Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

FEDERAL PURCHASE 

PROGRAM SPECIFICATION 

(FPPS) FOR CHICKEN PARTS, 

FROZEN 

APPROVED

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Livestock and Poultry (LP) Program

Food Safety and Commodity Specification 

(FSCS) Division

Room 2624 S-Bldg, Phone: (202) 692-0342

Supersedes: Chicken Parts June 2018 –

Changes from pervious requirements in blue

Effective: July 2018

100 ITEM DESCRIPTION

110 Cut-up (100098), Kosher cut-up (110052) – Frozen cut-up chickens, 8 pieces, 

without necks and giblets. Cut-up chickens shall be produced from ready-to-cook 

broiler/fryer that weigh 4.0 to 5.5 pounds without neck and giblets. The commodity 

shall be packed in a minimum of four plastic-film bags and packed 40 pounds net 

weight in each fiberboard shipping container, with 1,000 containers per purchase 

unit totaling 40,000 pounds. 

120 Drumsticks (100878) – Frozen chicken drumsticks. Drumsticks shall be produced 

from ready-to-cook broiler/fryer chickens that weigh 4.0 to 5.5 pounds without neck 

and giblets. The commodity shall be packed in a minimum of four plastic-film bags 

and packed 40 pounds net weight in each fiberboard shipping container, with 1,000 

containers per purchase unit totaling 40,000 pounds. 

130 Leg Quarters (100105) – Frozen chicken leg quarters. Leg quarters shall be 

produced from ready-to-cook broiler/fryer chickens that weigh 4.0 to 5.5 pounds 

without neck and giblets. The commodity shall be packed in a minimum of four 

plastic-film bags and packed 40 pounds net weight in each fiberboard shipping 

container, with 1,000 containers per purchase unit totaling 40,000 pounds. 

140 Thighs (100879) – Frozen chicken thighs with back portion. Thighs shall be 

produced from ready-to-cook broiler/fryer chickens that weigh 4.0 to 5.5 pounds 

without neck and giblets. The commodity shall be packed in a minimum of four 

plastic-film bags and packed 40 pounds net weight in each fiberboard shipping 

container, with 1,000 containers per purchase unit totaling 40,000 pounds. 
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

200 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

210 The following documents are incorporated as part of this USDA, AMS, FSCS 

Division FPPS – Chicken Parts, Frozen – July 2018:

210.1 AMS/LP Program/Quality Assessment Division (QAD) Policies and Procedures.

210.2 Poultry Products Inspection Regulations (9 CFR § 381).

210.3 Regulations Governing the Voluntary Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit

Products (7 CFR § 70) and the U.S. Classes, Standards, and Grades for Poultry

(AMS 70.200 et seq., 9 CFR § 381.170 to 172).

210.4 AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurements and Solicitation.

300 CHECKLIST OF REQUIREMENTS

310 Domestic Products – Refer to the current AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity 

Procurements. 

320 Food Defense – Refer to the current AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity 

Procurements. 

400 HARVESTING

410 All harvesting activities shall comply with all applicable Food Safety and Inspection 

Service (FSIS) regulations and requirements, including 9 CFR § 381, and shall be 

done under FSIS inspection.

420 Humane Handling – All poultry shall be humanely handled in accordance with FSIS 

Directive 6100.3.

500 PROCESSING

510 All processing activities shall comply with all applicable FSIS regulations and 

requirements, including 9 CFR § 381, and shall be done under FSIS inspection.

520 Performance Standards – Product shall be produced under FSIS pathogen 

reduction standards, as specified in 9 CFR § 381. 

530 Date Processed – The commodity shall not be processed or packaged more than 

60 days prior to the first day of the delivery period.

540 Inspection for contract and FPPS compliance shall be in accordance with the 

Regulations Governing the Voluntary Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit 

Products (7 CFR § 70) and the U.S. Classes, Standards, and Grades for Poultry 
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

(AMS 70.200 et seq.). The AMS Grader shall be responsible for certification of 

compliance with the requirements of this FPPS for whole chickens, cut-up chicken, 

drumsticks, leg quarters, thighs; freezing; packaging and packing; labeling and 

marking; net weight; sampling; and checkloading.

