AMSC N/A FSC 8960 

METRIC

A-A-20189C 

August 3, 2012 

SUPERSEDING 

A-A-20189B 

December 14, 2006

COMMERCIAL ITEM DESCRIPTION 

COCOA BEVERAGE POWDER 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has authorized 

the use of this Commercial Item Description (CID). 

1. SCOPE. This CID covers cocoa beverage powder, packed in commercially acceptable 

containers, suitable for use by Federal, State, local governments, and other interested parties; and 

as a component of operational rations. 

2. PURCHASER NOTES.

2.1 Purchasers shall specify the following:

 - Type(s), style(s), and flavor(s) of cocoa beverage powder required (Sec. 3). 

 - When analytical requirements are different than specified (Sec. 6.1). 

 - When analytical requirements need to be verified (Sec. 6.2). 

 - Manufacturer’s/distributor’s certification (Sec. 9.3) or USDA certification (Sec. 9.4). 

2.2 Purchasers may specify the following:

 - Food Defense Section 9.1: Food Defense System Survey (FDSS) (Sec. 9.1.1), or Food 

Defense Addendum to Plant Systems Audit (PSA) (Sec. 9.1.2), or (Sec. 9.1.2 with 9.2.1). 

 - Manufacturer’s quality assurance (Sec. 9.2 with 9.2.1) or (Sec. 9.2 with 9.2.2). 

 - Packaging requirements other than commercial (Sec. 10). 

3. CLASSIFICATION. The cocoa beverage powder shall conform to the following list 

which shall be specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order. 

Types, styles, and flavors.

Type I - Sugar sweetened 

Type II - No sugar added 1

                                                            

1

 Sweetened with non-carbohydrate sugar substitute and be in accordance with 21 CFR § 101.60 (c) (2). 
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Style A - With marshmallows 

Style B - Without marshmallows 

Flavor A - Milk chocolate 

Flavor B - Dutch chocolate 

Flavor C - Chocolate almond 

Flavor D - Chocolate mint 

Flavor E - Chocolate raspberry 

Flavor F - Chocolate hazelnut 

Flavor G - Chocolate Irish cream 

Flavor H - Chocolate French vanilla 

Flavor I - Other 

4. MANUFACTURER’S/DISTRIBUTOR’S NOTES. Manufacturer’s/distributor’s products 

shall meet the requirements of the:

 - Salient characteristics (Sec. 5). 

 - Analytical requirements: as specified by the purchaser (Sec. 6). 

 - Manufacturer’s/distributor’s product assurance (Sec. 7). 

 - Regulatory requirements (Sec. 8). 

 - Quality assurance provisions: as specified by the purchaser (Sec. 9). 

 - Packaging requirements other than commercial: as specified by the purchaser (Sec. 10). 

5. SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS.

5.1 Processing. The cocoa beverage powder shall be prepared and packaged in accordance with 

current Good Manufacturing Practices (21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 110). 

5.2 Food security. The cocoa beverage powder should be processed and transported in 

accordance with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Guidance for Industry: Food 

Producers, Processors, and Transporters: Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance. 

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/Foo 

dDefenseandEmergencyResponse/ucm083075.htm. This guidance identifies the kinds of preventive 

measures food manufacturers, processors, or handlers may take to minimize the risk that food under 

their control will be subject to tampering or other malicious, criminal, or terrorist actions. The 

implementation of enhanced food security preventive measures provides for the security of a plant’s 

production processes and includes the storage and transportation of pre-production raw materials, 

other ingredients, and postproduction finished product. 

5.3 Ingredients. The cocoa beverage powder may contain ingredients such as, but not limited to; 

sugar, dry whey (U.S. Extra Grade), corn syrup solids, cocoa (processed with alkali), hydrogenated 

vegetable oils, nonfat dry milk (U.S. Extra Grade), sodium caseinate, dipotassium phosphate, salt, 

emulsifiers, stabilizers, natural and/or artificial flavors. Type II, no sugar added cocoa beverage 
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powders may contain non-carbohydrate sugar substitutes including, but not limited to; Aspartame, 

Acesulfame potassium, and Sucralose, in lieu of sugar. The cocoa beverage base shall contain 

ingredients appropriate for the specified type, style, and flavor. 

