U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

Commodity Procurement Program

International Commodity Procurement Division

1400 Independence Ave. SW

Room 3522-S, STOP 0239

Washington, DC 20250-0239

(VO16)

USDA COMMODITY REQUIREMENTS

VEGETABLE OIL PRODUCTS

FOR USE IN

INTERNATIONAL FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Effective Date: January 19, 2022

Document Revision History: This VO16 commodity requirements document supersedes 

the VO15 commodity requirements document, dated August 5, 2015.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
(VO16)

Vegetable Oil Products 

Table of Contents

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ....................................................... i

CONTACT INFORMATION ..................................................................................... ii

Part 1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION........................................................................ 1

Section 1.1 VEGETABLE OIL SPECIFICATIONS................................................. 1

Section 1.2 FORTIFICATION & ANTIOXIDANTS.................................................. 1

Section 1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE ..................................................................... 2

Part 2 CONTAINER AND PACKAGINGREQUIREMENTS ............................... 6

Section 2.1 CONTAINERS AND MATERIALS....................................................... 6

Section 2.2 PRIMARY CONTAINERS ................................................................... 7

Section 2.3 SECONDARY CONTAINERS............................................................. 8

Section 2.4 PALLET REQUIREMENTS................................................................. 8

Section 2.5 MATERIAL AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS....................... 8

Part 3 MARKING REQUIREMENTS................................................................... 9

Section 3.1 STANDARD MARKINGS .................................................................... 9

Section 3.2 SPECIAL MARKINGS....................................................................... 12

Section 3.3 LABELING ........................................................................................ 13

Section 3.4 CONTAINERS WITH INCORRECT MARKINGS.............................. 14

Section 3.5 MARKING EXHIBITS........................................................................ 15
i

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

Below is an Abbreviations Key to the numerous specialized acronyms and 

abbreviations used in this reference material.

AMS Agricultural Marketing Service

CID Commercial Item Description

COA Certificate of Analysis

Fahrenheit F

FAS Foreign Agricultural Service

FDA Food and Drug Administration

FPAC Farm Production and Conservation

FSA Farm Service Agency

Ft Feet

Gram G

ICPD International Commodity Procurement Division

IU International Units

Kg Kilogram

LMR Language Marking Requirement

Meq Milliequivalent

PMS Pantone Matching System

SMR Standard Marking Requirement

USAID United States Agency for International Development

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

VO Vegetable Oil Products

WBSCM Web Based Supply Chain Management System
ii

CONTACT INFORMATION

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Commodity Procurement Program (CPP)

International Commodity Procurement Division (ICPD) 

Phone: 816-926-6707 (During Normal Business Hours)

Mailing Address:

United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Marketing Service

Attention: CPP/ICPD

Mailstop 8738

P.O. Box 419205

Kansas City, MO 64141-6205

Express Delivery:

United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Marketing Service

Attention: CPP/ICPD

Mailstop 8738

2312 East Bannister Road

Kansas City, MO 64131-3011

USDA Website: 

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome

Web-Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) 

WBSCM Helpdesk Level 1-Technical Issues

Phone: 877-WBSCM-4U or 877-927-2648 (During Normal Business Hours)

Email: WBSCM.servicedesk@caci.com

AMS International Helpdesk Level 2-Functional Issues (i.e., New Vendor, Bid, Invoice Issues)

Email: WBSCMAMSHelpdesk@USDA.gov

First time, Registered Users Only:

Service Desk email address is WBSCM.servicedesk@caci.com.

On the Log-in prompt enter your email address for both the User ID and Password (all lower case for 

password) fields, and then change your password when prompted.

If you have any questions, please contact the WBSCM Service Desk at:

Phone: 877-WBSCM-4U or 877-927-2648

Email: WBSCM.servicedesk@caci.com
1

Part 1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Fortified Vegetable Oil is made from refined, bleached, deodorized, filtered, and purified oils, including 

canola (rapeseed), corn (maize), cottonseed, olive, safflower, soybean, sesame, and sunflower oil 

(including Mid-Oleic NuSun oil) with added Vitamins A and D. Fortified Vegetable Oil is packaged in 

containers suitable for use by the United States (U.S.) Government, humanitarian agencies, and nongovernmental organizations. Fortified Vegetable Oil may be used in climatic extremes from the arctic to 

tropical zones in development and emergency food assistance programs.

Section 1.1 VEGETABLE OIL SPECIFICATIONS1

A. The vegetable oil shall be refined, bleached, filtered, and deodorized and shall consist of any 

one or a combination of the following types of oils, unless a certain type is specified in the 

solicitation, contract, or purchase order: canola (rapeseed), corn (maize), cottonseed, olive 

(refined), safflower, soybean, sesame, sunflower (including Mid-Oleic NuSun oil).