541 AMS Certification – USDA/AMS, LP Program’s QAD field office or the Director of

QAD, LP Program, AMS, USDA, Room 3953-S, STOP 0258, 1400 Independence

Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0258, telephone (202) 720-3271. 

541.1 All steps in the manufacturing process shall be under the direct supervision of an 

AMS Grader and as outlined in QAD Policies and Procedures. Quality and 

compliance with product requirements shall be determined in accordance with QAD 

policies and procedures. The AMS Grader may also select samples for laboratory 

analyses or inspect the commodity at any point including in transit and after delivery

to point of destination.

542 For Material Code 110052 Only – K Chicken Cut-up shall comply with applicable

dietary (kosher) laws as established by the “613 Council of Kashruth.” 

Manufacturing plants shall be certified for compliance with the aforementioned

requirement by contacting the Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York 

(BJENY) at 646-472-5366. At no cost to the vendor, a rabbinic supervisor shall be

sent to certify compliance of the manufacturing plant with the dietary (kosher) laws.

542.1 Offeror shall certify that their manufacturing plant is capable of meeting applicable

dietary (kosher) laws as established by the “613 Council of Kashruth” and

certification by BJENY.

543 Lot Definition – A lot is the amount of packaged commodity produced during a 

processing shift.

543.1 Sub-Lot – Contractor shall clearly identify sub-lot size and maintain the identity and 

traceability of each sub-lot.

550 Class and Style – The commodities shall be prepared from freshly harvested readyto-cook chickens (broiler/fryers, AMS 70.200 et seq.). Individual carcasses and/or 

parts from ready-to-cook chickens shall conform to the definitions and standards in 

AMS 70.201 and 70.210.

560 U.S. Grade – Grading shall be in accordance with 7 CFR § 70 and AMS 70.200 et 

seq. Grading shall be under the supervision of an AMS Grader using the LP

Program’s Sample Plan Level 1 (SPL-1) for Grade A parts, and Sample Plan Level 

2 (SPL-2) for Grade B parts.

561 Cut-up (100098) – U.S. Grade A.
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

562 Kosher Cut-up (110052) – U.S. Grade A for all factors except U.S. Grade B quality 

for exposed flesh.

563 Leg Quarters (100105) – U.S. Grade B or Better.

564 Drumsticks (100878) and Thighs (100879) – U.S. Grade A for all factors except 

U.S. Grade B quality for exposed flesh.

570 Chicken from Other Plants – Chicken carcasses and parts may be transferred or 

obtained from other processing plants provided it: 

570.1 has been processed, handled, and identified in accordance with this FPPS, and 

570.2 complies with the freshly harvested, organoleptic, temperature, and other applicable 

requirements of this FPPS as evidenced by USDA certification. USDA certification 

may occur either at the plant of origin or at the receiving plant.

571 Type, class and specific name of the product, or grade; date harvested as 

applicable; and the USDA-assigned plant number shall be shown on each shipping 

container.

572 The chilled chicken and chicken parts shall be at an internal product temperature 

between 26 °F (-3.3 °C) and 40 °F (4.4 °C) during transit, from plant of origin to

destination.

573 Meat Time Requirements – The chilled commodity shall be processed, packaged, 

packed, and placed in a freezer within 7 calendar days after the date of harvest. 

573.1 Within this 7-day timeframe, the commodity shall be placed in a freezer within 48 

hours after packaging. If the commodity is not placed in a freezer immediately after 

packing, the product shall be held at a temperature between 26 °F (-3.3 °C) and 36 

°F (2.2 °C). 

573.1.1 Packaged commodity shall be frozen by lowering the internal product temperature 

to 0 °F (-17.8 °C) or lower within 72 hours from the time of entering the freezer. 

When packaged product is held at a temperature below 26 °F (-3.3 °C), the 

commodity shall be considered to be in a freezer and subject to the 72-hour 

freezing requirement which begins at the end of the shift the commodity enters the 

26 °F (-3.3 °C) or lower facility.