5.3.1 Whey and nonfat dry milk. The whey and nonfat dry milk ingredients used in the 

manufacture of cocoa beverage powder shall originate from plants that have been approved by the 

Dairy Grading Branch (DGB), Dairy Programs (DP), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), 

USDA. The whey and nonfat dry milk ingredients shall be accompanied by a USDA Certificate 

stating that the ingredient(s) meet the requirements for U.S. Extra Grade. 

5.3.2 Manufacturing plants. The manufacturing plants shall be eligible for Section I listing in the 

most recent version of the publication Dairy Plants Surveyed and Approved for USDA Grading 

Service. 

5.4 DEHYDRATED PRODUCT.

5.4.1 Appearance. The cocoa beverage powder shall be a well-blended homogenous mixture free 

of lumps which do not fall apart under light pressure. When Style A is specified, the cocoa 

beverage powder shall contain small dehydrated marshmallows. 

5.4.2 Texture. The cocoa beverage powder shall be free flowing and fine in texture.

5.5 HYDRATED PRODUCT.

5.5.1 Dispersability. The cocoa beverage powder shall disperse readily in hot water. The cocoa 

beverage shall be free of floating, agglomerated cocoa particles. 

5.5.2 Appearance. When hydrated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions the cocoa 

beverage shall have a well-blended, uniform consistency. When Style A is specified, the hydrated 

marshmallows shall float on top of the cocoa beverage. 

5.5.3 Flavor and odor. The cocoa beverage shall have a characteristic chocolate cream-like odor 

and flavor, typical of the type, style, and flavor specified. There shall be no foreign flavors and 

odors such as, but not limited to, burnt, scorched, stale, or rancid. 

5.5.4 Color. The rehydrated product shall have a light to medium brown color. When Style A is 

specified, the marshmallows shall have a creamy white color. 

5.6 Age requirement. Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order, 

the cocoa beverage powder shall be processed and packaged not more than 90 days prior to delivery 

to the purchaser. Age requirements for Department of Defense (DoD) procurements shall be 

specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order.
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5.7 Foreign material. All ingredients and finished product shall be clean, sound, wholesome, and 

free from evidence of rodent or insect infestation. 

6. ANALYTICAL REQUIREMENTS.

6.1 Analytical requirements. Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase 

order, the analytical requirements for the cocoa beverage powder shall be as follows: 

6.1.1 Moisture. The moisture content of the cocoa beverage powder shall not exceed 4.0 percent. 

6.2 Product verification sampling. When USDA verification of analytical requirements is 

specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order, analytical testing shall be performed on a 

composite sample. The composite sample shall be 113.4 g (4 oz) prepared from eight randomly 

selected subsamples. Subsamples shall be a minimum of one can/pouch/container and shall contain 

the appropriate number of cans/pouches/containers to yield a 113.4 g (4 oz) sample when 

composited. Each subsample shall contain equal amounts of product to yield at least a 113.4 g (4 

oz) sample. 

6.3 Analytical testing. When specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order, the analyses 

shall be made in accordance with the following methods from the AOAC International Official 

Methods of Analysis (OMA) as specified below: 

 Test Method

 Moisture 925.45A

6.4 Test results. The test results shall be reported to the nearest 0.1 percent. Any result not 

conforming to the analytical requirements shall be cause for rejection of the lot. 

7. MANUFACTURER’S/DISTRIBUTOR’S PRODUCT ASSURANCE. The manufacturer/ 

distributor shall certify that the cocoa beverage powder provided shall meet the salient 

characteristics of this CID, conform to their own specifications, standards, and quality assurance 

practices, and be the same cocoa beverage powder offered for sale in the commercial market. 

The purchaser reserves the right to require proof of conformance. 

8. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. The delivered cocoa beverage powder shall comply 

with all applicable Federal, State, and local mandatory requirements and regulations relating to the 

preparation, packaging, labeling, storage, distribution, and sale of cocoa beverage powder within 

the commercial marketplace. Delivered cocoa beverage powder shall comply with all applicable 

provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act; and 

regulations promulgated thereunder. The cocoa beverage powder shall comply with the allergen 

labeling requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 
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9. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS. Purchaser shall specify 9.3 or 9.4; purchaser may 

specify 9.1 with 9.1.1, or 9.1 with 9.1.2, 9.1.2 with 9.2.1, or 9.2 with 9.2.1, or 9.2 with 9.2.2.