B. The vegetable oil shall meet the requirements as specified in the Commercial Item Description 

(CID) for salad oils (vegetable), A-A-20091E, dated April 14, 2021, which is available at:

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AA20091E_Salad_Oils%2C_Vegetable.pdf

C. The vegetable oil shall be Type I as identified in Paragraph A and comply with Type I 

requirements for all contracts unless otherwise specified inthe solicitation.

D. The vegetable oil shall be clear and brilliant when held at 21.1 ̊C to 29.4 ̊C (70 ̊F to 85 ̊F). 

Heavy metal scavengers, antifoaming agents, and antioxidants may be added, provided levels 

of use are in accordance with appropriate Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulations.

E. The vegetable oil shall have a light viscosity and a clean, fresh flavor, without a heavy oily

mouth-feel and shall be free from rancid, beany, paint, sour, or other objectionable flavors and/or

odors.

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

Section 1.2 FORTIFICATION & ANTIOXIDANTS

A. Vegetable oil shall be fortified with a premix containing Vitamin A(retinol palmitate) and Vitamin

D (D3 as cholecalciferol). Micronutrient premixes shall be procured from a GAIN-approved 

premix facility: https://gpf.gainhealth.org/suppliers/current-suppliers. The amount of premix to be 

added should be sufficient so that Vitamin A will be added at the rate of 26-40 mg/kg (86,658-

133,320 IU/kg) and Vitamin D added at the rate of 0.3-0.69 mg/kg (12,000-27,600 IU/kg), as analyzed 

in the finished product (Table 2).2

B. Vegetable oil may contain the following antioxidants: Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated 

1 Supplemental documents include: USG Vegetable Oil Specification Revision – A Justification Paper, USAID FFP, April 

2018. Copies can be requested from the U.S. Government procurement officer; Food aid packaging challenges and 

opportunities: A review of the packaging of fortified vegetable oil, corn soy blend, and super cereal Plus, a report from the 

Food Aid Quality Review, September 1, 2018. Accelerated shelf-life studies: Methods and results relating to new and 

upgraded food aid products. A report from the Food Aid Quality Review, April 2015. 2 To be implemented within 6 months after issuance of this commodity requirements document, VO16.
2

Hydroxytoluene (BHT), or Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone (TBHQ). Maximum use levels are shown

in Table 1. If used, antioxidant and use level shall be evidenced on the COA.

Table 1: Antioxidants and Maximum Use Level

Antioxidant3 Maximum Use Level4

Butylated Hydroxansiole (BHA) 175 mg/kg

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) 75 mg/kg

Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone (TBHQ) 120 mg/kg

Any combination of gallates, BHA, BHT, or TBHQ Not to exceed 200 mg/kg within individual limits 

above.

Section 1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. The Contractor shall be responsible for implementation of preventive food safetyand quality 

assurance measures, in compliance with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) for 

processed foods, using a HACCP-based approach, to ensure delivery of safe and conforming 

product. Applicable food safety and quality standards include, but are not limitedto:

(1) Compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulations and the Food 

Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

(2) CODEX Standard for Named Vegetable Oils: CODEX STAN 210-1999

(3) CODEX General Principles for Addition of Essential Nutrients to Foods: CAC/GL09-1987, 

Rev. 2015 

(4) CODEX Recommended International Code of Practice, General Principles of Food 

Hygiene: CAC/RCP 1-1969, Rev.4-2003

(5) CODEX General standard for contaminants and toxins in food and feed: CODEX STAN 

193-1995

(6) CODEX General standard for food additives: CODEX STAN 192-1995

(7) CODEX General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods: CODEX STAN 1-

1985 

Note: Latest versions should be applied for all relevant standards where applicable.

B. Specific quality control measures must be established and implemented to ensure that food and 

food packaging materials are safe and suitable for intended use, including but not limited to:

3 As an intentional additive to the oil, used antioxidants should appear in the label in accordance with Codex Standard 

http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/Y2770E/y2770e02.htm 4 The maximum use levels for antioxidants are derived from the CODEX Alimentarius, CODEX STAN 210-1999 

http://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/shproxy/it/?lnk=1&url=https%253A%252F%252Fworkspace.fao.org%252Fsites%252Fcodex%252FStandards%252FCODEX%2

BSTAN%2B210-1999%252FCXS_210e.pdf
3

(1) The Contractor shall perform continuous product monitoring, including food safety and 

quality analysis, net weight compliance monitoring, and packaging integrity monitoring to 

ensure that the product meets the commodity specifications. 

(2) Contractors shall have evidence of machine qualification, appropriate mixing capability, 

and validation of the manufacturing process (demonstrate process capability with 

statistical process control). 