574 Organoleptic Requirements – The chilled ready-to-cook chicken and parts shall be 

examined on a continuous basis for the following organoleptic requirements: chilled 

chicken and parts shall be free of rancidity; free of fruity, sulfide-like, cardboardy, 

tallowy, oily, metallic, chlorine-like, or other foreign and off-odors; free of foreign 

materials (e.g., glass, paper, rubber, plastic, wood, metal); shall show no evidence 

of mishandling or deterioration; and shall have a bright color and show no evidence 

of dehydration or freezing and thawing. 
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

580 Weight Requirements – Carcasses shall be examined for compliance prior to 

packaging with the individual weight requirements. A sample of 10 carcasses shall 

be randomly drawn and weighed. The frequency of sampling and the number of 

defects allowed shall be those outlined in the LP Program’s Sample Plan Level-2. 

600 PACKAGING AND PACKING

610 The contractor shall assure that all packaging, packing, labeling, closure, marking, 

and palletization comply with the National Motor Freight Regulations and FSIS 

regulations and the requirements listed below.

620 Packaging – All packaging and packing materials shall be clean and in new 

condition, shall not impart objectionable odors or flavors to the commodity, shall be 

safe for use in contact with food products (cannot adulterate product or be injurious 

to health), and shall be tamper-evident. Tamper-evident is defined as packaging 

and packing materials with one or more indicators or barriers to entry, which, if 

breached or missing, can reasonably be expected to provide visible evidence that 

tampering has occurred. All packaging material shall comply with FSIS regulations 

(9 CFR § 381.144(c)).

621 Plastic-film Bags – Bags for packaging the commodity shall be a polyethylene film 

bag with a wall thickness of not less than 2 mil (0.002 inch); and shall protect the 

commodity from dehydration, freezer burn, or quality deterioration during the 

conditions of use. Closure methods shall be approved by a QAD representative. 

Metal wire ties, paper-coated wire ties, or staples shall not be used for sealing 

plastic-film bags.

630 Packing – A minimum of four bags with approximately equal amounts in each bag 

and packed to a net weight of 40 pounds per shipping container.

631 Pack Tolerances for Cut-up (100098) and Kosher Cut-up (110052).

631.1 Individual Shipping Containers – Chicken parts or pieces (breast portions, thighs 

with back portions, drumsticks, and wings) in an individual shipping container must 

be proportional in number and kind to those found in a whole chicken. The parts 

may either be packaged in natural proportion in each individual bag or by part in 

each individual bag. The method used by the contractor shall be approved by QAD.

631.2 Thighs, Drumsticks, Breast Pieces and Wings – In a shipping container, the

difference between the part having the least pieces and the part having the most 

pieces shall not be more than four. The wings shall not exceed the number of 

pieces of the other parts (breast pieces, thighs, or drumsticks) in the shipping 

container having the greatest number of pieces. 

631.3 Example – A shipping container has 28 breast pieces, 31 thigh pieces, 
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

30 drumsticks, and 32 wings. In this example, the thigh pieces, drumsticks, and 

breast pieces are within the permitted range of 4, but since the wings exceed the 

number of pieces of the other part with the greatest number of pieces in the 

shipping container (32 wings exceed 31 thigh pieces), the commodity does not meet 

requirements.

631.4 As an alternative, parts may be packed in individual bags as long as the piece 

tolerance in Section 631.2 is met.

631.5 Example – A shipping container has a 18-lb bag of breast pieces, 12-lb bag of 

thighs, 5.5-lb bag of drumsticks, and 4.5-lb bag of wings. In this example, bag 

weight is being utilized to meet the piece count tolerance. As long as the piece 

count tolerance is being met, and QAD approves the method, it is an acceptable 

process.

640 Shipping Containers – Shipping containers shall: 

640.1 be good commercial fiberboard containers that are acceptable by common or other 

carrier(s) for safe transport to point of destination, 

640.2 be of such size to pack the commodity without slack filling or bulging, 

640.3 withstand the stresses of handling, shipping, stacking, and storage, and 

640.4 be closed by commercially accepted methods and materials. Steel or wire straps 

shall not be used for final closure. 

