Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

100 Item Description

101 Chicken Cut-up (111361) – Frozen U.S. Grade A ready-to-cook broiler/fryer 

chickens weighing 2.5 to 4.0 pounds without neck and giblets and consists of 8 

pieces. The commodity shall be packed in a minimum of four (4)10-pound 

immediate packages in a 40-pound (net weight) shipping container. Each delivery 

unit shall consist of 950 shipping containers and shall total 38,000 pounds. 

102 Chicken Drumsticks (110090) – Frozen U.S, Grade A for all factors except U.S. 

Grade B quality for exposed flesh ready-to-cook broiler/fryer chickens weighing 3.0

to 6.0 pounds without neck and giblets. The commodity shall be packed in a 

minimum of eight (8) 5-pound immediate packages in a 40-pound (net weight) 

shipping container. Each delivery unit shall consist of 950 shipping containers 

totaling 38,000 pounds. 

103 Chicken Leg Quarters (110092) – Frozen U.S. Grade B or Better ready-to-cook 

broiler/fryer chickens weighing 3.0 to 6.0 pounds without neck and giblets. The 

commodity shall be packed in a minimum of eight (8) 5-pound immediate packages 

in a 40-pound (net weight) shipping container. A thigh or drumstick may be added 

to the package to complete weight. Each delivery unit shall consist of 950 shipping 

containers totaling 38,000 pounds. 

104 Chicken Leg Quarters (110094) – Frozen U.S. Grade B or Better ready-to-cook 

broiler/fryer chickens weighing 3.0 to 6.0 pounds without neck and giblets. The 

commodity shall be packed in a minimum of four (4) 10-pound immediate packages 

in a 40-pound (net weight) shipping container. A thigh or drumstick may be added 

to the package to complete weight. Each delivery unit shall consist of 950 shipping 

containers totaling 38,000 pounds. 

105 Kosher Chicken Leg Quarters (111761) – Frozen U.S. Grade B or Better ready-tocook broiler/fryer chickens weighing 3.5 to 5.5 pounds without neck and giblets. 

The commodity shall be packed in a minimum of four (4) 10-pound immediate 

packages in a 40-pound (net weight) shipping container. A thigh or drumstick may 

be added to the package to complete weight. Each delivery unit shall consist of 950 

shipping containers totaling 38,000 pounds. 

 

Federal Purchase Program 

Specification (FPPS) for 

Chicken Parts, Frozen

Approved

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 

Livestock and Poultry (LP) Program 

Standards and Specifications Division (SSD)

Room 2092 S-Bldg. Stop 0258, Phone: (202) 567-1757

Supersedes: FPPS Chicken Parts February 2021 –

Changes from previous requirements in blue

Effective: March 2024
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

106 Chicken Thighs without Back Portion (110195) – Frozen U.S, Grade A for all factors 

except U.S. Grade B quality for exposed flesh ready-to-cook broiler/fryer chickens 

weighing 3.0 to 6.0 pounds without neck and giblets. The commodity shall be 

packed in a minimum of eight (8) 5-pound immediate packages in a 40-pound (net 

weight) shipping container. Each delivery unit shall consist of 950 shipping 

containers totaling 38,000 pounds.

200 Applicable Documents

210 The following documents are incorporated as part of this USDA, AMS, SSD FPPS – 

Chicken Parts, Frozen – March 2024: 

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 – Domestic Programs 

 (MSCP-D) and Solicitation. 

300 Checklist of Requirements

310 Domestic Products – Refer to the current AMS MSCP-D. 

320 Food Defense – Refer to the current AMS MSCP-D. 

330 Pre-Bid Contract Compliance and Certification Requirements – Refer to the 

Supplement for Chicken Products 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/SupplementforChickenProducts.

pdf. The Contractor shall ensure that all raw material is certified by the USDA AMS 

Grader. For all processing steps following raw material certification, the Contractor 

may request the use of either Option A – AMS QAD Grading-based Monitoring and 

Certification service, or Option B – QAD Audit-based Verification service, for 

assessing contract compliance of the finished product. 

