USDA COMMODITY REQUIREMENTS

VO15

VEGETABLE OIL PRODUCTS

FOR USE IN

INTERNATIONAL FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Effective Date: August 5, 2015
USDA COMMODITIY REQUIREMENTS

VO15

VEGETABLE OIL PRODUCTS

FOR USE IN

INTERNATIONAL FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Table of Contents

Part 1 COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS_______________________________________ 3

Section 1.1 COMMODITIES ___________________________________________________ 3

Section 1.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE ____________________________________________ 3

Section 1.3 QUALITY DISCOUNTS _____________________________________________ 3

Part 2 CONTAINER AND PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS _______________________ 4

Section 2.1 GENERAL ________________________________________________________ 4

Section 2.2 CONTAINERS AND MATERIALS____________________________________ 4

Section 2.3 PACK SIZES_______________________________________________________ 4

Section 2.4 SHIPPING CONTAINERS ___________________________________________ 5

Section 2.5 Pallet Requirements _________________________________________________ 6

Section 2.6 PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS _________________________________ 6

Part 3 MARKING REQUIREMENTS __________________________________________ 7

Section 3.1 4-LITER CYLINDRICAL-STYLE CANS_______________________________ 7

Section 3.2 4-LITER PLASTIC BOTTLES________________________________________ 7

Section 3.3 SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR ALL 4-LITER CONTAINERS ___________ 7

Section 3.4 20-LITER PAILS ___________________________________________________ 8

Section 3.5 208-LITER DRUMS_________________________________________________ 9

Section 3.6 SPECIAL MARKINGS FOR MONETIZATION PROGRAMS_____________ 9

Section 3.7 LOT CODES______________________________________________________ 10

Section 3.8 CONTAINERS WITH INCORRECT MARKINGS______________________ 10

EXHIBITS – Marking exhibits immediately follow on pages 11 – 24.______________________ 10
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Part 1 COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS

Section 1.1 COMMODITIES

A. The commodity delivered shall meet the requirements as specified in the Commercial Item 

Descriptions (CID) for salad oils (vegetable), A-A-20091D, dated May 7, 2002, which is 

available at

http://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/CID%20Salad%20Oils%20Vegetable.p

df. 

B. Salad oil shall be Type I for all contracts unless otherwise specified in the solicitation. 

C. Vegetable oil shall be fortified with a premix containing Vitamin A and Vitamin D. 

The amount of premix to be added should be sufficient so that vitamin A (retinol 

palmitate) will be added at the rate of 60 – 75 IU/g and vitamin D (D3 as 

cholecalciferol) added at the rate of 16 – 23 IU/g.

D. See CID A-A-20091D, referenced above, for test procedures.

Section 1.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. The contractor shall perform the product testing and quality analysis to ensure that 

the product meets the commodity specifications. Product testing shall include the 

analysis of the premix for vitamin A and vitamin D content, and the analysis of the 

vegetable oil for vitamin A. The methods for analysis for vitamin A and vitamin D 

shall be the official methods of the AOAC. The results shall be evidenced by a 

Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the premix, and a COA for the fortified vegetable 

oil. Copies of the original COAs must be submitted as part of the invoice package. 

The COAs shall provide the results of all tests specified. If quality discounts are 

provided in the contract, and the product to be delivered by the contractor falls 

within the quality discount table, those factors shall be identified by an asterisk on the 

copies of the COAs.

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

requirements.

Section 1.3 QUALITY DISCOUNTS

A. The government will accept product subject to the following schedules of discounts for 

each 100 pounds (net weight) of product delivered:

Discounts

Excess Color Excess Peroxide 

Value Meg/Kg.

Excess Free Fatty 

Red Acid, Percent

2.1 or 2.2 $0.05 1.1 thru 1.3 $0.35 .06 or .07 $0.10

2.3 or 2.4 $0.10 1.4 thru 1.5 $0.50 .08 or .09 $0.20

2.5 or 2.6 $0.15 .10 or .11 $0.30

B. No individual container shall weigh less than the under-fill limits shown below. Lots found 

to have any containers weighing less than the under-fill limit will be rejected.
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Pack Size(Liters)

Net Weight Under-Fill Limit

Kilograms Pounds Kilograms Pounds

4 3.7 8.1 3.6 7.9

20 18.5 40.7 18.2 40.1

208 194.5 429.0 193.0 425.0

208 Nitrogen Sparged 193.0 425.0 191.0 420.0

C. If there is a shortage of more than 1⁄2 pound per 208 liter drum between the invoice weight 

and the weight per drum specified in the contract, the purchase price shall be discounted by 

the difference between required and actual net weights multiplied by $0.15.

Part 2 CONTAINER AND PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS

Section 2.1 GENERAL

This part provides the container specifications and packaging materials requirements used 

under this contract. 