9.1 Food Defense. When required in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order, a Food Defense 

System Survey (FDSS) shall be conducted by USDA, AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Program (FV), 

Processed Products Division (PPD). Food Defense requirements include a documented and 

operational food defense plan that provides for the security of a plant’s production processes and 

includes the storage and transportation of pre-production raw materials and other ingredients and 

postproduction finished product. The plan shall address the following areas: (1) food security plan 

management; (2) outside and inside security of the production and storage facilities; (3) slaughter, 

when applicable, and processing, including all raw material sources; (4) shipping and receiving; (5) 

storage; (6) water and ice supply; (7) mail handling; (8) personnel security; and (9) transportation, 

shipping, and receiving. 

9.1.1 FDSS. When required in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order, a FDSS shall be 

conducted by USDA, AMS, PPD. The FDSS verifies that operators of food establishments have 

implemented measures to minimize the risk of tampering or other criminal actions against the food 

under their control. (An AMS, FDSS verifies the participating company’s adherence to the FDA’s 

“Guidance for Industry - Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters: Food Security 

Preventive Measures Guidance.”) For further information, see section 12.1 and 12.3.2.

9.1.2 Food Defense Addendum to Plant Systems Audit (PSA). When required in the 

solicitation, contract, or purchase order, a Food Defense addendum shall be conducted by USDA, 

AMS, PPD auditors. This verifies that operators of food establishments have implemented 

measures to minimize the risk of tampering or other criminal actions against the food under their 

control. (An AMS, FDSS verifies the participating company’s adherence to the FDA’s “Guidance 

for Industry - Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters: Food Security Preventive Measures 

Guidance.”) For further information, see section 12.1 and 12.3.2.

9.2 Manufacturer’s quality assurance. When required in the solicitation, contract, or purchase 

order, the product manufacturer shall be required to provide evidence, by certificate, that the 

manufacturing plant has undertaken one of the following quality assurance measures within 12 

months prior to providing a bid, or no later than 10 business days from the date of awarding of the 

contract. Failure to provide this documentation within the proper time frame may result in the 

contract being terminated for cause. 

9.2.1 PSA. A PSA conducted by USDA, AMS, or another audit performed by a third party 

auditing service and is required within 12 months prior to the date of the awarding of the contract. 

(An AMS PSA verifies the manufacturer's capability to produce products in a clean, sanitary 

environment in accordance with 21 CFR Part 110 - Current Good Manufacturing Practice in 

Manufacturing, Packing, or Holding Human Food, and verifies that the manufacturer has in place 

an internal quality assurance program. (Perform with Food Defense addendum when required).
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9.2.2 Plant survey. A plant survey conducted by USDA, AMS, or other survey performed by a 

third party auditing service is required within 12 months prior to the date of the awarding of the 

contract. (An AMS plant survey audit verifies that at the time of the survey, the manufacturer 

produces products in a clean, sanitary environment in accordance with 21 CFR Part 110 - Current 

Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing, or Holding Human Food.)

9.3 Manufacturer’s/distributor’s certification. When required in the solicitation, contract, or 

purchase order, the manufacturer/distributor will certify that the finished cocoa beverage powder 

distributed meets or exceeds the requirements of this CID. 

9.4 USDA certification. When required in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order that 

product quality, or acceptability or both be determined, the PPD, FV, AMS, USDA shall be the 

certifying program. PPD inspectors shall certify the quality and acceptability of the cocoa beverage 

powder in accordance with PPD procedures which include selecting random samples of the cocoa 

beverage powder, evaluating the samples for conformance with the salient characteristics of this 

CID and other contractual requirements, and documenting the findings on official PPD score sheets 

and/or certificates. In addition, when required in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order, PPD 

inspectors will examine the cocoa beverage powder for conformance to the United States Standards 

of Condition of Food Containers in effect on the date of the solicitation. 

10. PACKAGING. Preservation, packaging, packing, labeling, and case marking shall be 

commercial unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order. 

11. USDA INSPECTION NOTES. When Section 9.4 is specified in the solicitation, contract, 

or purchase order, USDA certification shall include evaluation of the quality and 

condition of samples of packaged cocoa beverage powder, and compliance with requirements 

in the following areas:

 - Salient characteristics (Sec. 5). 

 - Analytical requirements when specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase order (Sec. 