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 6110.1 Verification of Poultry Good Commercial Practices. 
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

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.

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

90 days prior to the first date of the delivery period for each sales order.

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

processing shift.

520 Performance Standards – Product shall be produced under FSIS pathogen 

reduction standards, as specified in 9 CFR § 310.25. 

521 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 

(AMS 70.200 et seq.). 

522 AMS Certification – Procedures and a schedule of fees for these services may be 

obtained by contacting the nearest QAD field office. This information can be found 

on the QAD Procedures webpage (https://www.ams.usda.gov/resources/qadprocedures), or by contacting:

USDA/AMS, Livestock and Poultry Program, Office of the Deputy Administrator, 

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0258, Room 2092-S, 

STOP 0249, Office Phone Number (202) 720-5705.

523 The AMS Grader shall be responsible for raw material certification of compliance 

with the requirements of this FPPS for chilled chicken carcasses and parts.

523.1 Based on the option selected, the AMS Grader and/or Auditor shall be responsible 

for certification or verification of packaging and packing; freezing; labeling and 

marking; sampling; and net weight.

523.2 Under AMS QAD Grading-Based Monitoring and Certification, all steps in the 

manufacturing process shall be under the direct supervision of an AMS Grader and 

as outlined in QAD Policies and Procedures for quality and compliance with the 

product requirements. The AMS Grader may also select samples for laboratory 

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

point of destination.

523.3 Under AMS QAD Audit-Based Verification except for raw material certification, all 

steps in the manufacturing process shall be verified through routine audits 

performed by an AMS Auditor according to the Contractor’s and/or Subcontractor’s 

approved technical proposal and the applicable FPPS.

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

obtained from other processing plants provided it: 
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

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

530.2 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 by the AMS Grader. 

531 Type, class and specific name of the product, or grade; harvest date as applicable; 

and the USDA-assigned plant number shall be shown on each shipping container.

531.1 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.

532 The chilled chicken and 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.

540 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.

541 Cut-up (111361) – U.S. Grade A.

542 Leg Quarters (110092 and 110094) and Kosher Leg Quarters (111761) – U.S. 

Grade B or Better.

543 Drumsticks (110090) and Thighs without Back Portion (110195) – U.S. Grade A for 

all factors except U.S. Grade B quality for exposed flesh.

544 Material Code (111761) Only – Kosher Chicken Leg Quarters shall comply with

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

Manufacturing plants shall be certified for compliance with the requirement by

contacting the Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York (BJENY) at 

646-472-5368. Additional information regarding practices and protocols required 

for Kosher certified production for BJENY schools can be found at the following 

link: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/BJENYKosherResource.pdf. 

At no cost to the vendor, a rabbinic supervisor shall be sent to certify compliance of

the manufacturing plant with the dietary (kosher) laws.

544.1 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.
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

550 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.

550.1 As an alternative, other methods may be utilized to verify carcass weight 

requirements. Prior approval by QAD is required before implementing any such 

alternative method.

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

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

560.1 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). 

560.1.1 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.

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

examined on a continuous basis. Meat shall:

570.1 not be rancid; have a fruity, sulfide-like, cardboardy, tallowy, oily, metallic, chlorinelike, or other foreign or off-odors; contain foreign materials (e.g., glass, paper, 

rubber, metal, plastic, wood); or show evidence of mishandling or deterioration; and

570.2 shall have a bright color and show no evidence of dehydration or freezing and 

thawing. 

580 Freezing

581 When ice glazing methods are used for the Individually Frozen (IF) product, the 

AMS Grader shall randomly weigh 10 parts according to established LP Program 

procedures for determining tare weight for ice glazed products. Both unglazed and 

glazed parts shall be weighed to determine the tare weight.

582 Determination of the commodity for 72-hour freezing verification shall be made as 

the commodity exits the in-line freezing system as follows: 

582.1 individually frozen commodity exiting an in-line freezing system with internal product 

temperatures higher than 0°F (-17.8°C) shall be packaged and placed in a freezer. 