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 

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 5755 – South Bldg, STOP 0553

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20250-0553

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 such as, but not limited to, “Made in [Name of Foreign Country.]” or 

“Product of [Name of Foreign Country.]” are strictly prohibited. 

Section 2.3 PACK SIZES

A. 4-Liter Cylindrical-Style Cans

(1) Cylindrical-style steel cans shall be clean, sanitary, and suitable for vegetable oil. 

The cylindrical-style can shall:

(a) Be sized to accommodate 4 liters of vegetable oil

(2) The steel utilized in the construction of the cylindrical-style can shall:

(a) Meet all FDA guidelines for safe contact with food for human consumption

(b) Be durable enough to withstand long periods of stacking in warehouses and 

ocean going vessels without the aid of container shipment
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(3) Vegetable Oil Can Size

All oil in 6/4 liter cylindrical-style cans shall be packaged in only one can size per 

contract.

(4) Closures

(a) The closure of cylindrical-style cans after filling may be accomplished in 

any commercially acceptable manner that assures a sound, leak-proof, 

tamper-resistant seal capable of withstanding temperature extremes of at 

least 150 degrees F without product leakage.

(b) Full compliance with these performance requirements include, but is not

limited to: full documentation of closure procedures, consistent 

performance of documented procedures, completion and retention of all 

applicable records for three years after production. 

B. 4-Liter Plastic Containers

(1) Plastic containers shall be clean, sanitary, and suitable for vegetable oil.

(2) Plastic containers shall be sized to accommodate 4 liters of vegetable oil.

(3) Plastic containers shall be securely closed to prevent product tampering, and to 

protect the product from leaking during long periods of stacking in warehouses and 

ocean going vessels.

(4) Plastic containers shall be light blue in color, as close to PMS 291 as possible.

(5) The utilization of plastic containers is limited. Plastic containers shall be specified 

within the solicitation. 

C. 20-Liter Pails

(1) 18.5 kilograms (40.7 pounds) of oil shall be packed in clean, sanitary, 20- liter 

round, tight-head pails using the UN1A/Y1.4/250, as a minimum.

(2) The interior of the pails shall be coated with a rust inhibitor which meets FDA 

guidelines for safe contact with vegetable oil.

(3) A collapsible handle shall be fixed to the top of the pail for ease in handling.

D. 208-Liter Drums

(1) 194.5 kilograms (429 pounds) of vegetable oil shall be packed in new, sanitary, 

tight-head steel drums.

(2) The interior of the drums shall be coated with a rust inhibitor, which meets FDA 

guidelines for safe contact with vegetable oil. 

Section 2.4 SHIPPING CONTAINERS

A. Cylindrical Style Cans

(1) Shipping containers shall be packed with 6/4 liter cylindrical-style cans.
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(2) Shipping container flaps shall be securely closed with suitable adhesive to prevent 

lifting of free edges or corners of outer flaps during transportation, international 

distribution, stacking and storage.

B. Plastic Containers

(1) 6/4 liter bottles shall be packed in a corrugated fiberboard shipping container. The 

shipping container shall conform to Rule 41, as amended, of the Uniform Freight 

Classification Rules and Regulations, and shall be sized to minimize headspace 

between the top of the bottles and the closed flaps of the shipping container. 

(2) The shipping containers shall be marked to show the maximum safe stacking 

height. This should be expressed as follows: “Do not stack above ___ tiers per 

pallet, ___ pallets high.” It is the responsibility of the contractor in cooperation 

with the shipping container and plastic container manufacturer to determine the safe 

stacking height.

C. All shipping containers filled with either cans or bottles must, at a minimum, accommodate 

670 cases per 20 foot common intermodal container based on external container 

measurements of 20 ft (6.1m) long, 8 feet (2.4m) wide, and 8.5 ft (2.6m) high. 

Section 2.5 Pallet Requirements

For contractors choosing to palletize shipments for their convenience:

A. Pallets shall be:

(1) Constructed to facilitate the safe handling, transportation and storage of the packaged 

product, as a unit, without loss or damage.

(2) A Number 2, four-way, reversible flush stringer with no broken runners or slats.

(3) Suitable for use in the shipment of food products.

B. Pallet loads shall be:

(1) Stacked in such a way as to minimize the amount that shipping containers overhang the 

edges of pallets.

(2) Blocked and braced or otherwise loaded into the conveyance in a manner that prevents 

shifting during transit.

Section 2.6 PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

A. Cylindrical Style Cans shall be capable of withstanding the following performance testing. 

Individual cylindrical-style steel cans shall have a minimum top-to-bottom compression 

strength load of 1500 pounds. Compression strength shall be determined by ASTM D642-

90, “Standard Test Method for Determining Resistance of Shipping Containers, 

Components and Unit Loads,” using a compression testing machine with a swivel platen, 

and conducted without contents, closures, or shipping containers. 