641 Staples shall not be used for final closure of shipping containers. Adhesive or 

staples cannot be used to fasten the top portion of telescope-style containers to the 

bottom portion. Staples may be used to manufacture and to assemble the 

fiberboard shipping containers, provided the staples are fastened into the container 

and tightly clenched to eliminate sharp edges prior to packing the commodity into 

the shipping containers.

700 LABELING

710 Commercial labeling or USDA labeling shall be used. When commercial or USDA 

labeling is selected, the shipping containers within a purchase unit shall be labeled 

in that format. The contractor shall use the same label format (either commercial or 

USDA) within a purchase unit.

720 Commercial Labeling Requirements

721 Commercially labeled packages and shipping containers shall be labeled in 

accordance with FSIS requirements. Labeling shall be approved by FSIS prior to 

acceptance for use under this FPPS.
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

722 Commercial labels shall be the processor’s own commercial label. 

723 Traceable Product – The processor shall establish a product identification and 

record system that clearly links product by place and time of manufacture to specific 

USDA contracts and destinations. When the company uses the same commercial 

label for the product certified as complying with this FPPS and commercial product, 

the identification system shall differentiate between USDA and non-USDA products. 

An alpha numeric code may be used for information that is in addition to FSIS 

labeling requirements. The required product identification and record system, 

including codes, shall be reviewed by USDA/AMS before production begins for the 

contract(s).

724 Nutrition Facts, Ingredients and Allergen Statements on Shipping Containers 

Nutrition Facts shall be provided. The ingredient statement, even for single 

ingredient foods, shall be included as a statement separate from the name of the 

product, e.g. Ingredients: _____________. The allergen statement shall be 

provided in the format which complies with the Food Allergen Labeling and 

Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), and 9 CFR § 317.2(b), 9 CFR 381.116(a) for 

any product which contains milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, 

soy or wheat; e.g. Allergen: This product contains ______. For additional guidance 

refer to the Compliance Guidance at: 

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/f9cbb0e9-6b4d-4132-ae27-

53e0b52e840e/Allergens-Ingredient.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

730 USDA Labeling Requirements

731 When USDA labeling is used, any deviations from the USDA labeling requirements 

in this FPPS shall be approved by the Contracting Officer, in writing, prior to start of 

production. Labeling and marking of the commodity shall be in accordance with this 

FPPS. 

732 Labeling and marking information shall be water-fast, non-smearing, of a 

contrasting color, clear, and readable.

733 USDA Labeled Shipping Container Requirements

733.1 Labeling and marking information shall be preprinted, stamped, or stenciled on each 

shipping container; or printed on a self-adhesive label and applied to each shipping 

container. This information, in essentially the same layout, is provided in EXHIBITS 

1 thru 5.

733.2 Nutrition Facts, Ingredients and Allergen statements on shipping containers. 

Nutrition Facts shall be provided. The ingredient statement, even for single 

ingredient foods, shall be included as a statement separate from the name of the 

product, e.g. Ingredients: _____________. The allergen statement shall be provided 
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

in the format which complies with the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer 

Protection Act (FALCPA) for any product which contains milk, eggs, fish, crustacean 

shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, soy or wheat; e.g. Allergen: This product contains 

______.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/f9cbb0e9-6b4d-4132-ae27-

53e0b52e840e/Allergens-Ingredient.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

733.3 Universal Product Code (UPC)

733.3.1 The UPC, symbol and code, called Interleaved 2 of 5 (I 2/5), shall appear on each 

shipping container. The complete code, including the check digit, shall be printed in 

machine-readable and human-readable form. The start and stop indicators shall be 

included in the bar codes. Printing, readability, and scanability of the bar code shall

be in accordance with UPC guidelines published by GS1 US, 1009 Lenox Drive, 

Suite 202, Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648, (609) 620-0200.

733.3.2 The contractor shall use the code furnished by USDA. USDA has acquired a 

unique manufacturer’s identification number for the commodity purchase programs 

and shall use a unique item code number for each commodity purchased under this 

FPPS. The Contractor need not join GS1 US. 

733.3.3 The 14-digit UPC code for shipping containers is:

733.3.3.1 Cut-up Chicken (100098) – 1 07 15001 00098 6. 

733.3.3.2 Kosher Cut-up Chicken (110052) – 1 07 15001 10052 5. 

733.3.3.3 Drumsticks (100878) – 1 07 15001 00878 3. 

733.3.3.4 Leg Quarters (100105) – 1 07 15001 00105 1. 

733.3.3.5 Thighs (100879) – 1 07 15001 00878 3. 

733.3.4 The UPC code shall be placed in the lower right-hand corner of the principal display 

panel of each shipping container.

734 Recycle Symbol and Statement – The Contractor shall place somewhere on the 

surface of each recyclable shipping container the recycle symbol shown in EXHIBIT

6. The statement “PLEASE RECYCLE” is to be placed under the symbol. The 

recycle symbol and statement shall be legibly printed in permanent ink.

735 Inventory Control Information – The processor may use any additional information 

(including bar codes) for processor inventory control purposes. This information 

may be applied somewhere on the surface of the shipping container, but shall not 

cover or conflict with the labeling requirements of this FPPS.
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

736 Shipping containers or labels with incorrect contract number, plant number, net 

weight, date packed, shall be corrected before they are used. The incorrect 

information shall be blocked out and the correct information legibly printed, 

stamped, or stenciled in permanent ink. Additionally, the name, address, and 

phone number of the processor shall appear on each shipping container.

740 Unacceptable Labeling 

741 Commercial labels that do not have a processor traceability system and code.

742 Commercial labeling traceability coding and systems that have not been reviewed 

by a representative of LP Program, QAD.

743 Distributor Commercial Labels

744 Two or more different commercial labels in the same purchase unit.

745 Commercial labels and USDA labels in the same purchase unit.

750 Free Along Side (FAS) Vessel Deliveries 

751 FAS vessel deliveries that are not source loaded in a refrigerated seavan are 

required to show the final destination’s overseas address as provided in the Sales 

Order/Item Number. The address shall be clearly printed on at least two sides of 

each pallet.

800 FINAL EXAMINATION OF PACKAGED AND PACKED COMMODITY

810 Packaging Defects – Packages in a delivery unit shall be examined for defects that 

affect protection, expose product, permit dehydration or freezer burn, or quality 

deterioration during storage, such as tears, holes, or improperly sealed packages.

820 Packing Defects – Shipping containers in a delivery unit shall be examined for 

condition, labeling, and marking defects according to the United States Standards 

for Condition of Food Containers.

830 Tolerance for Defects – If samples of packaged commodity or the shipping 

containers in a delivery unit have more defects than the maximum tolerance for the 

applicable QAD sample plan, the delivery unit shall be rejected.

840 A purchase or delivery unit shall total 40,000 pounds net weight, or multiples 

thereof.

841 Each delivery unit shall be examined for compliance with the net weight 

requirements at time of checkloading.
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

842 As an alternative to test weighing at time of checkloading, the contractor may 

request on-line verification of net weights. Upon receiving the request, a FederalState supervisor (or his/her designee) shall determine that the facilities and 

procedures are in accordance with the applicable LPP’s instructions for this FPPS.

843 The tare weight of all packing materials shall be determined by weighing a 

representative sample of all packaging components such as plastic-film bags and 

fiberboard containers.

844 Twelve (12) shipping containers shall be selected at random from a delivery unit to 

determine net weight. The total net weight of the 12 shipping containers shall be 

equal to or greater than 480 pounds.

844.1 If the total net weight is less than 480 pounds, but greater than or equal to 475.20 

pounds, the delivery unit with the following average net weight per container shall

be accepted at the corresponding discount:

Average Test Net Weight per Container

 But Not Contract

Less Than Less Than Price Discount

40.00 pounds (18.14 kg) 39.60 pounds (17.96 kg) 1.0% 

39.60 pounds (17.96 kg) -- Unacceptable

845 Payments shall be made on the actual quantity delivered. All price adjustments 

shall be based on a delivery unit.

846 A rejected delivery unit may be reworked and reoffered one time only. However, if 

an individual shipping container in the sample of the reworked delivery unit has a 

net weight of less than 39.60 pounds, the delivery unit shall be rejected.