Internal product temperature shall be lowered to 0°F (-17.8°C) or lower within 72 

hours from the time the commodity enters the freezer.
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

582.2 Individually frozen commodity exiting an in-line freezing system with internal product 

temperatures 0°F (-17.8°C) or lower is compliant with the 72-hour freezing 

requirement.

600 Packaging and Packing

610 Packaging – All packaging material shall comply with FSIS regulations 

(9 CFR § 381.144 Packaging Materials). Chicken parts shall be packed in 

polyethylene-film bags with a wall thickness of not less than 2 mil (0.002 inch) and 

sealed (tamper evident). 

610.1 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)).

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

polyethylene-film bags.

612 Closure methods shall be approved by a QAD representative. 

620 Packing 

621 Chicken Cut-up, Frozen (111361), Chicken Leg Quarters, Frozen (110094), and 

Kosher Chicken Leg Quarters (111761) – A minimum of four (4) 10-pound 

immediate containers (packages) with approximately equal amounts per package 

shall be packed in a 40-pound (net weight) shipping container.

622 Chicken Leg Quarters, Frozen (110092), Chicken Drumsticks, Frozen (110090), 

and Chicken Thighs without Back Portion, Frozen (110195) – A minimum of eight

(8) 5-pound immediate containers (packages) with approximately equal amounts 

per package shall be packed in a 40-pound (net weight) shipping container.

623 The Contracting Officer may designate a specific packing orientation in the 

Solicitation.

630 Pack Tolerances for Chicken Cut-up (111361)

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

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

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.
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

630.2 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. 

630.3 Example – A shipping container has 28 breast pieces, 31 thigh pieces, 

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 As an alternative, parts may be packed in individual bags if the piece tolerance in 

Section 630.2 is met.

631.1 Example – A shipping container has an 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. If 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 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.

642 Items utilized to enhance the freezing process of the commodity, such as pallet 

spacers, shall be clean, dry, and not contain any residue from previous usage.

700 Labeling

710 Shipping containers shall comply with the National Motor Freight Classification, 

or the Uniform Freight Classification, as applicable. Both individual (packaging 

material) and shipping containers shall be labeled to include all information 

required by FSIS regulations.
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

711 Commodity destined for Institutional use (ex- Schools, etc.), labeling of the 

individual (packaging) is not required. 

712 Commodity destined for Household use (ex- Food Banks, etc.), labeling of the 

individual (packaging) is required. 

720 Nutrition Facts, Ingredients and Allergen Statements shall be on shipping 

containers. 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 the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act 

which define milk, egg, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and 

soybeans, and sesame as well as any food ingredient that contains protein derived 

from one of these foods, with the exception of highly refined oils, as “major food 

allergens.”; e.g. Contains: _________. 

730 Commercial (retail, consumer) 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.

731 Commercial Labeling Requirements

731.1 Commercially labeled packages and shipping containers shall be labeled in 

accordance with FSIS requirements for use under this FPPS. Packages shall 

comply with commercial labeling requirements and must meet the 

Commodity/Packaging Labeling Requirements Section of the MSCP-D.

731.2 Labels shall be the processor’s own commercial label and include: 

731.2.1 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).

732 USDA Labeling Requirements 

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

contrasting color, clear and readable.
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

732.2 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. 

732.3 Each individual package and shipping container is required to have a traceability 

code that is traced back to establishment number, production lot, and date. 

732.4 Universal Product Code (UPC) 

732.4.1 Cut-up Chicken (111361) – Primary Container – 7 15001 11361 0. Secondary 

Container - 1 07 15001 11361 7. 

732.4.2 Drumsticks (110090) – Primary Container – 7 15001 10090 0. Secondary 

Container - 1 07 15001 10090 7. 

732.4.3 Leg Quarters (110092) – Primary Container – 7 15001 10092 4. Secondary 

Container - 1 07 15001 10092 1. 

