Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 620 Procedure 

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USDA Federal Purchase Program Specification - Poultry

General Requirements: 2023 

I. Responsibility

Grading personnel will continuously monitor production of poultry commodity items for contract 

compliance. The USDA, AMS grader (grader) is required to make the necessary examinations to 

determine compliance with the contract terms of the Federal Purchase Program Specification (FPPS) or 

technical proposal when applicable. The general term “commodity specification” is being replaced with 

FPPS.

Graders must read the applicable FPPS, specific USDA Commodity procedures located at QAD 621 and 

QAD 622, and this general requirements procedure carefully and note the items that must be observed 

during formulation, further processing, sampling, packaging, packing, labeling, loading, shipping, and 

preparation of worksheets and certificates. Graders who are unfamiliar or do not have experience with the 

FPPS should not proceed until their supervisor has reviewed the specification requirements and these 

instructions with them.

The FPPS procedures are composed of multiple parts, the QAD 620 general requirements procedure 

and specific commodity procedures located at QAD 621 for chicken products and QAD 622 for turkey 

products. QAD 621 and QAD 622 were previously known as the USDA commodity instructions. The 

QAD 620 general requirements procedure incorporates any requirement(s) that are general in nature 

and common for multiple commodities. The specific USDA commodity procedures address items 

specific to individual commodities. Therefore, all graders must review the QAD 620 general 

requirements and specific commodity procedure applicable to the commodity being processed. Any 

forms not provided in this procedure can be obtained from supervisors.

Since specification requirements also impact Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) areas of 

responsibility, graders must have a working relationship with FSIS. When the specification references 

compliance with 9 CFR 381 Temperature and Processing Requirements rather than stating the 

requirements, compliance for these items are the responsibility of FSIS.

The following materials are referenced throughout the specification and will be used during the 

certification process:

 - QAD 600 Policies and Procedures

 - United States Standards for Condition of Food Containers

- Condition of Food Container Manual

- Visual Aids for Inspection of Rigid and Semi-rigid Containers
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II. General Requirements

A. Pre-Certification

A copy of the Purchase Order (PO) (Exhibit 1) will be sent to each grader stationed at a plant that was 

successful in bidding under the current purchase program. Upon receipt of the purchase order, graders 

must contact management and review the specified requirements. The production labeling, packaging, 

and packing materials must be reviewed to determine compliance with the specification requirements.

B. Food Defense Plan

Each contractor and subcontractor must have a documented food defense plan audit on file. 

Verification of the food defense audit requirement can be accomplished by maintaining a copy of the 

signed currently approved audit cover page only (Exhibit 2) in file folder number 2a. The supervisor 

will conduct an audit verifying the contractor’s and subcontractor’s Food Defense Plan. 

C. Supplier Certification

Ready-to-cook poultry may be transferred or obtained from other processing plants to produce 

commodity products. USDA grading certification or other USDA documents issued by inspection 

personnel, as outlined in the specification, must indicate the required information to demonstrate 

compliance with the specification. The integrity of product moving between plants must be 

maintained by either stamping the shipping containers with the USDA Officially Certified stamp or 

utilizing other methods of product/certificate linking which have been reviewed and approved by the 

supervisor. When other methods are approved, the supervisor will ensure that such methods provide 

official certification to applicable specification requirements that cannot be verified at destination (i.e., 

slaughter date). 

Product that is not officially graded/certified for quality factors at the origin plant must be officially 

graded/certified at destination using current online or lot grading procedures. 

D. Domestic Origin

All poultry specifications require that donated commodities be produced from chickens or turkeys of 

domestic origin. Furthermore, contractors must supply the grader with a domestic origin certificate for 

each contract. This form, contained in the AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurement, will 

indicate whether the contractor or subcontractors are receiving or processing products from sources 

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

Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands (Exhibit 3). Contractors and subcontractors that handle 

products from such sources must have an acceptable identification and segregation plan to ensure they 

are not used in producing USDA commodities. Processors must maintain records such as invoices or 

production and inventory records documenting product origin and make them available for review by 

the Government. In addition to these control procedures, the grader and/or supervisor will verify 

domestic origin by one of the following methods: 
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1. When the contractor does not obtain product from other processors, the grader or supervisor 

must review company records quarterly to verify domestic origin. Once all purchase 

order(s) have been completed for a purchase period or the year, this review is no longer 

necessary. The date, results, and initials of the reviewer must be documented on the 

domestic origin certificate or as approved by the supervisor. 