B. Plastic Containers shall meet applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) and United 

Nations (UN) performance standards. 
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Part 3 MARKING REQUIREMENTS

Section 3.1 4-LITER CYLINDRICAL-STYLE CANS

A. Standard marking and color requirements for use in U.S. Agency for International 

Development (USAID) programs are referred to as “SMR-1” and are shown in Exhibit A.

The USAID logo shall be printed in the same style as shown in Exhibits A and I.

B. Standard marking requirements for use in Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) programs are 

referred to as SMR-2 and are shown in Exhibit B. For standard marking requirements for 

use in FAS programs, “SMR-2”, contractor shall use Exhibit A and omit the flag and the 

USAID brand (logo and “USAID From the American People and replace the flag with 

three stripes and “USA” as depicted in Exhibit B. The letters USA shall be in Univers 

black (75) obique or Helevetica extra bold with 70% scaling and 70 tracking or equivalent 

as depicted in Exhibit B. The stripes shall be 7/16 inches high, and shall extend around the 

can. The “USA” logo shall be 2 inches high and 1 1⁄2 inches in width.

C. The natural background of the tin-plated can shall be used. Pressure sensitive or other

labels are not acceptable. Any markings not shown in the Exhibits shall be marked in blue 

or black. 

D. All dimensions are approximate. All printing shall be lithographed in indelible ink directly 

on the can. Unless otherwise specified all characters shall be in normal block print. 

E. The applicable contract number shall be printed on each can.

Section 3.2 4-LITER PLASTIC BOTTLES

A. Standard marking and color requirements for use in USAID programs are referred to as 

“SMR-1” and are shown in Exhibit C.

B. For standard marking requirements for use in FAS programs, contractor shall use Exhibit C 

and omit the flag and the USAID brand (logo and “USAID From the American People.”) 

The letters USA and stripes should replace the flag as depicted in Exhibit B. The USA 

letters should be 1.0” high and 4.0” wide. The stripes shall also be 1.0” high and extend to 

the edge of the label.

C. Pressure-sensitive labels are acceptable. Any markings not shown on the Exhibit C shall be 

marked in blue or black. When printed on the plastic container, the colors blue and red 

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

D. All dimensions are approximate. The size of graphics and markings are shown in the 

Exhibits as actual sizes.

E. The applicable contract number shall be printed on each bottle.

Section 3.3 SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR ALL 4-LITER CONTAINERS

A. Standard marking and color requirements for shipping containers for use in USAID 

programs are provided in Exhibits D and E. The USAID logo shall be printed in the same 

style as shown in the Exhibits. 

B. For standard marking and color requirements for shipping containers for use in FAS 
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programs, contractor shall use Exhibit D and omit the USAID brand (logo and “USAID 

From the American People”), and replace the flag with three stripes and “USA” as depicted 

in Exhibit B. The letters USA shall be in Univers black (75) obique or Helevetica extra 

bold with 70% scaling and 70 tracking or equivalent and be 3 inches high and 6 inches in 

total width. The stripes shall be each 5/8 inches high, shall begin 1⁄4 inch from the letters 

USA and extend to 1⁄2 inch from the edge of the box panel.

C. The contract number, net weight and gross weight are to be printed on alternate panels of 

each shipping carton in the size and font required in Exhibit D. Arrows shall not be printed

on the top of shipping cartons. Additional identifying markings shall be printed on the top 

of shipping cartons including agency branding and US Flag graphics.

D. The corrugated fiberboard shipping containers shall be marked in the color as specified in 

the Exhibits D, or E. The natural background of the brown corrugated box shall be used. 

Pressure-sensitive or other labels are not acceptable. Any markings not shown on the 

Exhibits shall be marked in blue or black. 

E. All dimensions are approximate. All printing shall be printed in indelible ink directly on 

the box. Unless otherwise specified, all characters shall be in normal block print.

F. The arrows above “THIS END UP” shall be 1⁄2 inches high.

G. If H-style Bliss box is used, markings shall conform to the requirements of this section, 

Exhibit D and the end panels shown in Exhibit E. For standard FAS “SMR-2” markings, 

omit the USAID logo and replace with the letters “USA,” and omit the flag and replace 

with three red stripes. The stripes shall be each 5/8 inches high.

Section 3.4 20-LITER PAILS 

A. Standard marking requirements for use in USAID programs are referred to as “SMR-1” and 

are shown in Exhibit F.

B. For standard marking requirements for use in FAS programs, “SMR-2”, contractor shall 

use Exhibit F and omit the flag and the USAID brand (logo and “USAID From the 

American People and replace the flag with three stripes and “USA” as depicted in Exhibit

B. The letters USA shall be Univers black (75) oblique or Helvetica extra bold with 70% 

scaling and -70 tracking or equivalent at 3-1⁄2 inches high and 7 inches in total width. The 

stripes shall be each 11/16 inches high, shall begin 1⁄2 inch from the letters USA and extend 

around the pail.