C. Certificates of Analysis (COA)

(1) Required product testing and quality analysis must be conducted on the finished fortified 

product to ensure that the product meets the commodity specifications. Results shall be 

evidenced by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the Fortified Vegetable Oil. The COA 

must be issued with data generated by a third-party ISO 17025-certified5 or a USDA 

laboratory and is required for invoice payment pursuant to the Invoicing Requirements 

clause of the contract6. The COAs shall provide the name of the specific vegetable oil type 

used and the results of all tests specified (Table 2) and be included in the invoice package. 

Any factor not meeting contractual requirements shall be identified by an asterisk on the 

COA.

(2) Contractors shall notify the U.S. Government immediately of lots that fail to meet contract 

requirements. Products that do not meet specifications may be rejected.

 

(3) Micronutrient premixes shall be delivered to the contractor with a complete Certificate of 

Analysis (COA) as well as a Proof of Purchase of premixes, to be included in the invoice 

package.

(4) Unless otherwise specified, test methods for the finished product, and any ingredients 

therein, shall be those of the AOAC International, the American Association of Cereal 

Chemists (AACC), or the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS), as applicable and in 

effect on the date of issuance of the solicitation, or in accordance with methods that give 

equivalent results.

(5) Lot size shall be defined by the supplier based on their production capability, throughput,

and risk tolerance. The USDA Processed Commodities Handbook may be used as a 

reference: 

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

D. Compliance and Auditing

The U.S. Government will perform audits in processing facilities to verify compliance with the 

above systems. The U.S. Government usually carries out annual comprehensive audits as well 

5 The ISO 17025 lab certification scope shall include the specific methods for the analyses required in the CoA. 6 The CoAs must be compliant with the third-party ISO 17025 or USDA lab requirement within 12 months after CRD VO16 

issuance. 
4

as unannounced routine inspections. Audit services are provided by USDA/AMS on a user-fee 

basis. Cost estimates and arrangements for audits can be obtained by contacting USDA/AMS7.

E. Contaminants

Fortified Vegetable Oil shall comply with the maximum levels of the General Standards for 

Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed (CODEX STAN 193- 1995), as well as comply with 

the requirements listed in Table 2.

F. Shelf Life

Considering the handling throughout the lengthy supply chain of fortified vegetable oil to be 

used in international nutrition programs, the expected best used by date is eighteen (18) months 

from the date of packaging (or fortification in the case of bulk oil).8 The following shall be 

retained for the shelf-life of the product9:

• A sample of oil from each production lot

• Packaging samples (can, closure, box, etc.) from each packaging production lot (from an 

outside supplier or produced in-house)

• A photo of the labeling/markings in the case that a physical packaging sample with 

markings from each lot is not saved

G. Fill weight variation

Fill weight variation shall comply with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 

Maximum Allowable Variation (MAV) for the applicable packaging size found in Table 2-5 of 

Appendix A of NIST Handbook 133 – Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods.10

7 USDA/AMS/SCP/SCI Audit Services Branch https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/sci-contacts 8 The shelf life reference in this specification (18 months) is based on the food safety and overall quality of the fortified 

vegetable oil, not on the shelf life of added micronutrients. Micronutrient payload in the fortified vegetable oil must take into 

account any corresponding dosage of micronutrients to offset any losses throughout the supply chain, for which accelerated 

shelf-life studies are required. Ongoing effort/evidence regarding packaging and micronutrient stability is being gathered to 

more accurately quantify shelf life of micronutrients. 9 The size of retained oil sample is at the supplier’s discretion; retained oil does not have to be the full packaging size but 

should be enough volume for subsequent analysis if needed. 

10 https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/04/28/08-appa-11-hb133-final.pdf 
5

Table 2: Vegetable Oil Analytical Requirements and Reference Methods

Description Required Level after 

Fortification

Reference Method11

4F

Vitamin A 26-40 mg/kg (86,658-133,320 

IU/kg)12

EN 12823-1:2014

Vitamin D13 0.3-0.69 mg/kg (12,000-27,600 IU/kg)

12 EN 12821:2009

Organoleptic Clean, fresh flavor, and absent of 

foreign flavors and odors

Free fatty acids as oleic, by 

weight 0.05% maximum AOCS-Ca 5a-40

Peroxide Value 1.0 milliequivalents maximum per kg AOCS-Cd8b-90, 

AOAC 965.33

Color (Lovibond) 3 red & 20 yellow maximum AOCS-Cc 13e-92, 

Cc13j-97

Stability (Oil Stability Index) 5 hours at 110 ̊C minimum AOCS-Cd 12b-92

Lead14 0.08 mg/kg maximum Ca 18c-91, Ca 17a-18, 

AOAC 994.02, 2013.06

Arsenic14 0.1 mg/kg maximum AOAC 2013.06

Oleic acid content (Mid-oleic 

sunflower seed oil, NuSun only)