6.1). When USDA analytical testing is specified, PPD inspection personnel shall select 

samples and submit them to the USDA, Science and Technology Programs (S&TP) 

laboratory for analysis. 

 - Packaging requirements (Sec. 10 or as specified in the solicitation, contract, or purchase 

order). 

12. REFERENCE NOTES.

12.1 USDA certification contacts.
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12.1 PPD certification, Plant Survey, PSA, and FDSS. For PPD certification, Plant Survey, 

PSA, and FDSS contact the Chief, Inspection and Standardization Branch, PPD, FV, AMS, 

USDA, STOP 0247, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0247, telephone 

(202) 720-4693, Fax (202) 690-1527, or via E-mail: albert.hoover@ams.usda.gov or 

chere.shorter@ams.usda.gov.

12.1.2 DGD certification. For dairy product certification, contact the Division Chief, DGD, DP, 

AMS, USDA, STOP 0230, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0230, 

telephone (202) 720-3171, Fax (202) 720-2643, or via E-mail:

ken.vorget@ams.usda.gov.

12.2 Analytical testing and technical information contact. For USDA technical information on 

analytical testing, contact the Director, USDA, AMS, S&TP, Laboratory Division, 801 Summit 

Crossing Place, Suite B, Gastonia, NC 28054, telephone (704) 867-3873, Fax (704) 853-2800, 

or via E-mail: AMSLaboratoryDivision@ams.usda.gov. 

12.3 Sources of documents.

12.3.1 Source of information for nongovernmental documents is as follows:

Copies of the AOAC International OMA may be obtained from: AOAC International, 481 North 

Frederick Avenue, Suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417, telephone (301) 924-7077. 

Internet address: http://www.aoac.org for non-members and http://www.eoma.aoac.org for 

members and AOAC OMA subscribers.

12.3.2 Sources of information for governmental documents are as follows:

Applicable provisions of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act are contained in 16 CFR Parts 500 to 

503, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act are contained in 21 CFR Parts 1 to 199. These 

documents may be purchased from: Superintendent of Documents, New Orders, P.O.

Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000. Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover/NOVUS, 

and American Express) purchases may be made by calling the Superintendent of Documents 

on (866) 512-1800, (202) 512-1800. These documents may also be obtained free of charge on 

the Internet at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR.

Copies of Guidance for Industry - Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters: Food Security 

Preventive Measures Guidance is available online from: FDA, CFSAN on the Internet at: 

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/

FoodDefenseandEmergencyResponse/ucm083075.htm.
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Copies of Dairy Plants Surveyed and Approved for USDA Grading Service are available from: 

Division Chief, DGD, DP, AMS, USDA, STOP 0230, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, 

Washington, DC 20250-0230, telephone (202) 720-3171 or on the Internet at: 

www.ams.usda.gov/dairygrading.

Copies of this CID and the United States Standards for Condition of Food Containers are available 

from: Director, PPD, FV, AMS, USDA, STOP 0247, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, DC 20250-0247, telephone (202) 720- 9939, Fax (202) 690-1527, via E- mail: 

FQAStaff@ams.usda.gov or on the Internet at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/FQAS.

Copies of this CID are also available online at: ASSIST Online (https://assist.dla.mil) or 

ASSIST Quick Search (https://assist.dla.mil/quicksearch) or from the Standardization 

Documents Order Desk, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Document Services, Building 4D, 

700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094. 

Beneficial comments, recommendations, additions, deletions, clarifications, etc., and any data 

which may improve this document should be sent to: DLA Troop Support, ATTN: FTSA, 700 

Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5092, Fax (215) 737-2963, or via E-mail: 

dscpsubsweb@dla.mil.

MILITARY INTERESTS: CIVIL AGENCY COORDINATING ACTIVITIES:

Custodians DOJ - BOP 

 HHS - NIH, IHS 

 Army - GL USDA - FV 

 Navy - SA VA - OSS 

 Air Force - 35 

PREPARING ACTIVITY:

Review Activities

 DLA - SS 

 Army - MD, QM

 Navy - MC (Project No. 8960-2011-001) 

 

NOTE: The activities listed above were interested in this document as of the date of this 

document. Since organizations and responsibilities can change, you should verify the currency of 

the information above using the ASSIST Online database at https://assist.dla.mil. 

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where applicable, sex (including gender identity and expression), marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic 

information, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET 

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To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, 

S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 

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