850 Loading and Shipping Frozen Commodity

851 Visual Inspection – Frozen commodity showing any evidence of defrosting, 

refreezing, or freezer deterioration shall be rejected for use under this FPPS.

852 Internal Product Temperature

852.1 Frozen – Commodity shall be 2 °F (-16.7 °C) or lower at the time of loading. 

Delivery units with internal product temperatures exceeding 2 °F (-16.7 °C) and up

to 5 °F (-15 °C) shall be tentatively rejected. Tentatively rejected delivery units may

be returned to the freezer and the temperature reduced to 2 °F (-16.7°C) or lower 

and reoffered one time only. Delivery units exceeding 5 °F (-15 °C) or delivery units 

that have been tentatively rejected and exceed 2 °F (-16.7 °C) when reoffered shall

be rejected for use under this FPPS.
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

852.2 Optional Temperature Verification – The contractor may request an alternate 

method utilizing product temperature-sensing devices. If this option is selected, a

Federal-State Supervisor shall determine that the facilities, equipment, procedures,

and the contractors’ current level of freezing compliance are in accordance with the

established guidelines outlined in the applicable LPP’s instructions for this FPPS.

860 Inspection and Checkloading

861 Requirements – Inspection for contract compliance shall be made by a USDA 

representative, in accordance with 7 CFR § 70, FSIS regulatory requirements, and 

this FPPS at the site of processing, both during and after processing and 

packaging. Inspection records shall be complete and made available to USDA, as 

requested, to assure contract compliance.

862 Procedures – The inspection and checkloading shall be performed by an AMS 

Grader. Procedures to be followed and a schedule of fees for these services may 

be obtained by contacting the nearest QAD field office or the Director of QAD, LPP, 

AMS, USDA, Room 3953-S, STOP 0258, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, D.C. 20250-0258, telephone (202) 690-3147. 

862.1 The quality, quantity, weight, packaging, packing, and checkloading of the 

commodity shall be evidenced by certificates issued by the AMS Grader. The 

contractor shall not ship the commodity unless informed by the AMS Grader that the 

designated commodity to be shipped meets the requirements of the AMS Master 

Solicitation for Commodity Procurements, Solicitation, and this FPPS.

900 PALLETIZED UNIT LOADS

910 All products shall be stacked on new or well-maintained pallets and palletized with 

shrink wrap plastic, unless otherwise specified in the Solicitation. Pallet loads shall 

be stacked in a manner that minimizes the overhang of the shipping containers over 

the edges of the pallets and exposes each shipping container’s principal display 

panel to facilitate certification examinations.

920 Size and Style of Container – Only one size and style of shipping container shall be 

used in any one delivery unit.

1000 SHIPMENT AND DELIVERY

1010 Shipment and Delivery – Refer to the current AMS Master Solicitation for

Commodity Procurements. 

1011 In addition, the contractor shall adhere to the following provisions:
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

1011.1 each shipping container shall be identified with a USDA Contract Compliance stamp 

with the applicable certificate number. An AMS Grader or other authorized 

personnel under the supervision of the AMS Grader shall stamp one end of each 

shipping container prior to shipment. If there is inadequate space available on 

either end of the shipping container, the stamp may be applied to a side of the 

container.

1011.2 As an alternative to stamping, the contractor may preprint the stamp on the shipping 

container or label. Prior approval by QAD is required before using this alternative 

method.

1012 A copy of the original USDA Poultry Products Grading Certificate issued at time of 

checkloading shall accompany each shipment. 

1012.1 Railcar or Piggyback – If shipment is by rail or piggyback, the certificate shall be 

placed in the railcar or trailer for easy access to the AMS Grader, warehouseman, 

or consignee, as applicable.

1012.2 Trucks – If shipment is by truck, the driver shall, upon delivery, give the certificate to 

the AMS Grader, warehouseman, or consignee, as applicable.