732.4.4 Leg Quarters (110094) – Primary Container – 7 15001 10094 8. Secondary 

Container - 1 07 15001 10094 5. 

732.4.5 Kosher Leg Quarters (111761) – Primary Container – 7 15001 11761. Secondary 

Container - 1 07 15001 11761 5.

732.4.6 Thighs without Back Portion (110195) – Primary Container – 7 15001 10195 2. 

Secondary Container - 1 07 15001 10195 9. 

733 Inventory Control Information – The processor may include 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.

740 Unacceptable Labeling 

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

742 Distributor Commercial Labels

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

744 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 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 panel.
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

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. 

811 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 (7 CFR § 42). 

812 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.

820 Delivery Unit – A delivery unit shall consist of 950 shipping containers with a net 

weight of 38,000 pounds.

830 Net Weight – Net weight for each delivery unit shall be determined at origin per 

QAD’s Policies and Procedures.

830.1 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, QAD, LP Program (or his/her designee) shall determine that the 

facilities and procedures are in accordance with the applicable LP Program’s

instructions for this FPPS.

840 Loading and Shipping Frozen Commodity

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

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

842 Internal Product Temperature

842.1 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. 

842.2 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 LP Program’s instructions for this 

FPPS. 
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

850 Inspection and Checkloading 

851 Requirements – For inspection and checkloading at time of shipping, the Contractor 

shall utilize either USDA Grader or Contractor Checkloading to certify. The 

Contractor shall notify USDA AMS QAD Supervisor prior to production. The 

requirements for selection are as follows:

852 USDA Grader Checkloading Requirements – Inspection for contract compliance 

shall be made by a USDA representative, in accordance with 7 CFR § 70, FSIS 

regulations, and this FPPS, at 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.

852.1 Procedures – The inspection and checkloading shall be performed by the AMS

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

be obtained by contacting the nearest QAD field office referenced in the Plant Book 

Contact Information at: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/resources/qad-procedures or by contacting:

USDA, AMS, Livestock and Poultry Program, Office of the Deputy Administrator, 

STOP 0249, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 2092-S, Washington, DC 

20250-0249, Office Phone Number (202) 720-5705. 

852.2 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 

MSCP-D, Solicitation, and this FPPS.

853 Contractor Checkloading Requirements – Inspection for final contract compliance 

shall be made by the Contractor, in accordance with 7 CFR § 70, FSIS regulations, 

and this FPPS. The quality, quantity, weight, packaging and packing of the 

commodity shall be evidenced by a Certificate of Conformance that verifies the 

designated commodity to be shipped meets all the requirements as stated in this 

FPPS, MSCP-D and Solicitation. 

853.1 Procedures – The Contractor shall perform checkloading examinations at the time 

of shipment – as described in this FPPS starting at the section labeled Loading and 

Shipping Frozen Commodity and sections thereafter – and shall issue a 

corresponding Certificate of Conformance (Exhibit 6). The Contractor is required to 

provide an acceptance document to accompany each shipment. Additional details 

are found in the Bill of Lading Notations Section of the MSCP-D. 

853.2 Contractor Checkloading shall be reviewed by USDA under AMS LP QAD 623 

Contractor Checkloading Surveillance Program at the cost of the Contractor.

853.2.1 Contractors inspection records and checkloading documentation shall be complete 

 and maintained, including the Certificate of Conformance, and made available to 
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

 USDA, as requested, to assure Contractor Checkloading compliance. Contractor 

 checkloading activity shall be reviewed by USDA under AMS LP QAD 623 

 Contractor Checkloading Surveillance Program at the cost of the contactor. 

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, including Loading and Sealing, Delivery Notifications and 

Split Deliveries – Refer to the current MSCP-D. 

1011 In addition, the Contractor shall adhere to the following provisions:

1011.1 Under QAD Grading-based Monitoring and Certification service, each shipping 

container shall be identified with a USDA Contract Compliance stamp with the 

applicable production date. An AMS Grader or other authorized personnel under 

the supervision of the AMS Grader, shall stamp one end of each shipping container 

online. If there is inadequate space available on either end of the shipping 

container, the stamp may be applied to a side of the container.