2. Contractors receiving domestic product (whole carcasses, parts, or meat) for use in donated 

commodities must provide certification of compliance with origin requirements on each 

load. Certification may be accomplished either by an official USDA certificate or a 

certificate of conformance (COC) signed by a company representative. The certificate must 

specifically state that the product is of “domestic origin” or words of similar import. The 

grader or supervisor must check records at the origin plant quarterly (as stated above). In 

the case where the origin plant and destination plant are in two separate sub management 

areas, the destination supervisor must notify the origin supervisor of the production dates 

and plant where the product was produced to ensure a proper record review.

If a contractor or processor is receiving live or processed poultry from non-domestic suppliers, graders 

and supervisors must review the adequacy of the system implemented by the firm to ensure that this 

product is not used in commodities produced under the specification. In addition to reviewing the 

plan, the supervisor must verify integrity of the system by following the plan through each phase of 

identification and segregation when non-domestic poultry is actually received and processed or 

handled. Noncompliance with domestic origin requirements must be reported to the National Office 

through the Regional Director immediately.

Graders must maintain the domestic origin COC with the documents covering the applicable contract. 

When conducting domestic origin certification at locations with or without grading service 

supervision, the cost associated will be charged to the plant where the certification activity is

performed. 

E. Online Processing Examinations

The attached LP-232L1 & L2 worksheets (Exhibit 4-6) and QAD 631B (Exhibit 7) are to assist 

graders in certifying donated commodities. All Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) examinations must 

be recorded on the LP-232L1 or LP-232L2. If retention occurs, record the reasons for the rejection on 

the applicable worksheet. When eligible, retained product may be regraded on a stationary lot basis if 

the requirements for Sample Plan Levels 1 and 2 are met and the product is re-examined in its original 

form. Product retained for bone defects greater than the allowable tolerance for maximum length is 

not eligible for a stationary lot examination unless the product is reworked to remove the defects. 

Additional examinations and checks to monitor the processing operation may be necessary as 

determined by the supervisor. Graders must maintain a daily record of the total pounds of product 

produced on the applicable worksheet. 
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F. Organoleptic Requirements

Organoleptic examinations (sensory examination) must be conducted on a continuous basis throughout 

all phases of processing by grading personnel as outlined in QAD 614: Organoleptic Examination. 

Meat or skin exhibiting any of the organoleptic defects listed in the specification must be rejected and 

is not eligible for use in the fabrication of the applicable commodity.

1. Product Contamination 

When graders encounter product that has been contaminated by chemicals or foreign 

material such as metal, plastic, rubber, or glass, the grader must: 

 Retain all suspect products.

 Immediately contact the FSIS representative, advise them of the problem, and turn the 

product over to them for proper handling and disposition. Additionally, notify plant 

management and the supervisor and provide them specific details pertaining to the 

incident. The supervisor will report the incident to the Regional Director who will, in 

turn report it to the National Office. If it is necessary to place Retained Tags (Form 

LP-36) on the product to ensure product control, remove the tags when the product is 

turned over to the FSIS representative. 

G. Weight Range Requirements

For products that specify a weight range requirement, select 10 whole carcasses or 10 units of finished 

product each sampling interval and weigh them individually to determine compliance with weight 

range requirements. Use Sample Plan Level 2 (SPL-2) acceptance criteria to determine product 

acceptability. Only product weights outside the weight range need to be recorded on the worksheet. 

For bulk parts, drumsticks, thighs, and leg quarters, weight range requirements may be determined 

either prior to or after cut-up as provided in the specification. 

H. Grade Requirements

As applicable, each product must be officially graded according to the grade criteria contained in the 

specification. To check parts for compliance with grade requirements, randomly select bags, cases, or 

bins from production representing each sampling interval. Do not select product in any manner that 

may result in biased sampling. Check product for grade requirements based on the parts standards and 

use Sample Plan Level 1 (SPL-1) criteria to determine product acceptability for each sampling interval. 

Parts will be examined for the grade designated in the specification. Grade B or better product may be 

checked for grade requirements using SPL-2.
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I. Meat and Skin Requirements - Further Processed Products

Prior to size reduction or fabrication, graders must check meat of randomly selected containers on an 

hourly basis and, when applicable, skin, trim meat, and/or boneless parts each sampling interval. SPL1 sample size and acceptance criteria must be used to determine compliance with the specification 

requirements. Each defect, as listed in the specification, must be recorded separately. For example: 1 

discoloration, 1 feather, and 1 cartilage will be recorded as three defects.

All boneless parts of the AQL will be used for determining compliance with bone defects. Each bone 

or bone-like material defect less than or equal to the allowable tolerance for maximum length will be 

recorded on the worksheet (LP-232L1) as an individual defect. For example: a Commodity Turkey 

Ham AQL with 2 bones <0.40 inch will be recorded as 2 defects. Samples with any bone or bone-like 

material exceeding 0.40 inch in length, or exceeding the tolerance for SPL-1, must result in retention 

of the product the samples represent. If the bone defects found 1) exceed the allowable tolerance for 

maximum length, 2) exceed the “target level” for the respective sample, or 3) result in a rejection, the 

frequency for sampling for bone defects will be increased to twice each hour until the cumulative 

number of bone defects returns to the “target level.” Results must be recorded on the LP-232L1. 

Meat that is size-reduced using equipment designed to extract and discharge bone, bone-like material, 

cartilage (gristle), cartilage-like material, or hard tendons or tendonous material must be examined 

after size-reduction. Graders must select samples of meat and make a detailed examination for defect 

requirements listed in the applicable specification. Each bone or bone-like material defect must result 

in retention of the product the samples represent.

J. Processing Sequence

Many food purchase program specifications require continuous process/continuous sequential process 

during production. Other specifications have specific time requirements which must be adhered to. 

When the terms, continuous/sequential are used, the intent is to ensure that commodities produced for 

Federal nutrition assistance programs are done so in a coherent process (sized reduced, formulation, 

marinated, stuffing, cooking, etc.) not one that is fragmented or otherwise interchangeable. 

For example: 

1. Raw material is marinated during the day, the production process is then suspended due to the 

end of the workday/weekend, and the commodity is then cooked immediately upon resuming 

work the following production day. Example meets the intent of the specification.

2. Raw material is marinated in the morning, the process is halted in the early afternoon due to an 

equipment failure or power outage, and the commodity is cooked immediately upon beginning 

of operations. Example meets the intent of the specification.

3. Raw material is marinated during the day, the production process is then suspended due to the 

end of the workday/weekend, and upon resuming work the following production day other 
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products are produced prior to the marinated product being cooked. Example does not meet

the intent of the specification.

K. Formulation

Graders must verify and document the formulation on a minimum of the equivalent of one complete 

batch each plant shift or more frequently if requested by their supervisor. Graders must check-weigh 

several ingredients to verify proper formulation on an hourly basis during their normal AQL checks. 

QAD 604: Formulation Certification must be used to assess compliance with formulation 

requirements.

Although restricted ingredients such as sodium erythorbate, sodium ascorbate, and sodium nitrite are 

monitored by FSIS, these ingredients will also be verified during formulation. If the maximums are 

exceeded, the FSIS inspector must immediately be notified. During formulation, any check showing 

ingredients that do not comply with the amounts specified in the formulation section of the 

specification must cause retention of that batch. Unless the formulation can be corrected, that product 

is not eligible for use in the commodity. Also, production records must be reviewed to determine 

compliance with batches produced since the last formulation check. If any evidence of incorrect 

formulation is discovered, retain all product produced since the last acceptable sample.

L. Net Weight 

For products that specify a net weight on the individual package label, the grader must certify hourly 

that the average individual package weight meets or exceeds the amount stated on the label as outlined 

in QAD 611: Net Weight Examination. Acceptable lower limits for individual packages are determined 

by applying the appropriate Maximum Allowable Variations (MAVs) from the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology 133 Handbook specifications: 

Weight on Label Maximum Allowable Variations (MAVs)

0.4375 lb. to 3.0 lbs. (7 oz. to 48 oz) 0.062 lb. (1 oz.) 

3.0 lbs. to 10 lbs. (48 oz. to 160 oz.) 0.094 lb. (1.5 oz.) 

More than 10 lbs. (160 oz.) 1% of labeled quantity 

Example: 

A facility is packaging 5 lbs. (80 oz.) consumer labeled bags of chicken drumsticks. Based on the 

table above, the MAVs is 0.094 lbs. (1.5 oz.). By subtracting the MAVs from the labeled weight, each 

bag must weigh at least 4.906 lbs. (78.5 oz.) and the combined average weight of the 5 bags checked 

must exceed 5 lbs. (80 oz.). 
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M. Metal Detection Verification

With the exception of bulk pack and raw bone-in or boneless commodities, all commodities must be 

examined by a metal detection device accepted by FSIS. The procedures outlined in the specification 

and QAD 609: Metal Detection must be used in performing this examination. 

N. Freezing Checks

For frozen products, the plant’s current freezing history will determine the sample size for 72-hour 

freezing verification, see QAD 613: Frozen Product Examination. In plants utilizing in-line freezing 

systems, graders must sample product from each applicable sampling interval during production. 

Product exiting in-line freezing systems with temperatures for ready-to-cook at 0°F (-17.8°C) and 10°F 

(-12.2°C) for ready-to-eat or below is considered in compliance with the freezing requirements. 

Product exiting in-line freezing systems that do not comply with the specification requirements may 

either be re-run through the in-line freezing system and resampled or segregated and sampled for 72-

hour freezing verification according to the applicable sampling level and procedures. USDA sample 

stickers must be used to cover the holes in official samples resulting from drilling and thermometer 

insertion into primary containers of product. 

O. Commodity Labeling

Processors may use USDA labeling or commercial labeling for commodity products. When a selection 

of which type to use is made, both the packages and shipping containers within a purchase unit must be 

labeled in the selected format. Review the specification for immediate packaging labeling. 

Nutritional labeling is required on all shipping containers as outlined in the specification. Graders are 

responsible for visually assuring that nutritional labeling information is legible and present on each 

shipping container. 

Many specifications have a maximum sodium level which is verified by the nutritional label.

Example: The finished product shall contain no more than 500mg sodium per 100g as evidenced by 

the nutritional labeling. 

The ingredient statement, even for single ingredient foods, must be included as a statement separate 

from the name of the product, e.g. Ingredients: _____________. The allergen statement must be 

provided 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 ______. 

1. Commercial Labeling Requirements

Commercially labeled packages and shipping containers must be labeled in accordance with 

FSIS requirements.
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a. Label Types Allowed

Commercial labels must be the manufacturer’s own commercial label. Distributors’ 

labels will not be allowed. If a question arises as to whether a label is a manufacturer’s 

own label or that of a distributor, the grader will contact their supervisor for guidance. 

b. Traceable Product

The manufacturer must establish a product identification and record system that clearly 

links product by place and date/time of manufacture to specific USDA contracts and 

destinations.

2. USDA Labeling Requirements 

Commodity products labeled with USDA labeling will be labeled in accordance with the 

appropriate specification.

Each shipping container must be labeled according to the requirements outlined in the 

specification. Each recyclable shipping container must be labeled with the recycle 

statement as outlined in the specification. Shipping containers containing materials that are 

not recyclable do not require the labeling. Contractors are responsible for label format and 

obtaining FSIS label approval. 

P. Submission of Laboratory Samples (Diced chicken only)

Use Exhibit 8 as a guide to preparing LP-210P certificates for submission of samples to a laboratory 

for analysis. The laboratory technician will complete the analyses and enter the results on the 

certificate. A separate certificate must be prepared for each lot or group of sublots. Each lot or sublot

must be positively identified on the certificate by lot number, number of cases, and weight. Graders 

must ensure that certificates are legible prior to submission. The instructions to the laboratory, as 

shown in Exhibit 8, must be placed in the remarks section. After retaining a copy of the certificate, 

place original certificate in an envelope and place in the shipping container with the sample being sent 

to the laboratory. If multiple shipping containers are used, a copy of the certificate must accompany 

each container. All laboratory samples must be sealed to maintain sample integrity. Samples should 

be shipped early in the workweek (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) so they arrive at the laboratory 

during the same workweek. 

The contractor may not load or ship product prior to receipt of acceptable laboratory analysis. In order 

for the Commodity Procurement Program staff to validate late delivery requests based on delayed

receipt of laboratory results, the grader must include the following information from the laboratory 

certificate on the certificate issued at time of shipment:

- Date Sample Received for Analysis___________ 

- Date Results Reported to Grader_____________ 
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These dates must be listed for each lot in the delivery unit. Laboratory will provide results to plant 

management, who then provides them to the grader in order for the load to ship. Graders must record

the date the results were received from the laboratory on the applicable worksheet. 

Q. Shipping Examinations

1. Sample Selection

At the time of shipment, product must be examined for organoleptic condition, net weight, 

packaging and packing, and temperature. The containers selected for temperature checks 

and test weighing will be used for the condition examination. The sample size for net 

weight, condition examination and temperature checks will be according to QAD 615: Lot 

Definition. Samples must be representative from all portions of the lot and must be 

predetermined as to which pallet, layer, and container position they will be selected from. 

The predetermination process must be reviewed with the supervisor and approved by the 

Regional Director.

The samples must be determined using any random number generator. Alternative methods 

of random sample selection may be approved by the supervisor. 

If more samples are required than pallets, each pallet must be sampled at least once. When 

selecting layers and container positions, product information such as freezing 

characteristics, handling practices, and freezing history will be considered. Samples must 

be numbered and initialed by the grader at time of selection. Temperature and condition 

checks should be completed as soon as the product is removed from the freezer to preclude

any tempering of the product. 

Alternatively, if product has been examined for organoleptic condition, net weight, and 

packaging and packing online during processing these items would be excluded from 

examination during shipment.

Additionally, as an option to verification of frozen temperatures at time of shipment, 

procedures listed in QAD 613: Frozen Product Examination may be used. 

2. Test Weighing 

Except for bulk pack commodity, the net weight of each delivery unit will be determined at 

origin by performing an official test weighing according to procedures outlined in QAD 

611: Net Weight Examination.

As an option to test weighing at time of shipment and upon review and approval by the 

supervisor, plants may elect to use the alternate online test weighing procedures in QAD 

611. Other methods or test weighing procedures require approval by the National Office 

prior to use.
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a. Bulk Pack Poultry 

All bulk poultry delivered for further processing will be weighed at destination on a 

direct net basis. All ice and free moisture must be removed from the product prior to 

test weighing. Test weighing must not begin until the entire lot to be test weighed is 

assembled. The marked weight presented by the plant must be equal to, or greater than 

the minimum of the weight range that can be delivered under the purchase order. All 

bulk loads are purchased as 36,000 pound delivery units without any allowable weight 

variation at destination. 

An official test weight performed at the time of delivery will determine compliance 

with the contracted weight requirements. If the test weight reveals a minimum of 

36,000 pounds, no further action is necessary. The origin plant will not be paid for any 

product that exceeds 36,000 pounds. An LP-210P will be issued with the correct test 

weight information in order for the origin plan to be paid.

Additionally, the processor may have in place an approved substitution plan that 

addresses commodity delivery issues and has procedures in place for providing the 

proper delivered weight. In this case, the grader is to refer to the processors approved 

substitution plan for further guidance. 

b. Standard Yield Deliveries

Deliveries of boneless/skinless meat in lieu of whole birds can be performed between 

plants. QAD 635: Standard Yield will be used to determine whether the load meets the 

weight requirements. The LP-210P must state 36,000 pounds in the total net weight 

portion of the certificate. An accompanying statement in the remarks must state the 

standard yield equivalency for that load. For example: Deer Valley Poultry may fulfill 

a USDA contract for 36,000 pounds of whole chicken by sending boneless/skinless 

meat (using Standard Yield percentages) from their deboning plant in Hickory, KY to a 

plant in Moorefield, WV for processing into the finished product for the recipient 

agency. 

c. Finished Product 

For finished catch weight items, the grader must observe the weight tallying process 

used for shipping. Since bulk pack product is weighed at destination, it is not necessary 

to tally the weights of bulk shipments. Most processors utilize automated equipment for 

tallying container weights at time of shipment. A description of the automated 

equipment used for tallying weights must be placed in the grader files. Weights 

obtained utilizing electronic equipment must be verified on a spot check basis 

throughout the weight recording process. A spot check in this instance means to verify 

that the weight marked on the pallet label (commonly referred to as a Tombstone label) 
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equals the combined total weight of all of the individual box labels on that pallet on a 

daily basis. The grader will manually add up the individual box weights on that pallet 

to verify the marked total pallet weight is accurate.

If the electronic equipment fails to accurately record any product weights during a spot 

check, the accuracy of the system will be verified by checking at least 10 percent of the 

product for each delivery unit. If the verification check of marked weight indicates 

additional errors in the plant’s weight recording procedures, the weights for the entire 

delivery unit must be retallied. Subsequently, the grader must again verify at least 10 

percent of the product weights to ensure accuracy.

If the company does not use automated equipment for tallying shipping weights, the 

grader must check the accuracy of the company’s system for tallying the marked 

weights of individual boxes by personally verifying the weights recorded on at least 10 

percent of the product for each delivery unit. The supervisor must approve the 

verification of the manual system prior to use. If the verification check of marked 

weight indicates errors in the plant’s weight recording procedures, the weights for the 

entire delivery must be retallied. Subsequently, the grader must again verify at least 10 

percent of the product weights to ensure accuracy. Regardless of the type of system 

used, if problems are routinely encountered, graders must notify supervisors for followup with plant management. Weight tally worksheets must be maintained by delivery 

unit in the grader’s files.

3. Packaging and Packing Examinations 

a. Online Examination

Plants are encouraged to use the on-line packaging and packing verification procedures 

as outlined in QAD 617: Packaging and Packing. AQL checks for packaging and 

packing examinations are recorded on the backside of the LP-232L2. 

b. Packaging

As an alternative to online examination, packaging examination for cuts, tears, holes, 

improper closure, excess moisture, dirty, smeared, or stained areas affecting primary 

containers can be performed at time of shipment. The criteria listed on the QAD 617A: 

Packaging Defects Worksheet (previously PY-110) (Exhibit 9) must be used in 

checking the primary containers for the above listed items.

c. Packing 

As an alternative to online examination, shipping containers can be examined for 

condition, labeling, and markings at time of shipment. The criteria listed on the QAD 

617A worksheet (Exhibit 9-Reverse) must be used in checking the shipping containers 
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for the above listed items. The manuals, “Visual Aids for Inspection of Rigid and 

Semi-rigid Containers,” and “Condition of Food Container Manual,” must be used as 

references for interpreting and applying the standards listed on the QAD 617A 

worksheet. Prior to sample selection, each lot is to undergo a preliminary inspection 

(scanning) to identify obviously damaged containers. When damaged containers are 

encountered, the lot is to be retained until the containers have been removed and 

replaced. Initial sampling may not proceed until the lot has been reworked. 

4. Unitization - Product Palletization

Except for bulk pack poultry, each delivery unit of commodity product shipped by truck 

must be unitized (palletized and stretch wrapped). Pallets must be in new or wellmaintained condition and product must be stacked to minimize overhang of the shipping 

containers over the edges of the pallet. At time of shipment, graders must examine each 

unitized pallet to ensure that the principal display panel is visible for each container and 

that all containers are held firmly in place. If any containers need to be reoriented, the 

pallet must be rewrapped and resubmitted for acceptance.

5. Loading 

Inspect each truck or railcar for cleanliness and freedom from damage. Do not permit 

product to be loaded into a truck or railcar that is damaged, dirty, has foreign odors, or is 

exhibiting signs of rodent or insect infestation. All shipments of frozen product must be 

loaded on trucks or railcars that are equipped with working refrigeration units. Ensure that 

the refrigeration unit is operating and producing cool air before and after loading. The 

grader must personally prepare the load and tally diagram on the LP-211 (Exhibit 10), for 

finished products only, listing the number of individual shipping containers, number of 

pallets, and number of containers on each pallet as applicable. 

There is no variation allowed in the boxes/pounds of finished product per delivery unit. If a 

processor desires an exception to this requirement, they must request a waiver from the 

Contracting Officer. Truck shipments and all railcars must be sealed upon completion of 

loading. 

Prior to shipment, each case of product eligible for delivery must be officially identified 

with the USDA Inspected for Contract Compliance stamp bearing the appropriate 

certificate number, month/year, or FPCP stamp. During the actual loading of product into a 

truck or railcar, the grader must be present at all times to ensure that the container count is 

correct. When it is necessary to take a lunch break or any absence by the grader, including 

normal grading duties, the doors of the truck or railcar must be closed and sealed. If the 

seal has been removed during the grader’s absence, the product loaded must be unloaded 

and recounted. If a grader misses performing normal grading duties during loading, the 

grader must abide by the “Sampling – Return From Absence” instructions referenced in 
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QAD 537. If loading and grading cannot be accomplished at the same time, please inform 

your supervisor. 

During shipping examinations, graders must record the production dates and number of 

cases per date on a LP-211 grading memorandum for all product in each delivery unit.

This information must not be shown on the grading certificate. After loading, the delivery 

unit must be sealed, and the seal numbers recorded on the certificate.

6. Seals

All delivery units must be secured with serially numbered, barrier-type seals. The 

contractor is responsible for recording for providing all seals and recording on each 

shipping document (bill of lading, shipment manifest, or other delivery document) the 

applicable seal number to be applied to each delivery destination. In the case of a multiple 

delivery shipment, the contractor is responsible for ensuring seals are in place at time of 

delivery. 

7. Certificate Preparation

Use Exhibits 11 & 12 as guides to prepare LP-210P certificates. The initial seal number 

used to seal the truck shall be recorded on the LP-210P certificate below the transport 

container and temperature. If more than one seal is used, list the seals by stop number in 

the “Remarks” section. In the “Additional Certification” section of the LP-210P, the 

“Product represented by this certificate meets specification requirements 

for__________________________ dated ______ shall be completed with the appropriate 

FPPS and current approval date. Also, select the checkboxes of the following statements, 

“Product derived from poultry of domestic origin” and “The number of containers shown 

above was counted by the official grader.” 

All backup documents (such as LP-210P’s, LP-211’s, LP-232’s, loading diagram, 

worksheets, etc.) used in the inspection, grading, and shipping of commodity products shall 

be filed as a packet, by delivery unit, at the plant for one year following the end of the fiscal 

year in which the documents were created. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to ensure

that all documents are retained for the specified period. Other procedures or systems for 

filing documents may be used upon review and approval by the supervisor. 

R. Deliveries

1. Late Deliveries

Whenever a plant fails to meet delivery schedules as listed on the sales order/item number, 

graders are to notify their supervisor by phone/email using the “Report of Late Delivery 

Notice” (Exhibit 13). The supervisor will contact the Regional Office, who will 
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

subsequently provide the information to the National Office. The information provided will 

include type of product, name of processor, purchase order, delivery period, projected dates 

of delivery, and reason for delay. When production of the late load is completed and 

shipped, graders are to notify the Regional Office that the product has in fact been produced 

and shipped. The form used for late delivery notification may again be used to inform the 

Regional Director that the product has now been produced and shipped. Dates of 

production and shipment of the late load are to be recorded on the form. 

2. Split Delivery Shipments

a. Bulk for Further Processing 

Due to the amount of product to be shipped for reprocessing, it may require more than 

one trailer to complete the delivery. In this case, each identified sublot will stand on its 

own in relation to the weight of product to be delivered for a sales order/item number. 

For instance: trailer one carries 18,000 pounds of whole birds in 10 bins for purchase 

order 12345. A second trailer carries another 18,000 pounds of whole birds in 10 bins 

plus 9,000 pounds of whole birds in five more bins. Ten bins in the second trailer must 

be identified as belonging to purchase order 12345. The combined test weights of 

product identified for purchase order 12345 from both trailers will be used to determine 

compliance with contract delivery weights.

b. First Contract Direct Delivery

For some purchase units, the same sales order number may have two item numbers for 

different destinations. The sales order will list quantities by weight for each destination. 

At time of shipment, contractors must provide the graders the number of boxes and 

pounds for each destination. Graders will show the total number of boxes and pounds 

to be delivered to each drop point in the remarks section of the certificate. Distinct 

separation of product on the load by drop point is encouraged, but not required. If 

necessary, the number of catch weight pounds may be pro-rated between drops by 

multiplying the average case weight times the number of cases to be delivered. 

Average case weight is determined by total weight of the load divided by the total 

number of containers shipped. Correct box count and weight at each drop point will be 

the responsibility of the vendor and the receiving agency. The grader must send two 

copies of the grading certificate with the load. As an option, contractors may elect to 

ship split deliveries on two separate trucks provided each truck ships the total quantity 

stated on the sales order/item number. If this option is used, separate certificates must 

be issued for each delivery. 
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

S. Contractor Checkloading

As of April 1, 2021, all chicken and turkey solicitations for commodity loads are eligible for contractor 

checkloading. This provides the vendor an option to load and ship commodity trucks on their own, or 

they may choose to remain under USDA grader checkloading. A tracking spreadsheet is listed on 

AGNIS to identify which solicitations are eligible or not eligible and available at: Grading Services 

Poultry > USDA Purchases > Commodity Procurement Tracking Spreadsheet.

If the company requests that the USDA grader perform the checkloading, the USDA grader will 

perform all the required verification checks and issue an LP-210P: Poultry Products Grading 

Certificate as has been done in the past with no changes to the process.

If the company elects contractor checkloading, all certification checks in plant will be conducted by the 

USDA grader as normal, up through freezing temperature certification. It is expected that certification 

for packaging defects, labels, and net weight examinations will be performed online at the plant. Also, 

plants must either have the contract compliance stamp added to their label, or all cases must be 

stamped at the origin plant with the contract compliance stamp (using production date) prior to 

entering the freezer. USDA graders must maintain control of the product until the freezing 

temperature is verified. This applies to both level I and level II freezer history facilities as stated in 

QAD 613. Product can then be released to the company for shipment. 

An LP-210P must not be provided for loads that are contractor checkloaded. The contractor will be 

responsible for issuing their own Certificate of Conformance along with the Bill of Lading. 

Additionally, if contractor checkloading is elected, a USDA grader or supervisor will perform a 

quarterly surveillance visit at each shipping point. 

In either case, USDA graders must maintain accurate daily records (LP-232) of production and 

quantity produced under each contract. 

T. Submission of Samples to the National Office

Samples of commodity product will be requested by the National Office on a random basis from each 

contractor. The grader will be notified by their supervisor to submit a sample to the National Office 

for evaluation. 

The samples must be shipped by commercial overnight mail (not U.S. Express Mail) to the address 

provided by the National Office. 

When preparing the sample for shipment, graders must oversee packaging to ensure precautions are 

taken to safeguard the integrity of the samples. Use commercial type sample containers that are 

suitable for shipping the product. For frozen products, the box size should be kept to a minimum to 

eliminate excessive headspace, which accelerates defrosting. If the container should be returned, 

graders must provide a return address label for this purpose.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

The company is responsible for all expenses associated with preparing and shipping the product. An 

LP-210P grading certificate must be issued for each sample shipment (Exhibit 14). One copy of the 

certificate must be filed in the grader’s office and the remaining submitted with the sample. The 

applicant must be to the above address. Record in the remarks section the purchase order number (if 

applicable), production lot number (shown on the sample), seal number used to secure the package and 

any other pertinent information.

Attachments

Exhibit 1 Purchase Order Example

Exhibit 2 1032A Food Defense Cover Sheet 

Exhibit 3 Domestic Origin Certification Form

Exhibit 4 LP-232L1 Example 

Exhibit 5 LP-232L2 Example 

Exhibit 6 LP-232L2 (reverse) Example 

Exhibit 7 QAD 631B Form

Exhibit 8 LP-210P Laboratory Certificate Example (Diced Chicken) 

Exhibit 9 QAD 617A worksheet

Exhibit 10 LP-211 Example (Oven Roasted Split Delivery) 

Exhibit 11 LP-201P Certificate Example (Consumer Pack Chicken)

Exhibit 12 LP-210P Certificate Example (Oven Roasted Chicken Split Delivery) 

Exhibit 13 Report of Late Delivery Form

Exhibit 14 LP-210P National Sample Submission Certificate Example (Turkey Roast)