C. The color of the pail itself shall be white for SMR-1 and a light blue pail, as close to PMS 

291 as possible, shall be used for all other markings. Any markings not shown on the 

Exhibit shall be marked in blue. When printed on the pail, the colors blue and red shall 

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

D. All dimensions are approximate. All printing shall be lithographed in indelible ink directly 

on the box. Unless otherwise specified, all characters shall be in normal block print.

E. The contract number shall be placed on the top of the pail or on the back panel of the pail.
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Section 3.5 208-LITER DRUMS

A. Standard marking and color requirements for use in USAID programs are referred to as 

“SMR-1” and are shown in Exhibit G. 

B. The color of the drum shall be light blue, as close to PMS 291 or RAL 5024 as possible. 

Any marking not shown on the Exhibit shall be marked in blue. When printed on the drum, 

the colors blue and red shall match the PMS chart numbers 280 and 200, respectively, to 

the extent practicable. All markings shall be legible and of sufficient size to stand out 

prominently.

C. For standard marking requirements for use in FAS programs, “SMR-2”, contractor shall 

use Exhibit G and omit the flag and the USAID brand (logo and “USAID From the 

American People) and replace the flag with three stripes and “USA” as depicted in Exhibit

B, except the stripes shall be Blue PMS 280. 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 Exhibit. The letters USA shall be 6 inches high and 12 inches in 

total width. The stripes shall be each 1-1⁄8 inches high, and shall extend around the drum as 

far as possible.

D. All dimensions are approximate and may be adjusted to fit on each panel. All printing shall 

be in indelible ink. Unless otherwise specified, all characters shall be in normal block 

print.

E. The USAID logo shall be printed in the same style as shown in the Exhibits. 

Section 3.6 SPECIAL MARKINGS FOR MONETIZATION PROGRAMS

In order to make all products easily identifiable throughout the production and delivery process, all 

oil destined for use in export monetization program shall have the following special markings:

A. Special Marking Requirements 

(1) Markings for monetization are shown in Exhibits H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.

(2) All 4-liter, cylindrical style cans, 4-liter plastic bottles, corrugated fiberboard cartons, 

and 20-liter pails used for monetizing programs will be printed with a white band as 

shown in the Exhibits. The white band shall extend completely around the container.

SMR-1 Monetized 4-liter can (monetized – white band product)

Omit the flag, the USAID brand (logo and “USAID From the American People”), and 

the words “NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED.” Retain all other markings. See 

Exhibit H.

SMR-3 Special Marking Requirement (monetized – white band product)

Omit the words “NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED”. Retain all other markings

in blue. See Exhibits I, J, K, L, and M.

SMR-4 Special Marking Requirement (monetized – white band product)

Omit the USAID brand (logo and “USAID From the American People”), the words 

“NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED” and the red stripes. Retain all other 

markings. See Exhibit N.

(3) For 208 Liter drums, a white band is not required but all other markings are to be 

retained in blue. See Exhibit M.
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B. Fiberboard Shipping Container (Exhibit K)

(1) A 3-inch solid white band shall be printed on all four side panels of all fiberboard 

containers used for 4-liter vegetable oil procured for monetization programs. The 

band shall extend completely around the container to the extent that the box 

type/style will permit.

(2) The 3-inch band shall be printed level with the flag as shown in Exhibit.

(3) At no time will the white band and the phrase, “NOT TO BE SOLD OR 

EXCHANGED” appear on the same shipping container.

(4) If H-style Bliss box is used, markings shall conform to the requirements of this 

section, Exhibit D and the end panels shown in Exhibit E. Omit the U.S. Flag or the 

three red stripes and replace with a white band.

Note: All other required markings on the 4-liter cylindrical style cans, corrugated 

fiberboard cartons and 20-liter pails “white band product” used for monetization programs 

shall be printed in blue.

Section 3.7 LOT CODES

Lot codes unique to each lot offered for inspection shall be legibly marked on each 

individual primary container and shipping container. Commodity suppliers may use any 

type of lot coding system provided a unique code is used to identify each lot offered for 

inspection under contract. Commodity suppliers shall provide the contracting officer with 

an explanation of the lot coding system used.

Section 3.8 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.

EXHIBITS – Marking exhibits immediately follow on pages 11 – 24
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Exhibit A 
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Exhibit B 
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Exhibit C
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Exhibit D
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Exhibit E 
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Exhibit F 
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Exhibit G 
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Exhibit H
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Exhibit I
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Exhibit J 
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Exhibit K 
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Exhibit L 
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Exhibit M
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Exhibit N