USDA COMMODITY REQUIREMENTS

DPP5

DEHYDRATED POTATO PRODUCTS

FOR USE IN EXPORT PROGRAMS

Effective Date: 10/19/11
USDA COMMODITY REQUIREMENTS

DPP5

DEHYDRATED POTATO PRODUCTS

FOR USE IN EXPORT PROGRAMS

Part 1 COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS ________________________________ 1

Table of Contents

Section 1.1 DEHYDRATED POTATO PRODUCTS REQUIREMENTS__________ 1

Section 1.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE _______________________________________ 1

Section 1.3 QUALITY DISCOUNTS________________________________________ 2

Part 2 CONTAINER AND PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS_________________ 2

Section 2.1 GENERAL ___________________________________________________ 2

Section 2.2 CONTAINERS AND MATERIALS ______________________________ 2

Section 2.3 GENERAL PACKAGING ______________________________________ 3

Section 2.3.1 SPECIFIC PACKAGING_______________________________________ 4

PART 3 MARKING REQUIREMENTS__________________________________ 5

Section 3.1 MARKINGS __________________________________________________ 5

Section 3.3 EMPTY BAG DIMENSIONS____________________________________ 9

Section 3.4 CONTAINERS WITH INCORRECT MARKINGS _________________ 9

Marking Exhibits __________________________________________________________ 11
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Part 1 COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS

Section 1.1 DEHYDRATED POTATO PRODUCTS REQUIREMENTS

A. Quality of Dehydrated Potato Products

(1) The dehydrated potato products shall meet the requirements as specified in 

the Commercial Item Description (CID) for potatoes, white, dehydrated, 

A-A-20032F, dated December 20, 2002, which is available at 

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELDEV30069

36

(2) The potato products delivered shall have been packed during the latest 

season’s pack or crop year.

. Applicable sections of the CID will be for Type II – Mashed 

(precooked, rapid rehydrating), Styles A, B, C, and E; and Type VI.

(3) The solicitation shall specify the type, style and sizes of dehydrated 

potatoes.

B. Fortification

Fortification of Vitamin A, iodine, or other micronutrient shall be when specified 

in the solicitation.

Section 1.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Inspection shall be performed by an Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) agent 

(hereinafter referred to as “USDA Grader”). Procedures to follow and a schedule 

of fees for this service may be obtained at 

http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fvstand.htm.

B. Prior to sampling, the contractor shall furnish the USDA Grader with a list of 

codes and the approximate quantity per code. Inspection of products shall be 

performed not more than 90 days prior to shipment.

C. Contractor shall provide scales suitable for random selection weighing.

D. The quality, weight, and packaging of the product shall be evidenced by 

certificates issued by the USDA Grader.

E. Contractor shall not ship the product unless informed by the USDA Grader that 

the containers and markings meet the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) of the 

United States Standards for Condition of Food Containers. 

F. If the product fails to meet contract specifications on one or more factors on the 

first inspection, the Contractor may arrange with the USDA Grader for 

subsequent inspections. The inspections may be conducted at origin or a 

subsequent point of delivery if the provisions of Title 7 CFR 68.44 through 68.63 

issued under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, with respect to 

retest, appeal, and new inspections can be met. When subsequent inspections of 
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the product are made, the results of the last inspection will be used as the basis for 

payment under the contract. 

G. Contractors shall notify the Government immediately of lots that fail to meet 

contract requirements.

Section 1.3 QUALITY DISCOUNTS

Compliance with product specifications shall be based on samples tested by the USDA 

Grader. If a lot fails to meet these specifications with respect to sulfur dioxide and/or 

defects; but is acceptable under the following schedules, the contractor may tender such 

lot for delivery to the Government. The Government will then, at its option, accept the 

lot and the contract price shall be reduced in accordance with the following schedule:

Type of Deficiency Test Results Discounted 

Contract Price

Type II Mashed, Style A Granules 

(Average of specks on the surface of 

the product in 100 mm circle)

66 thru 70 $0.01/lb.

71 thru 80 $0.02/lb.

81 or more Unacceptable

Type II Mashed, Flakes (Average 

discolorations and peel [Style B] per 

100 grams. Defects are counted specs 

measuring over 1/16inch in any 

dimension.)

16 thru 20 $0.01/lb.

21 thru 25 $0.02/lb.

26 or greater Unacceptable

Sulfur Dioxide

501 ppm or more Fails/rejected

100 – 199 ppm $0.01 per pound

50 – 99 ppm $0.02 per pound

0 – 49 ppm Fails/rejected

Part 2 CONTAINER AND PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS

Section 2.1 GENERAL

This part provides the container specifications and packaging materials 

requirements used under this contract. The solicitation will determine the type 

and weight of bag to be utilized.

Section 2.2 CONTAINERS AND MATERIALS

A. All containers and packaging shall be constructed to meet the 

requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safe 

contact with the packaged product. The contractor shall obtain and 

maintain documentation from the container or packaging material 

manufacturer to verify that the containers and packaging materials 

used in this contract were in compliance with the Government’s 

regulatory requirements for safe contact with food products as 
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required in the Master Solicitation, Part 3, Section A, Number 3. 

B. Questions concerning the containers and materials should be directed to:

USDA/FSA/DACO

Room 5756 – South Bldg, STOP 0551

1400 Independence Avenue SW

Washington, DC 20250-0551

ATTN: Packaging

C. If the contractor purchases packaging and container ingredients from 

a foreign country and/or the package and container is manufactured 

in a foreign country, the package and container SHALL NOT display 

country of origin labeling. Phrases similar to but not limited to, 

“Made in [Name of Foreign Country.]” or “Product of [Name of 

Foreign Country.]” are strictly prohibited. 

Section 2.3 GENERAL PACKAGING

A. Container and packaging requirements for commercial products are those used in 

current commercial shipping practices for international distribution. 

B. Bags shall be closed by expelling as much air as practical.

C. Any product packaged in shipping containers shall be marked to show the safe 

stacking height.

D. Bottom and top shall be closed to provide a tight seal.

E. The bag shall be capable of being printed with the information required.

F. Bags shall be manufactured to provide a tight seal designed to remain closed 

throughout the distribution system. Adhesives used in manufacture of bags must 

meet all Food and Drug Administration requirements for safe use in food 

packaging. Starch-based adhesives are not to be used. 

G. Some bag designs in use for dehydrated potato packaging include Pinch top, 

block bottom bags; Pinch top, pinch bottom, flat tube bags.

H. The packaging and containers must sufficiently protect the commodity from 

exposure to the elements throughout the distribution system, including in-country 

storage, which routinely involves numerous and rugged handlings and extremes in 

temperature and humidity levels. It is important to note that commodity vendors 

are held responsible for commodity losses due to packaging or container failures, 

at the contracted price plus the costs associated with resolving problem situations 
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including commodity disposal and freight costs.

Section 2.3.1 SPECIFIC PACKAGING

A. Potato Flakes:

(1) Packaging of Dehydrated Potato Products in 20 kg bags and in containers 

produced in accordance with a performance test criteria specified below.

B. Potato Granules:

(1) Potato granules may be packaged in smaller pack sizes (such as 1.36kg 

pouches) and then packed ten per shipping carton. Granules packaged in 

this way are always to be containerized for protection during international 

distribution. 

Section 2.4 PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURES

Potato Flakes:

A. All bags shall be capable of withstanding the following performance test for 

impact resistance:

(1) Ten filled and sealed bags shall each survive a single drop test on the 

butt and side on a shock machine that produces for each test a velocity 

change of 195 inches per second using a shock duration of .002 seconds 

without loss of product.

(2) Testing shall be conducted under standard temperature (73.4o

F plus or 

minus 1.8oF) and relative humidity (50% plus or minus 2%) conditions.

(3) Filled bags shall be placed in the conditioned atmosphere for sufficient 

time before the tests are conducted for the bag materials to reach

equilibrium.

(4) Bags submitted under this performance specification shall conform to 

all other applicable material, construction, and performance 

specifications.

B. Potato Granules:

(1) The performance test procedures for larger bags outlined above will not apply 

to this packaging construction, however successful test results (International 

Safe Transit Association (ISTA) series 2A to include compression, shock and 

vibration) from a packaging lab are required. 
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C. Test Laboratories

Independent or private laboratories known to be capable of conducting the 

shock machine test described above are as follows:

Michigan State University

School of Packaging

East Lansing, MI 48824-1223

(517) 355-9580

http://packaging.msu.edu/

Lansmont Corporation

1287 Reamwood

Sunnyvale, CA 94089

(408) 734-9724

Lansmont Corporation

6539 Westland Way, Suite 24

Lansing, MI 48917

(888) 526-7666

www.lansmont.com

Rutgers University

Packaging Science and 

Engineering Dept.

P.O. Box 909

Piscataway, NJ 08854

(201) 932-3679

Ten-E Packaging Services, Inc.

1666 County Road 74

Newport, MN 55055

(651) 459-0671

www.ten-e.com

PART 3 MARKING REQUIREMENTS

Section 3.1 MARKINGS

A. The bags shall be marked in the color specified in the markings exhibits. Any 

markings not shown on the exhibits shall be printed in blue. When printed on the 

bag, the colors blue and red shall match the Pantone Matching System (PMS) 

chart numbers 280 and 200, respectively, to the extent practicable.

B. All dimensions are approximate. Unless otherwise specified, all characters shall 

be in normal block print.

C. The US Flag shall be 5 inches high and 9 inches in total width, on the front and 

back of the applicable bag, see exhibits.
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D. The letters USA shall be Univers black (75) oblique, or Helvetica extra bold with 

70% scaling and -70 tracking or equivalent to match the style as shown in the 

exhibits. The letters USA shall be 4 3/4 inches high and 9 3/4 inches in total 

width. The three stripes adjacent USA shall be 1 inch high and must extend to the 

edge of the panel.

E. The USAID vertical identity, including the logo, brand name, and tagline, shall be 

printed in the same style as shown in the markings exhibits, sized approximately 

7 1⁄2 inches high and 9 3/8 inches in total width. The USAID logo shall be 4 1⁄4 

inches in diameter. The USAID brand name shall be 2 inches in height. The 

tagline “FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE” shall be 1⁄2 inches in height, see 

exhibits. The USAID vertical logo is available to download at 

http://www.usaid.gov/branding/downloadsweb.html.

F. The USDA logo shall be 4 1⁄2 inches high and 6 1⁄2 inches in total width, see 

exhibits.

G. The commodity name shall be 1 1/4 inch print. Immediately below the 

commodity name on the front and back panels, insert additional commodity 

description in 5/8 inch print, if applicable.

H. The contract number and the statement "NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED" 

shall be 5/8 inch print. The net weight, bag dimensions, and the Standard 

Marking Requirements (SMR) or Language Marking Requirements (LMR) 

number shall be centered at the bottom of the bag in 1/2 inch print. See exhibits. 

The contractor shall obtain a waiver, in writing, from the Government to print the 

contract number using on-line printing on filled bags.

I. The letters or symbols used in the language markings for LMR-1, LMR-3 and 

LMR-4, LMR-5, LMR-7, and LMR-8 should be sized approximately 1 5/8 inches. 

The language markings for LMR-2 and LMR-6 should be sized to fit. See 

exhibits.

J. Lot numbers, production codes or any other means of identification required to 

meet the traceability requirement shall be printed as small as possible, yet legible.

K. Gussets. The USAID identity shall be 2 3⁄4 inches in height and 8 1⁄2 inches in total 

width and be printed in both gussets. The letters USAID shall be 1 3⁄4 inches high 

and the tagline ‘FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE’ shall be 3/8 inches high, as 

shown in applicable exhibits.

L. Gussets. The letters USA shall be 3 inches in height and be printed in both 

gussets, as shown in applicable exhibits. 

M. Bag Closure Guide Location Bars (BCGL) shall be printed on the front panel of 

all multi-wall paper bags, as shown in the exhibits. The BCGL bars shall be 
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plainly visible, approximately one inch in length, printed in blue in two parallel 

rows evenly spaced over the entire width of the bag. The BCGL bars are to be 

used as visual quality control verification. Visually identifying two bars or no bars 

on the bag would indicate a bag closure failure. Visually identifying one bar 

would indicate a proper bag closure. (Exhibits A & B)

Section 3.2 MARKING DESCRIPTIONS

The Government shall furnish required markings within two business days after the date 

of the contract. The procurement of containers should be deferred for at least two 

business days after the date of the contract.

The following standard marking requirements may be requested under the contract:

USAID – Distribution

Standard Marking Requirement #1 (SMR-1)

Front: US Flag, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR 

EXCHANGED,” USAID logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, “SMR1”. See exhibit SMR-1, front.

Back: Identical. See exhibit SMR-1, back.

FAS - Distribution

Standard Marking Requirement #2 (SMR-2)

Front: USA with stripes, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD 

OR EXCHANGED," USDA logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, 

“SMR-2”. See exhibit SMR-2, front. 

Back: Identical. See exhibit SMR-2, back.

USAID – Monetization 

Standard Marking Requirement #3 (SMR-3)

Front: US Flag, the commodity name, USAID logo, contract number, net weight, 

dimensions, “SMR-3”. See exhibit SMR-3, front.

Back: Identical. See exhibit SMR-3, back.

FAS or USAID - Monetization 

Standard Marking Requirement #4 (SMR-4)

Front: USA with stripes, the commodity name, contract number, net weight, 

dimensions, “SMR-4”. See exhibit SMR-4, front. 