1011.1.1 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.

1011.2 Under Audit-Based Verification service, each shipping container shall be identified 

with the USDA Food shield at least 2 inches high on the principle display panel. 

The Contractor may preprint the USDA shield on the shipping container or label.

1012 A copy of the Contractor’s Certificate of Conformance and Bill of Lading or the 

original USDA Poultry Grading Certificate and Bill of Lading issued at time of 

checkloading shall accompany each shipment. 
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

1100 Destination Examination

1110 If requested, 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.

1111 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. 

1112 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) when shipped, during transit, and when received at the 

 destination plant. When any sample exceeds 15°F (-9.4°C) the purchase unit 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 FPPS, MSCP-D and Solicitation. 

1220 Waiver and/or Contract Amendment Requests – Contractor shall submit all waiver 

and/or contract amendment requests directly to the Commodity Procurement

Program (CPP) Contracting Officer for review and determination. Full list of CPP 

contacts can be found at:

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMSCommodityProcurementSta

ffContactList.pdf 

1230 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: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

Exhibit 1 

USDA Label Information for Individually Frozen Cut-Up Chicken

Labeling information shall be printed on the principal display panel of each 

shipping container. Markings shall be legibly preprinted, stamped, stenciled on 

containers, or printed on a separate self-adhesive label applied to containers. 

The UPC symbol and 1 07 15001 11361 7 shall be shown in the lower right-hand 

corner of the principal display panel. The USDA symbol shall be a minimum of 

2.25 inches (5.72 cm) in height and may be printed on the principal display panel 

or top panel. The processor’s name, address, and phone number shall be 

printed on the principal display panel or top 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 statement, “PERISHABLE-KEEP FROZEN, KEEP AT 0°F 

(-17.8°C) OR LOWER TEMPERATURE” shall be printed on the top panel.

FROZEN CUT-UP BROILER/FRYER CHICKEN

Without Necks and Giblets

Ingredients:

(Food Allergen Statement, 

Shall Be Placed Here)

 

 Processor’s Nutrition Facts Label

 Name, Address, and Phone Shall Be Placed Here

KEEP FROZEN

Net Weight 

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

 UPC Symbol and 1 07 15001 11361 7 
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

Exhibit 2 

USDA Label Information for Frozen Chicken Drumsticks

Labeling information shall be printed on the principal display panel of each 

shipping container. Markings shall be legibly preprinted, stamped, stenciled on 

containers, or printed on a separate self-adhesive label applied to containers. 

The UPC symbol and 1 07 15001 10090 7 shall be shown in the lower right-hand 

corner of the principal display panel. The USDA symbol shall be a minimum of 

2.25 inches (5.72 cm) in height and may be printed on the principal display panel 

or top panel. The processor’s name, address, and phone number shall be 

printed on the principal display panel or top 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 statement, “PERISHABLE-KEEP FROZEN, KEEP AT 0°F 

(-17.8°C) OR LOWER TEMPERATURE” shall be printed on the top panel.

Frozen BROILER/FRYER

CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Ingredients:

(Food Allergen Statement, 

Shall Be Placed Here)

 

 Processor’s Nutrition Facts Label

 Name, Address, and Phone Shall Be Placed Here

KEEP FROZEN

Net Weight 

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

 UPC Symbol and 1 07 15001 10090 7 
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

Exhibit 3 

USDA Label Information for Frozen Leg Quarters

Labeling information shall be printed on the principal display panel of each 

shipping container. Markings shall be legibly preprinted, stamped, stenciled on 

containers, or printed on a separate self-adhesive label applied to containers. 

The UPC symbol and X XX XXXXX XXXXX X shall be shown in the lower righthand corner of the principal display panel. The USDA symbol shall be a 

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

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

shall be printed on the principal display panel or top 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 statement, “PERISHABLE-KEEP FROZEN, KEEP AT 0°F 

(-17.8°C) OR LOWER TEMPERATURE” shall be printed on the top panel.

