09, 976.18, or 976.19 

 Sodium 969.23 

 Methylmercury 988.11 

Histamine 977.13 

6.4 Test results. The test results for salt shall be reported to the nearest 0.1 percent, sodium to 

the nearest mg per 100 g, methylmercury to the nearest 0.1 ppm, and histamine to the nearest 

ppm. Any test result not conforming to the analytical requirements shall be cause for rejection of 

the lot. 

7. MANUFACTURER’S/DISTRIBUTOR’S PRODUCT ASSURANCE.

7.1 The manufacturer/distributor shall certify that the tuna provided shall meet the salient 

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

practices, and be the same tuna for sale in the commercial market. The purchaser reserves the 

right to require proof of conformance. 

7.2 FOR USDA PROCUREMENTS ONLY! When specified in the solicitation, contract, or 

purchase order, the manufacturer/distributor shall warrant that the tuna provided shall comply 

with all specification requirements, technical proposal declarations, and provisions set forth in 

the solicitation, contract, or purchase order. All customer complaint resolution procedures shall 

be included in the technical proposal. These procedures shall include: a point of contact, 

investigation steps, intent to cooperate with the purchaser, and product replacement or monetary 

compensation. The procedures will be used to resolve product complaints from the recipient 

agencies or the purchaser. 

8. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. The delivered tuna shall comply with all applicable

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

packaging, labeling, storage, distribution, and be the same tuna offered for sale within the 

commercial marketplace. Delivered tuna shall comply with all applicable provisions of the 

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

promulgated thereunder. The tuna shall comply with the allergen labeling requirements of the 

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 

9. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS. Purchaser shall specify 9.2 or 9.3; (9.1 is 

optional when 9.2 is specified). The USDC requires 9.1 when 9.3 is specified. 
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9.1 Manufacturer’s quality assurance. When required in the solicitation, contract, or purchase 

order, the product manufacturer shall be required to have their facilities inspected by USDC, and 

be eligible for listing in the USDC publication “USDC Participants List for Firms, Facilities and 

Products.” (USDC sanitation inspections verify that, at the time of the inspection, the 

manufacturer demonstrated their ability to meet rigid standards of sanitation and are capable of 

producing safe, wholesome tuna). 

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

purchase order, the manufacturer/distributor will certify that the finished tuna meet or exceed the 

requirements of this CID. 

9.3 USDC certification. When required in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order that 

product quality or acceptability or both be determined, USDC shall be the certifying program. 

USDC inspectors shall certify the quality and acceptability of the tuna in accordance with USDC 

procedures which include selecting random samples of the packaged tuna, evaluating the samples 

for conformance with the salient characteristics of this CID and other contractual requirements, 

and documenting the findings on official USDC score sheets and/or certificates. Dependent on 

the solicitation, contract, or purchase order, USDC may certify product under Type I (continuous 

inspection), Integrated Quality Assurance (IQA), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points 

(HACCP), or lot inspection procedures. In addition, when required in the solicitation, contract, 

or purchase order, USDC inspection personnel will examine the tuna for conformance to the 

United States Standards for Condition of Food Containers (7 CFR Part 42) and MIL-PRF-44073, 

Packaging of Food in Flexible Pouches, in effect on the date of the solicitation. 

9.4 Product examination. FOR USDA PROCUREMENTS ONLY. When required in the 

solicitation, contract, or purchase order, USDC shall conduct the following product 

examinations. All sampling for inspection and determination of acceptability shall be done in 

accordance with provisions set forth in the latest versions of the American National Standards 

Institute, ANSI/ASQC Z1.4. Defects found during inspection shall be classified in accordance 

with Tables II through V at the inspection levels acceptable quality levels (AQLs) as shown 

below. AQLs shall be expressed in defects per hundred units. The lot size shall be expressed in 

cans or pouches. 

TABLE I. Inspection levels and acceptance numbers

Table Inspection level 2/ AQL

 Major Minor

II S3 --- 4.0 

III S3 --- 10.0 

IV S3 1.0 10.0 

V S2 1.5 6.5 
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2/ Sample shipping containers shall be selected randomly on a proportionate basis from not less 

than 90 percent of the codes listed in a lot. In the event that the referenced levels result in a 

sample size that is too small to provide for sampling 90 percent of the codes in a lot, a level 

sufficiently large to accommodate this requirement shall be selected. Not more than one 

primary container per shipping container shall be examined for the defects within the tables 

listed in Table I. 

The sample unit for USDC Inspection is the contents of one can or pouch. For sampling 

purposes, the maximum lot size will be the quantity of product produced on a single line during 

an eight hour production shift. The lot size may be reduced by the USDC inspector if necessary. 

If a plant operates two or more lines under inspection simultaneously, the products from each line 

will be inspected as separate lots. Also, if a plant wishes to extend the processing day beyond a 

normal eight hour shift, the product produced after the end of the eight hour shift will be 

inspected as a new lot. For labeling and identification purposes, production lots shall be 

numbered in sequence. For purposes of lot identification, in addition to the requirements 

contained in 21 CFR Part 113, a code change will be necessary when a shift concludes or a new 

shift begins. 

If a plant operates more than one line under inspection, it may be necessary to assign an inspector 

to each line. This is to enable the inspector to have sufficient time to perform a sanitation 

inspection, examination for product characteristics, condition of container examination, etc. and 

still have sufficient time to observe the materials being processed to ensure their suitability for 

processing. 

The contractor shall obtain a USDC Certificate of Inspection which state(s) the product meets all 

requirements of this CID. 

TABLE II. Examination for net weights 3/, 4/, 5/ 

Category Defect

Minor 

201 A 198 g (7.0 oz) or less can or pouch - more than 7.1 g (1⁄4 oz) under specified net 

weight. Over 201 g (7.1 oz) to 369 g (13.0 oz) can or pouch - more than 14.2 g 

(1⁄2 oz) under specified weight. A 1.22 kg (43.0 oz) pouch - more than 28 g (1 oz) 

under specified net weight. A 1.88 kg (66.5 oz) can - more than 28 g (1 oz) under 

specified net weight. 

3/ Failure of lot average net weight to meet specified net weight shall be basis for rejection of 

entire lot. 

4/ Report results to the nearest 0.1 g (0.004 oz). 
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5/ Net weight for pouch product will be determined as follows: 

 Weigh sealed pouch. 

 Empty contents into tray, make sure all tuna is removed. 

 Clean and dry the pouch. 

 Weigh the empty pouch 

 Deduct the weight of the empty pouch from the weight of the sealed pouch, and record as 

 net weight. 

TABLE III. Examination for vacuum requirements (not required for pouch)

Category Defect

Minor 

201 Vacuum less than 1 inch 6/

6/ Military agencies may specify alternate vacuum requirements in the contract as needed. 

TABLE IV. Product defects

 Category Defect

Critical Major Minor

1 Flesh showing evidence of true honeycombing or the presence of 

 flavors and/or odors of decomposition such as, but not limited to, sour 

 and rancid, or other flavors and odors of decomposition. 7/

2 Presence of chemicals, glass, or metal particles, animal excreta, 

 struvite crystals, or similar extraneous material which could harmfully 

 affect or contaminate the product. 7/

 101 Presence of objectionable flavors or odors such as, but not limited to, 

 burnt, scorched, overcooked, stale, or other objectionable flavors or 

 odors. 8/

 102 Presence of objectionable foreign materials such as, but not limited to, 

 rust, wood, hair, dirt, or insects or insect parts either singly or in 

 combination. 
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TABLE IV. Product defects (cont.) 

 Category Defect

Critical Major Minor

 103 Form, color, packing media, or flavor, not as specified in contract. 

 201 Presence of any prominent bruise(s), blood clot(s), or piece(s) of 

 gills or viscera pieces over 6.35 mm (1⁄4 in) in any dimension. 9/ 

 202 Presence of number of undesirable fish parts of an objectionable size 

 exceeding those shown below: 10/ 

 Net Vascular 

 Weight Skin Scales Tissue Bone

 198 g (7.0 oz) or less 2 2 1 1 

 Over 201 g (7.1 oz) to 

 369 g (13.0 oz) 2 4 2 2 

 1.22 kg (43.0 oz) 3 6 3 3 

 1.88 kg (66.5 oz) 4 8 4 4 

________________________________________________________________________ 

7/ These are regarded as critical defects and their finding will be basis for rejection of the entire 

lot. 

8/ Do not include flavors and odors of decomposition.

9/ Small blood spots, streaks, and bruises, characteristic of purse-seine caught tuna, are not 

 considered defects. 

10/ To classify as objectionable, fish parts must meet the following criteria: skin - piece over 13 

mm (1⁄2 in) in any dimension; scales - over 6 mm (1⁄4 in) in any two dimensions; vascular 

tissue - includes streaks and dark meat over 13 mm (1⁄2 in) in any dimension; bone - any bone 

or cartilage which is not soft or does not become powdery under firm pressure of a hard 

object or which is over 13 mm (1⁄2 in) in any dimension. 
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TABLE V. Can interior enamel coating defects (cans only)

 Category Defect

Major Minor

101 Missing 

102 Blistered or softened areas which can be peeled by fingertip (not 

fingernail abrasion) 

103 Internal rust stains 

 201 Bare areas (other than scratches ) 11/

 202 Dirty, stained or smeared with foreign material 

______________________________________________________________________________ 

11/ A line of solder along the side seam shall not be considered a defect. 

10. PACKAGING. Preservation, packaging, packing, labeling, and case marking shall be 

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

11. USDC INSPECTION NOTES. When 9.3 is specified in the solicitation, contract, or 

purchase order, USDC certification shall include evaluation of the quality and condition of 

samples of packaged tuna, and compliance with requirements in the following areas: 

 - Salient characteristics (Sec 5). 

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

(Sec. 6.2). When USDC analytical testing is specified, USDC inspection personnel shall 

select samples and submit them to the National Analytical Services, Seafood Inspection 

Program for analysis. 

 - Packaging requirements (Sec. 10 or as specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase 

order). 

12. REFERENCE NOTES. 

12.1 USDC certification contacts. For USDC certification, contact the nearest USDC Seafood 

Inspection Region Office listed below. 
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Northeast Region Inspection Office Southeast Region Inspection Office 

NOAA Fisheries NOAA Fisheries 

55 Great Republic Drive 9887 4th Street North, Suite 220 

Suite 01-500 St. Petersburg, FL 33702 

Gloucester, MA 01930 Telephone (727) 570-5383 

Telephone (978) 281-9228 Fax (727) 570-5387 

Fax (978) 281-9134, (978) 281-9125 

Western Region Inspection Office 

NOAA Fisheries 

Building 32, Room 286A 

7600 Sand Point Way N.E. 

Seattle, WA 98115-6349 

Telephone (206) 526-4259 

Fax (206) 526-4265

12.2 Analytical testing and technical information. For USDC technical information on 

analytical testing, contact the Technical Services Branch, USDC Seafood Inspection 

Program, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, telephone (978) 281-9292, or 

via E-mail: John.Creeden@noaa.gov. 

12.3 Sources of documents.

12.3.1 Sources of information for nongovernmental documents are as follows: 

Copies of the Official Methods of Analysis of the AOAC International, either printed or on CDROM versions, may be obtained from: AOAC International, 481 North Frederick Avenue, 

Suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417, telephone (301) 924-7077 or (800) 379-2622. 

Internet address: www.aoac.org. 

Copies of the latest version of ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection 

by Attributes, may be obtained from: American Society for Quality, 600 North Plankinton 

Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53201, telephone (800) 248-1946. Internet address: www.asq.org. 

12.3.2 Sources of information for governmental documents are as follows:
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Applicable provisions of 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 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. 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, or on the Internet at: 

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html. 

Copies of FDA, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Fish and Fisheries Products 

Hazards and Controls Guidance are available on the Internet at: 

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocument

s/Seafood/FishandFisheriesProductsHazardsandControlsGuide/default.htm

Copies of MIL-PRF-44073 are available from: Standardization Documents Order Desk, 

Document Automation and Production Service, 700 Robbins Avenue, Building 4D, 

Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094 or on the Internet at: http://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/. 

Copies of this CID and the United States Standards for Condition of Food Containers are 

available from: Branch Chief, PPB, FV, AMS, USDA, STOP 0247, 1400 Independence Ave., 

SW, Washington, DC 20250-0247, telephone (202) 720-9939, Fax (202) 690-1527, via Email: FQAStaff@ams.usda.gov or on the Internet at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/FQAS.

Copies of “USDC Participants List for Firms, Facilities and Products” or other information 

regarding policy and procedures of the USDC Seafood Inspection Program; beneficial comments, 

recommendations, additions, deletions, clarifications, etc., and any data which may improved this 

document are available from and/or provided to: U.S. Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seafood Inspection Program, 1315 East-West 

Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, telephone (301) 713-2355, Fax (301) 713-1081, or 

on the Internet at: http://www.seafood.nmfs.noaa.gov/.

Military activities may obtain copies of this CID from: Standardization Documents Order 

Desk, Document Automation and Production Service, 700 Robbins Avenue, Building 4D, 

Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094 or on the Internet at: http://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/. 
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MILITARY INTERESTS: CIVIL AGENCY COORDINATING ACTIVITIES: 

Military Coordinating Activity DOJ - BOP 

 HHS - NIH, IHS, FDA 

 Army - GL USDA - FV 

 VA - OSS 

Custodians DOC - NOAA 

 Army - GL PREPARING ACTIVITY:

 Navy - SA 

 Air Force - 35 DOC - NOAA 

Review Activities

 Army - MD, QM 

 Navy - MC 

 DLA - SS 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis 

of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental 

status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an 

individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large 

print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a 

complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., 

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal 

opportunity provider and employer.