Back: Identical. See exhibit SMR-4, back.

USAID – Distribution for North Korea

Language Marking Requirement #1 (LMR-1)

Front: US Flag, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR 

EXCHANGED,” USAID logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and 

“LMR-1.”. See exhibit LMR-1, front.

Back: US Flag, the commodity name, North Korean language panel, and “LMR1” only. See exhibit LMR-1, back.
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USAID – Distribution for Afghanistan, with Pashtu and Dari 

Language Marking Requirement #2 (LMR-2)

Front: US Flag, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR 

EXCHANGED,” USAID logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and 

“LMR-2.” See exhibit LMR-2, front.

Back: US Flag, the commodity name, Pashtu and Dari language panel, and 

“LMR-2” only. See exhibit LMR-2, back.

USAID – Distribution for South Africa Region 

Language Marking Requirement #3 (LMR-3)

Front: US Flag, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR 

EXCHANGED,” USAID logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and 

“LMR-3.” See exhibit LMR-3, front. 

Back: US Flag, the commodity name, English language panel, and “LMR-3” 

only. See exhibit LMR-3, back.

USAID – Distribution for Iraq with Arabic 

Language Marking Requirement #4 (LMR-4)

Front: US Flag, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR 

EXCHANGED,” USAID logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and 

“LMR-4.” See exhibit LMR-4, front. 

Back: US Flag, the commodity name, Arabic language panel, and “LMR-4” only. 

See exhibit LMR-4, back.

FAS – Distribution for North Korea 

Language Marking Requirement #5 (LMR-5)

Front: USA with stripes, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD 

OR EXCHANGED,” USDA logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and 

“LMR-5.” See exhibit LMR-5, front.

Back: USA with stripes, the commodity name, North Korean language panel, and 

“LMR-5” only. See exhibit LMR-5, back.

FAS – Distribution for Afghanistan, with Pashtu and Dari 

Language Marking Requirement #6 (LMR-6)

Front: USA with stripes, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD 

OR EXCHANGED,” USDA logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and 

“LMR-6.” See exhibit LMR-6, front.

Back: USA with stripes, the commodity name, Pashtu and Dari language panel, 

and “LMR-6” only. See exhibit LMR-6, back.

FAS – Distribution for South Africa Region 

Language Marking Requirement #7 (LMR-7)
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Front: USA with stripes, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD 

OR EXCHANGED,” USDA logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and 

“LMR-7.” See exhibit LMR-7, front. 

Back: USA with stripes, the commodity name, English language panel, and 

“LMR-7” only. See exhibit LMR-7, back.

FAS – Distribution for Iraq with Arabic 

Language Marking Requirement #8 (LMR-8)

Front: USA with stripes, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD 

OR EXCHANGED,” USDA logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and 

“LMR-8.” See exhibit LMR-8, front 

Back: USA with stripes, the commodity name, Arabic language panel, and 

“LMR-8” only. See exhibit LMR-8, back.

Section 3.3 EMPTY BAG DIMENSIONS

A. All bags shall be marked with the empty dimensions as follows:

Gusseted Bags Face Width X Gusseted Width X Finished Length

Flat Tube Bags Face Width X Finished Length

B. The bag dimensions shall be centered at the bottom of the bag, as small as 

possible, yet legible.

Section 3.4 CONTAINERS WITH INCORRECT MARKINGS

A. Any labels, bags, cans, can lids, cases, or any other type of packaging (hereinafter 

referred to as "containers") displaying incorrect markings may be used under a 

Government contract provided that the incorrect markings are obliterated and 

correct markings are applied in a permanent manner with approval of the 

contracting officer.

B. The appearance of containers in commercial or other channels either filled or 

unfilled bearing markings identifying the containers as part of a Government 

contract may cause the Government expense in determining whether commodities 

have been diverted from authorized use and in answering inquiries. The contractor 

shall take all necessary action to prevent the appearance in commercial or other 

channels of containers and container materials bearing any markings required 

under a Government contract, including those held by the contractor or others; 

e.g., overruns, misprints, etc. The contractor shall ensure that any container from 

a Government contract that appears in commercial or other channels shall have all 

markings required under this contract permanently obliterated.
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Marking Exhibits

NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41

NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41
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NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41

NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41
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NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41

NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41
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NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41

NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41
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NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41
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NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41
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NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41
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NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41
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NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41
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NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41
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NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41
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NET WEIGHT: 20 kg, 44.092 lbs.

18 x 5 x 41
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Exhibit A

Bag Closure Guide Location

Front of Bag

Pre-applied Hot Melt