55.0% minimum

11 Or equivalent 12 If implemented, values for nutritional labeling would be 20 mg/kg (66,660 IU/kg) vitamin A and 0.23 mg/kg (9600 IU/kg) 

vitamin D, or the equivalent in other units, which incorporates estimated loss over the shelf-life. 13 The new vitamin D analytical requirement must be implemented within 12 months after CRD VO16 issuance. 14 Testing is not mandatory for lot release, but supplier monitoring is required and should be based on a HACCP-based risk 

analysis. Suppliers are to work with the USG contracting officer and food technologists to outline an appropriate monitoring 

plan.
6

Part 2 CONTAINER AND PACKAGINGREQUIREMENTS15

Section 2.1 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 food 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.

B. 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 strictlyprohibited.

C. Packaging receiving protocols shall be established and implemented to assure materials are 

safe and suitable for intended use.16

D. USAID and USDA support environmental sustainability. The use of recycled and other 

materials, and design for minimal packaging use, to improve environmental sustainability can be 

considered providing that the performance requirements are met, and the material used is 

compliant with the FDA regulation for food contact materials. 

Questions concerning the containers and materials should be directed to: 

USAID/BHA USDA/AMS

555 12th St NW

Washington, DC 20004

ATTN: Nutrition & Food Technology Team

bha.tpq.foodtech@usaid.gov

International Commodity Procurement Division

P.O. Box 419205, Mailstop 8738

Kansas City, MO 64141-6205

AMS-IntlCommSpec@usda.gov

15 Any agreed primary packaging besides 603 cans, and corresponding secondary containers and palletization, shall be 

aligned on with U.S. Government contracting officer, transportation, and food technologists in advance of investment, 

installation, or production to ensure they are logistically compatible with existing commodities and practices within the supply 

chain. Primary container shape shall be designed to optimize transport loading and storage. 16 Including in-house, supplier-produced packaging. 
7

Section 2.2 PRIMARY CONTAINERS

All primary packaging containers shall be clean, sanitary, and suitable for Fortified Vegetable Oil.

A. Packaging Functionalities: 

(1) Closures of the 4-liter cans/bottles:

• May be re-closable upon first opening to avoid situations in which fortified vegetable 

oil and micronutrients (i.e., Vitamin A and Vitamin D) can undergo accelerated 

oxidation or cross-contamination with the surrounding environment. 

• Shall provide a tamper-proof mechanism such as a membrane that the user would 

have to puncture, which will also prevent leaks, or similar mechanism approved by the 

contracting agency. 

• May be placed such that they facilitate dispensing the oil upon opening (maximize 

pourability) to avoid the need for end users to create other openings on the lid. 

• Shall be securely closed to prevent product tampering and to protect the product from 

leaking during long periods of stacking in warehouses andocean-going vessels.

(2) 4-liter cans/bottles shall be packaged in only one type/size per contract.

B. Primary Container Types/Sizes:

(1) 4-LiterMetal Cans

• 4-Liter (603) metal cans must be used and accommodate 3.7 kg of fortified vegetable 

oil. 

(2) 4-Liter Plastic Bottles

• 4-Liter plastic bottles shall be sized to accommodate 3.7 kg of fortified vegetable oil. 

• Plastic bottles shall be light blue in color, as close to PMS 291 as possible.

• The utilization of plastic bottles is limited. Plasticbottles shall be specified within the

solicitation.

(3) 20-Liter Pails

• 20-liter round tight-head steel pails shall be sized to accommodate 18.5 kg of fortified 

vegetable oil.

• The interior of the pails shall be coated with a rust inhibitor which meets FDA 

guidelines for safe contact with vegetable oil.

• A collapsible handle shall be fixed to the top of the pails for ease in handling.

(4) 208-Liter Drums

• 208-liter tight-head steel drums shall be sized to accommodate 194.5 kg of fortified

vegetable oil on average (depending on temperature).

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

guidelines for safe contact with vegetableoil.
8

(5) Bulk Oil

If requested, fortified bulk oil may be solicited for use in emergency or development 

programs.

Section 2.3 SECONDARY CONTAINERS

A. 4-liter primary containers (metal cans or plastic bottles) shall be packedin corrugated fiberboard 

secondary containers, six per container.

B. The secondary 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 primary containers and the closed flaps of the secondary container.

C. Secondary container flaps shall be securely closed with suitable adhesiveto prevent lifting of free 

edges or corners of outer flaps during transport, international distribution, stacking and storage

(under the high temperature and relative humidity conditions of the typical supply chain).