1020 Loading and Sealing of Vehicles

1021 Refer to the current AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurements.

1030 Delivery Notification

1031 Refer to the current AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurements.

1040 Split Deliveries

1041 Refer to the current AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurements.

1100 DESTINATION EXAMINATION

1110 The cost of a destination examination, before or after delivery, by an AMS Grader 

on accepted product shall be for the account of USDA. Costs for destination 

examinations of rejected delivery units shall be for the account of the contractor. 

The origin AMS Grader shall make arrangements for destination examination prior 

to delivery.

1120 Commodity Requirements – Before acceptance by consignee, the commodity may 

be examined by an AMS Grader on a spot-check basis for temperature, condition, 

identity, and when applicable, count. The commodity may be examined for 

conformance to contract provisions at any time required by the Contracting Officer. 
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

1130 Temperature – The commodity shall arrive at destination at an average internal 

product temperature not to exceed 10 °F (-12.2 °C) with no individual temperature 

exceeding 15 °F (-9.4 °C). 

1130.1 Commodity not meeting this requirement shall be rejected for use under this FPPS.

1200 PRODUCT ASSURANCE AND COMPLAINT RESOLUTION

1210 Product Assurance – Contractor shall guarantee that the product complies with all 

FPPS requirements and provisions set forth in the AMS Master Solicitation for

Commodity Procurements and Solicitation.

1211 Waiver Requests – Contractor shall submit all waiver requests directly to the 

Commodity Procurements Staff (CPS) Contracting Officer for review and 

determination. Full list of CPS contacts can be found at: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMS%20Commodity%20Procur

ement%20Staff%20Contact%20List.pdf

1220 Complaint Resolution – Customer complaint resolution procedures shall be the 

responsibility of the Contractor. These procedures shall include: a point of contact, 

investigation steps, intent to cooperate with AMS, and product replacement or 

monetary compensation. The procedures shall be used to resolve product 

complaints from recipient agencies or AMS.
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

EXHIBIT 1

USDA Labeled Shipping Containers

Marking Information: Shipping containers shall be marked substantially as shown 

below. Detailed labeling information is provided in EXHIBIT 2. Markings shall be

legibly preprinted, stamped, stenciled on containers, or printed on a separate selfadhesive label applied to containers. The USDA symbol (EXHIBIT 4) is to be a 

minimum of 2.25 inches (5.72 cm) in height and may be printed on the “TOP PANEL”

or principal display panel. The processor’s name, address, and phone number shall

be printed on the “TOP PANEL” or principal display panel. The processor’s name 

and address shall indicate the individual processing plant, the company 

headquarters, or the company address and phone number that handles product 

complaints.

(THE OTHER END Panel)

(THE OTHER 

SIDE Panel)

(TOP PANEL)

PERISHABLE--KEEP FROZEN

KEEP AT 0o F (-17.8°C)

OR LOWER TEMPERATURE

(TOP PANEL) (ONE SIDE Panel)

 USDA 

Labeling

Information 

(shown in 

Exhibits 2

thru 5).

(ONE END - Principal Display Panel)
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

EXHIBIT 2

USDA Label Information for Individually Frozen Cut-Up

Chickens

Marking Information: USDA labeling information shall be printed on the principal 

display panel of each shipping container as provided in Exhibit 1. Markings shall

be legibly preprinted, stamped, stenciled on containers, or printed on a separate

self-adhesive label and applied to containers. The UPC 14-digit I 2/5 code and

symbol shall be shown in the lower right-hand corner of the principal display panel. 

The safe handling instructions shall be shown. The USDA symbol Exhibit 7), shall

be a minimum of 2.25 inches (5.72 cm) in height and may be printed on the “TOP 

PANEL” or principal display panel. The processor’s name, address, and phone

number shall be printed on the “TOP PANEL” or principal display panel. The

processor’s name and address shall indicate the individual processing plant, the

company headquarters, or the company address and phone number that handles 

product complaints.