FROZEN BROILER/FRYER

LEG QUARTERS

A thigh or drumstick may be added to the package to complete weight

Ingredients:

(Food Allergen Statement, 

Shall Be Placed Here)

 

 Processor’s Nutrition Facts Label

 Name, Address, and Phone Shall Be Placed Here

KEEP FROZEN

Net Weight 

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

 UPC Symbol and X XX XXXXX XXXXX X 
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

Exhibit 4

USDA Label Information for Frozen Leg Quarters

Labeling information shall be printed on the principal display panel of each 

shipping container. Markings shall be legibly preprinted, stamped, stenciled on 

containers, or printed on a separate self-adhesive label applied to containers. 

The UPC symbol and 1 07 15001 11761 5 shall be shown in the lower right-hand 

corner of the principal display panel. The USDA symbol shall be a minimum of 

2.25 inches (5.72 cm) in height and may be printed on the principal display panel 

or top panel. The processor’s name, address, and phone number shall be 

printed on the principal display panel or top 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 statement, “PERISHABLE-KEEP FROZEN, KEEP AT 0°F 

(-17.8°C) OR LOWER TEMPERATURE” shall be printed on the top panel.

FROZEN KOSHER BROILER/FRYER

LEG QUARTERS

A thigh or drumstick may be added to the package to complete weight

Ingredients:

(Food Allergen Statement, 

Shall Be Placed Here)

 

 Processor’s Nutrition Facts Label

 Name, Address, and Phone Shall Be Placed Here

KEEP FROZEN

Net Weight 

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

 UPC Symbol and 1 07 15001 11761 5 
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

Exhibit 5 

USDA Label Information for Chicken Thighs Without Back Portion

Labeling information shall be printed on the principal display panel of each 

shipping container. Markings shall be legibly preprinted, stamped, stenciled on 

containers, or printed on a separate self-adhesive label applied to containers. 

The UPC symbol and 1 07 15001 10195 9 shall be shown in the lower right-hand 

corner of the principal display panel. The USDA symbol shall be a minimum of 

2.25 inches (5.72 cm) in height and may be printed on the principal display panel 

or top panel. The processor’s name, address, and phone number shall be 

printed on the principal display panel or top 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 statement, “PERISHABLE-KEEP FROZEN, KEEP AT 0°F 

(-17.8°C) OR LOWER TEMPERATURE” shall be printed on the top panel.

FROZEN BROILER/FRYER

THIGHS

Without Back Portion

Ingredients:

(Food Allergen Statement, 

Shall Be Placed Here)

 

 Processor’s Nutrition Facts Label

 Name, Address, and Phone Shall Be Placed Here

KEEP FROZEN

Net Weight 

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

 UPC Symbol and 1 07 15001 10195 9 
Approved by: RHL

Date Issued: 04/18/2013

Date Revised: 03/21/2024

Exhibit 6 

Contractor Checkloading and Certificate of Conformance Requirement

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE 

LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PROGRAM

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE FOR

THE PROCUREMENT OF CHICKEN PARTS PRODUCT

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE

I certify the following:

(1) On [delivery date(s)], [Contractor’s name] furnished the (insert the appropriate 

commodity description) called for by Purchase Order Number via [Carrier] under 

Sales Order Number/Item number(s): . 

(2) The (insert the appropriate material name) is of the quality specified and conforms 

in all respects with the purchase order requirements, including the FPPS, Master 

Solicitation for Commodity Procurement – Domestic Programs (MSCP-D), and 

Solicitation. 

(3) Product identification, (i.e. production lot number(s)) is in the quantity shown on the 

attached acceptance document.

(4) Contractor assures all meat or meat products used in fulfilling this contract was 

produced in the United States as defined in the AMS MSCP-D. 

Date: 

Signature: 

(Signed by an officer or representative authorized to sign offers)

Title: