LS Policy: SP-1

APPROVED March 2015

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AGRIGULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE 

LIVESTOCK, POULTRY, and SEED PROGRAM 

STANDARDIZATION BRANCH

STANDARDIZATION PROCEDURE (SP) 1

FOR MARKETING PROGRAM SPECIFICATION 

DEVELOPMENT AND APPROVAL

These procedures are for the development and/or revision of specifications for certification

of branded commodities (beef, pork, lamb) by the Quality Assessment Division (QAD). It is 

applicable to programs which do not require live animal identification, or which reference live 

animal requirements and identification procedures contained in previously approved generic 

live animal specifications (e.g.; Schedule GLA).

1. Requests for new specifications, or modifications of existing specifications, must be made 

in writing to the Standardization Branch (SB) Chief or designated branch employee. At least 

10 working days must be allowed from the time of receipt of a request to final approval. The 

requestor must clearly identify the requirements to be certified and any product labeling or 

promotional claims which will be made in conjunction with the program.

2. When applicable, a concurrent request (with a copy to the SB Chief) for label approval 

should be submitted to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Labeling and Program 

Delivery Staff (LPDS). NOTE: Conditional approval may be granted for specifications 

pending sketch label approval, but no product certification will occur without sketch 

approval by LPDD.

3. The SB Chief will designate an appropriate staff member (SB staffer) to coordinate 

development of the specification. The SB staffer will inform the requestor of receipt of 

the request and provide an estimated timeline for completion.

4. After coordination and agreement on the specification and labeling issues, the SB Chief 

will sign the approval of the requested specification.

5. After approval, one (1) copy of the final specification will be initialed by the SB Chief 

and distributed as follows: (1) Requestor, (2) QA Division, and electronic copies of the 

approved specification will be posted on the AMS website.

6. Live animal and carcass identification and stamping procedures, and related processing 

and labeling procedures, shall be coordinated by the QA Division with FSIS, the Requestor, 

and the packing plants involved on a local basis. Local QAD personnel will monitor labeling 

of products certified under approved programs. Evidence of mislabeling may result in 

suspension or revocation of the program and FSIS, LPDS may rescind any label approvals 

that were approved based on the previously approved program.
LPS Policy: SP-1

APPROVED March 2015

8. Requests for specification development or revision should be sent to:

Darrell.Dowd@ams.usda.gov

9. Requests for label approval should be sent to the Labeling and Program Delivery Staff at: 

USDA, FSIS, OPPDE, LPPD

Labeling and Program Delivery Staff

1400 Independence Ave., S.W. – Stop 5273

Patriots Plaza 3, 8th Floor 

Washington, DC 20250

Label applications may also be faxed to (202) 245-4792.

Approved: ____________________ Date: 

David Bowden, Chief

Standardization Branch