FROZEN CUT-UP BROILER/FRYER CHICKENS 

Without Neck and Giblets

Required

Processor’s Nutrition Facts Label

Name, Address, and Phone Shall Be Placed Here

Safe Handling Instructions Ingredients: (Food Allergen Statement,

May Be Placed Here Shall Be Placed Here)

KEEP FROZEN

Net Weight 40 LBS. (18.14 KG) DATE PACKED Month, Day, and Year

UPC Symbol and Code
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

EXHIBIT 3

USDA Label Information for Frozen Chicken Drumsticks

Marking Information: USDA labeling information shall be printed on the principal 

display panel of each shipping container as provided in Exhibit 1. Markings shall

be legibly preprinted, stamped, stenciled on containers, or printed on a separate

self-adhesive label and applied to containers. The UPC 14-digit I 2/5 code and

symbol shall be shown in the lower right-hand corner of the principal display panel. 

The safe handling instructions shall be shown. The USDA symbol Exhibit 7), shall

be a minimum of 2.25 inches (5.72 cm) in height and may be printed on the “TOP 

PANEL” or principal display panel. The processor’s name, address, and phone

number shall be printed on the “TOP PANEL” or principal display panel. The

processor’s name and address shall indicate the individual processing plant, the

company headquarters, or the company address and phone number that handles 

product complaints.

FROZEN BROILER/FRYER 

CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Required

Processor’s Nutrition Facts Label

Name, Address, and Phone Shall Be Placed Here

Safe Handling Instructions Ingredients: (Food Allergen Statement,

May Be Placed Here Shall Be Placed Here)

KEEP FROZEN

Net Weight 40 LBS. (18.14 KG) DATE PACKED Month, Day, and Year

UPC Symbol and Code
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

EXHIBIT 4

USDA Label Information for Frozen Leg Quarters

Marking Information: USDA labeling information shall be printed on the principal 

display panel of each shipping container as provided in Exhibit 1. Markings shall

be legibly preprinted, stamped, stenciled on containers, or printed on a separate

self-adhesive label and applied to containers. The UPC 14-digit I 2/5 code and

symbol shall be shown in the lower right-hand corner of the principal display panel. 

The safe handling instructions shall be shown. The USDA symbol Exhibit 7), shall

be a minimum of 2.25 inches (5.72 cm) in height and may be printed on the “TOP 

PANEL” or principal display panel. The processor’s name, address, and phone

number shall be printed on the “TOP PANEL” or principal display panel. The

processor’s name and address shall indicate the individual processing plant, the

company headquarters, or the company address and phone number that handles 

product complaints.

FROZEN BROILER/FRYER 

LEG QUARTERS

Required

Processor’s Nutrition Facts Label

Name, Address, and Phone Shall Be Placed Here

Safe Handling Instructions Ingredients: (Food Allergen Statement,

May Be Placed Here Shall Be Placed Here)

KEEP FROZEN

Net Weight 40 LBS. (18.14 KG) DATE PACKED Month, Day, and Year

UPC Symbol and Code
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

EXHIBIT 5

USDA Label Information for Chicken Thighs

Marking Information: USDA labeling information shall be printed on the principal 

display panel of each shipping container as provided in Exhibit 1. Markings shall

be legibly preprinted, stamped, stenciled on containers, or printed on a separate

self-adhesive label and applied to containers. The UPC 14-digit I 2/5 code and

symbol shall be shown in the lower right-hand corner of the principal display panel. 

The safe handling instructions shall be shown. The USDA symbol Exhibit 7), shall

be a minimum of 2.25 inches (5.72 cm) in height and may be printed on the “TOP 

PANEL” or principal display panel. The processor’s name, address, and phone

number shall be printed on the “TOP PANEL” or principal display panel. The

processor’s name and address shall indicate the individual processing plant, the

company headquarters, or the company address and phone number that handles 

product complaints.

FROZEN BROILER/FRYER 

THIGHS WITH BACK PORTIONS

Required

Processor’s Nutrition Facts Label

Name, Address, and Phone Shall Be Placed Here

Safe Handling Instructions Ingredients: (Food Allergen Statement,

May Be Placed Here Shall Be Placed Here)

KEEP FROZEN

Net Weight 40 LBS. (18.14 KG) DATE PACKED Month, Day, and Year

UPC Symbol and Code
Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018

EXHIBIT 6

“Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement

PLEASE 

RECYCLE
EXHIBIT 7

USDA SYMBOL

Approved by CMS

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 07/23/2018