D. The secondary containers shall be marked to show the maximum safestacking height. This 

shall be expressed as follows: “Do not stack above tiers per pallet, pallets high.”

Section 2.4 PALLET REQUIREMENTS

A. When palletization is utilized for 4-liter cylindrical 603 cans, as a result of either being required 

in the solicitation or for the contractor’s convenience, the following palletization requirements, as 

outlined in the Notice to the Trade below, and available on the USAID website, must be utilized: 

https://procurement.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/notice_to_the_trade_-_veg_oil_palletization.pdf

B. 4-L container sizes other than 603 cans or any other agreed upon packaging, and 

corresponding secondary containers and palletization, shall be aligned on with the U.S. 

Government contracting officer, transportation, and food technologists in advance of production 

to ensure they are logistically compatible with existing commodities and practices within the 

supply chain. Any new standard pallet arrangement requirements determined will be specified in 

the solicitation/contract after development.

Section 2.5 MATERIAL AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

A. All primary and secondary packaging containers shall be durable enough to withstandlong 

periods of stacking in warehouses and ocean-goingvessels.

B. Individual 4-liter metal cans shall have a minimum top-to-bottom compression strength load of 

1200 pounds (per Test Method ASTM D642).

C. The filled 4-liter cans/bottles shall survive a single drop test from three (3) feet high without 

fracturing or leakage of product contained within when tested in accordance with Test Method

ASTM D5276.

D. 20-liter pails shall meet the UN1A/Y1.4/250, as a minimum.
9

E. All containers (primary and secondary) shall accept and retain printing ink, including barcode, lot

code, production date and best used by date, that will not rub or flake offto a degree where 

legibility is impaired.

F. Closures shall be capable of withstanding temperature extremes of at least 150° F without

product leakage.

G. Considering the harsh handling, humid conditions, storage time and stacking of vegetable oil, 

secondary container strength shall be determined by the edge crush test (ECT) (ISO 3037 or 

equivalent).

H. Final product (filled containers and secondary containers) compression strength shall be 

determined (ISO 12048 or equivalent). 

I. The Contractor shall use any independent or private laboratory capableof conducting the tests

describedabove.

J. Test Frequency: All specified testing shall be performed and documented every time a change 

in the formulation/design of the packaging ismade. 

K. Full compliance with these performance requirements includes but is not limited to: full 

documentation of procedures, consistent performance of documented procedures, and 

completion and retention of all applicable records, to be made available for review by the U.S. 

Government for a minimum of three years after final payment underthe contract.

Part 3 MARKING REQUIREMENTS

Section 3.1 STANDARD MARKINGS

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

award. Procurement of containers shall be deferred for at least two business days after the date of the 

contract.

For sunflower seed oil and corn oil, any reference below, including the exhibits, to “REFINED 

VEGETABLE OIL” shall be replaced with the applicable product name:

“REFINED SUNFLOWER SEED OIL”

“REFINED CORN OIL”

A. 4-Liter (603) Cans

(1) 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 brand shall be printed in the same style as shown in Exhibits. 

(2) Standard marking requirements for use in Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) programs are 
10

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

use in FAS programs, 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.

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

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

black.

(4) All dimensions are approximate. All printing shall be lithographed inindelible ink directly on 

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

(5) The applicable contract number shall be printed on eachcan.

B. 4-Liter Plastic Bottles

(1) Standard marking and color requirements for use in USAID programs are referred to as

“SMR-1” and are shown in ExhibitC. The USAID brand shall be printed in the same style 

as shown in the Exhibits.

(2) 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, 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 thelabel.

(3) 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 bottle, the colors blue and red shall

match the PMS chart numbers294 and 200, respectively, to the extent practicable.

(4) All dimensions are approximate. The size of graphics and markings are indicated in the

individualExhibits.

(5) The applicable contract number shall be printed on eachbottle.

C. Secondary Containers for All 4-Liter Cans and Bottles

(1) Standard marking and color requirements for secondary containers for use in USAID

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

style as shown in theExhibits.

(2) For standard marking and color requirements for secondary containers for use in FAS 

programs, contractor shall use Exhibit D and omit the USAID brand (logo and “USAID 
11

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) Oblique 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.

(3) The contract number, net weight and gross weight shall be printed on alternate panels of 

each secondary container 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 U.S. Flaggraphics.

(4) The corrugated fiberboard secondary containers shall be marked in the coloras specified in 

Exhibits D or E. The natural background of the brown corrugated container 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.

(5) All dimensions are approximate. All printing shall be printed in indelibleink directly on the 

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

(6) The arrows above “THIS END UP” shall be 1⁄2 inch high.

(7) If H-style Bliss secondary container 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 brand (logo and “USAID From the American People”), and 

replace the flag with three stripes and “USA” as depicted in Exhibit B. Each stripe shall be 

5/8 inches high.

D. 20-Liter Pails

(1) Standard marking requirements for use in USAID programs are referred to as “SMR-1” 

and are shown in Exhibit F. The USAID brand shall be printed in the same style as shown 

in the Exhibits.

(2) 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 thepail.

(3) The color of the pail itself shall be white for SMR-1 markings and a light blue, 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 294 and 200, respectively, to the extentpracticable.

(4) All dimensions are approximate. All printing shall be lithographed inindelible ink directly on 

the pail. Unless otherwise specified, all characters shall be in normal block print.
12

(5) The contract number shall be placed on the top of the pail or on the back panel of thepail.

E. 208-Liter Drums

(1) Standard marking and color requirements for use in USAID programs are referred to as

“SMR-1” and are shown in ExhibitG. The USAID brand shall be printed in the same style 

as shown in the Exhibits.

(2) 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 294. The letters USA 

shall be Universal 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 aspossible.

(3) 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 294 and 200, respectively, to 

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

prominently.

(4) 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 blockprint.

Section 3.2 SPECIAL MARKINGS

A. The following special marking requirements for USAID or USDA/FAS may be requested under 

the contract:

(1) Markings for commercial/generic/monetized 4-Liter cans are shown in Exhibit H.

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

(3) All 4-liter primary containers, secondary containers, 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. 

Commercial/Generic/Monetized 4-Liter Can (USAID or USDA/FAS) 

Deviating from Exhibit A, 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 as an example of a monetized can with white band.

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

Deviating from Exhibit A, omit the words “NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED”. Retain 

all other markings in blue. See Exhibits I, J, K, L, and M. 
13

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

Deviating from Exhibit B, omit the red stripes and the words “NOT TO BE SOLD OR 

EXCHANGED.” Retain all other markings. See Exhibit N. 

(4) For 208-liter drums, a white band is not required but all other markings are to be retained 

in blue. See Exhibit M. 

B. Secondary containers (Exhibit K)

(1) All secondary container markings should match the corresponding primary container

markings as specified in Section 3.2 A.(3).

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

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. The 3-inch band shall be printed level with the flag as shown in the example of a 

SMR-3 marking shown in Exhibit K.

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

appear on the same secondary 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 whiteband.

C. All other required markings on the 4-liter primary containers, secondary containers, 20-liter 

containers, and “white band product” used for monetization programs shall be printed inblue.

Section 3.3 LABELING 

A. For traceability purposes, contract number, manufacturer’s lot code, supplier name, production 

date, and best if used by date shall appear on all primary and secondary packaging. 

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

individual primary container and secondary 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 shallprovide the contracting officer with an

explanation of the lot coding system used.

(2) Markings shall include the Best if Used By Date (BUBD). The BUBD shall be 18 months 

from the date of packaging and shall be legibly printed in MMYYYY format on all primary

and secondarypackaging.

(3) Markings shall include the production date. The productiondate shall be legibly printed in 

MMYYYY format on all primary and secondary packaging.

B. Nutritional labeling is likely to soon be required to comply with the CODEX General Standard for 

the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods: CODEX STAN 1-1985. Further direction and 

requirements will be provided. Values for nutritional labeling would be 20 mg/kg (66,660 IU/kg) 
14

vitamin A and 0.23 mg/kg (9600 IU/kg) vitamin D, or the equivalent in other units, which 

incorporates estimated loss over the shelf-life.

C. As an intentional additive to the oil, used antioxidants should appear in the label in accordance 

with the CODEX General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods: CODEX STAN 1-

1985. 

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 contractingofficer.

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.
15

Section 3.5 MARKING EXHIBITS

Marking exhibits immediately follow on pages 16-29.
16

Exhibit A

SPECIFICATIONS:

Labeling of Steel 4 Liter Cans

Title II – Direct Feeding

Language: English

Markings: SMR-1

Inscription: Front:

REFINED VEGETABLE OIL 

VITAMIN A & D FORTIFIED

NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED

USAID Brand 

4 LITER – 3.7 kg

Wording

Font/Size: Arial Bold Narrow/36, 24, and 18 point (top to bottomrespectively)

Graphic

Dimensions: Flag - 1.5” high x 2.5” wide

USAID Brand - 2.0” high x 2.5” wide

Color: Wording and graphics printed with Blue PMS 294 and Red PMS200

Front

Insert the words, “Refined Corn Oil,” “Refined Vegetable Oil,” or “Refined Sunflower Seed Oil” as applicable.
17

Exhibit B

SMR#2

Insert the words, '"Refined Com Oil,” "RefinedVegetable Oil,” or'"Refined Sunflower Seed Oil" as applicable.
18

 

Exhibit C

SPECIFICATIONS:

Paper Labels to Adhere to Plastic 4L Bottles

Title II – Direct Feeding

Language: English

Markings: SMR-1

Inscription: REFINED VEGETABLE OIL

VITAMIN A & D FORTIFIED

NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED

USAID Brand

4 LITER – 3.7 kg

Wording

Font/Size: Arial Narrow/18 and 12 point (top to bottomrespectively)

Graphic

Dimensions: Label - 4.50” high x 4.0” wide (portrait)

Flag - 1.00” high x 1.7” wide

USAID Brand - 1.25” high x 1.6” wide

Adhesive: Permanent, heavy-duty pressure-sensitive adhesive

Material: Adhesive-backed, die-cut paper applied front and back ofbottle

Color: Wording and graphics printed with Blue PMS 294 and Red PMS 200 on a

white background.

Insert the words, “Refined Corn Oil,” “Refined Vegetable Oil,” or “Refined Sunflower Seed Oil” as applicable.
19

Exhibit D

SPECIFICATIONS:

Labeling of Corrugated Shipping Carton

Title II – Direct Feeding

Language: English

Markings: SMR-1

Inscription: THIS END UP THIS END UP

REFINED VEGETABLE OIL

VITAMIN A & D FORTIFIED

NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED

USAID Brand

6 CANS OF 4 LITERS EACH CUBIC METERS

Wording

Font/Size: Arial Bold Narrow/18, 60, 48, and 24 point (top to bottom respectively)

Graphic

Dimensions: Flag: 1.78” high X 3.00” wide

USAID Brand: 2.40” high X 3.00” wide

Color: Wording and graphics printed with Blue PMS 294 and Red PMS200

Insert the words, “Refined Corn Oil,” “Refined Vegetable Oil,” or “Refined Sunflower Seed Oil” as applicable.
20

Exhibit E

SPECIFICATIONS:

Labeling of Bliss Style Corrugated Shipping Carton

Title II – Direct Feeding

Language: English

Markings: SMR-1

Inscription: THIS END UP THIS END UP

REFINED VEGETABLE OIL

VITAMIN A & D FORTIFIED

NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED

USAID Brand

6 CANS (BOTTLES) OF 4 LITERS EACH CONTRACT NO.

Graphic

Dimensions: Flag - 1.78” high x 3.00” wide

USAID Brand - 2.40” high x 3.00” wide

Color: Wording and graphics printed with Blue PMS 294 and Red PMS200

. 

Insert the words, “Refined Corn Oil,” “Refined Vegetable Oil,” or “Refined Sunflower Seed Oil” as applicable.
21

Exhibit F

SPECIFICATIONS:

Labeling of Steel 20 Liter Pails 

Title II – Direct Feeding

Language: English

Markings: SMR-1

Inscription: REFINED VEGETABLE OIL

VITAMIN A & D FORTIFIED

NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED

USAID Brand

20 LITER – 18.5 kg

Wording

Font/Size: Arial Bold Narrow/60, 40, and 24 point (top to bottomrespectively)

Graphic

Dimensions: Flag - 3.0” high x 5.0” wide

USAID Brand - 4.0” high x 5.0” wide

Color: Wording and graphics printed with Blue PMS 294 and RedPMS 200 on a 

white background.

Insert the words, “Refined Corn Oil,” “Refined Vegetable Oil,” or “Refined Sunflower Seed Oil” as applicable.
22

Exhibit G

SPECIFICATIONS:

Labeling of Steel 208 Liter Drums

Title II – Direct Feeding

Language: English

Markings: SMR-1

Inscription: REFINED VEGETABLE OIL

VITAMIN A & D FORTIFIED

NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED

USAID Brand

CONTRACT NO. CUBIC METERS:

208 LITER GROSS WEIGHT: 214 kg

Wording

Font/Size: Arial Bold Narrow/140 and 60 point (top to bottom respectively)

Graphic

Dimensions: Flag - 5.6” high X 9.5” wide

USAID Brand - 7.5” high X 9.5” wide

Color: Wording and graphics printed with Blue PMS 294 and RedPMS 200 on a 

background color of PMS291.

Upper 

Panel

Middle

Panel

Lower

Panel

Insert the words, “Refined Corn Oil,” “Refined Vegetable Oil,” or “Refined Sunflower Seed Oil” as applicable.
23

Exhibit H

Commercial/Generic/Monetized 4-Liter Can

Insert the words, “Refined Corn Oil,” “Refined Vegetable Oil,” or “Refined Sunflower Seed Oil” as applicable.
24

Exhibit I

SPECIFICATIONS:

Labeling of Steel 4 Liter Cans

Title II – Monetization

Language: English

Markings: SMR-3

Inscription: Front:

REFINED VEGETABLE OIL 

VITAMIN A & D FORTIFIED

USAID Brand

4 LITER – 3.7 kg

Wording

Font/Size: Arial Bold Narrow/36 and 18 point (top to bottomrespectively)

Graphic

Dimensions: Flag - 1.5” high X 2.5” wide

USAID Brand - 2.0” high X 2.5” wide

Color: Wording and graphics printed with Blue PMS 294 and RedPMS 200. White 

band on both sides of flag of equalheight.

Insert the words, “Refined Corn Oil,” “Refined Vegetable Oil,” or “Refined Sunflower Seed Oil” as applicable.

.
25

Exhibit J

SPECIFICATIONS:

Paper Labels to Adhere to Plastic 4L Bottles

Title II – Monetization

Language: English

Markings: SMR-3

Inscription: REFINED VEGETABLE OIL

VITAMIN A & D FORTIFIED

USAID Brand

4 LITER – 3.7 kg

Wording

Font/Size: Arial Narrow/18 and 12 point (top to bottomrespectively)

Graphic

Dimensions: Label: 4.50” high X 4.0” wide (portrait)

Flag: 1.00” high X 1.7” wide

USAID Brand: 1.25” high X 1.6” wide

Adhesive: Permanent, heavy-duty pressure-sensitive adhesive

Material: Adhesive-backed, die-cut paper applied front and back ofbottle.

Color: Wording and graphics printed with Blue PMS 294 and Red PMS 200 on a 

background color of PMS 291. White band behind title.

Insert the words, “Refined Corn Oil,” “Refined Vegetable Oil,” or “Refined Sunflower Seed Oil” as applicable.
26

Exhibit K

SPECIFICATIONS:

Labeling of Corrugated Shipping Carton

Title II – Monetization

Language: English

Markings: SMR-3

Inscription: THIS END UP THIS END UP

REFINED VEGETABLE OIL

VITAMIN A & D FORTIFIED

USAID Brand

6 CANS OF 4 LITERS EACH CUBIC METERS

Wording

Font/Size: Arial Bold Narrow/18, 60, and 24 point (top to bottom respectively)

Graphic

Dimensions: Flag - 1.78” high x 3.00” wide

USAID Brand - 2.40” high x 3.00” wide

Color: Wording and graphics printed with Blue PMS 294 and RedPMS 200.

White band on both sides of flag of equalheight.

Insert the words, “Refined Corn Oil,” “Refined Vegetable Oil,” or “Refined Sunflower Seed Oil” as applicable.
27

Exhibit L

SPECIFICATIONS:

Labeling of Steel 20 Liter Pails

Title II – Monetization

Language: English

Markings: SMR-3

Inscription: REFINED VEGETABLE OIL

VITAMIN A & D FORTIFIED

USAID Brand

20 LITER – 18.5 kg

Wording

Font/Size: Arial Bold Narrow/60 and 24 point (top to bottomrespectively)

Graphic

Dimensions: Flag - 3.0” high X 5.0” wide

USAID Brand - 4.0” high X 5.0” wide

Color: Wording and graphics printed with Blue PMS 294 and RedPMS 200 on a 

background color of PMS291. White band on both sides of flag of equalheight.

Insert the words, “Refined Corn Oil,” “Refined Vegetable Oil,” or “Refined Sunflower Seed Oil” as applicable.
28

Exhibit M

SPECIFICATIONS:

Labeling of Steel 208 Liter Drums

Title II – Monetization

Language: English

Markings: SMR-3

Inscription: REFINED VEGETABLE OIL

VITAMIN A & D FORTIFIED

USAID Brand

CONTRACT NO. CUBIC METERS:

208 LITER GROSS WEIGHT: 214 kg

Wording

Font/Size: Arial Bold Narrow/140 and 60 point (top to bottom respectively)

Graphic

Dimensions: Flag - 5.6” high x 9.5” wide

USAID Brand - 7.5” high x 9.5” wide

Color: Wording and graphics printed with Blue PMS 294 on a background color of 

PMS291.

Upper 

Panel

Middle 

Panel

Lower 

Panel

Insert the words, “Refined Corn Oil,” “Refined Vegetable Oil,” or “Refined Sunflower Seed Oil” as applicable.
29

Exhibit N

Monetized 4-Liter Can

SMR#4

Insert the words, “Refined Corn Oil,” “Refined Vegetable Oil,” or “Refined Sunflower Seed Oil” as applicable.