To download a copy of the DLA Troop Support Food Defense Checklist go to http://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/ 

Documents/TroopSupport/Subsistence/FoodSafety/FoodQuality/food_defense_check.pdf or contact the applicable 

DLA Troop Support Contracting Officer or the Quality Audits & Food Defense Branch (FTSB). Beneficial 

comments (recommendations, additions, deletions) and any pertinent data which may be used in improving 

this document should be addressed to: DLA TROOP SUPPORT, Directorate of Subsistence, Bldg. 6ATTN: 

FTSB, 700 Robbins Street, Philadelphia, PA19111-5092. Fax (215) 737-0379 or Voice (215)

737-8656/8523/4209.

FORWARD

DLA TROOP SUPPORT FOOD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

March 19, 2020

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The original DLA Food Defense Checklist was developed by FTSB in 

October 2001 and distributed along with a precautionary letter to all contractors/subcontractors manufacturing, repackaging, assembling, distributing, transporting, or storing operational rations during the Research Development 

Associates (R&DA) Conference in October 17, 2001. This alert was issued as a precaution due to the heightened state 

of security awareness in the USA after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. While the original DLA Troop 

Support FD Checklist was modified and used as a model to develop "other" FD Checklists by other Government 

entities and industry, the basic elements developed by DLA Troop Support are the same.

FOOD DEFENSE PLAN (Operational Rations, Prime Vendor, and Others).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule effective July 26, 2016, to require domestic and foreign 

food facilities that are required to register under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act) to 

address hazards that may be introduce with the intention to cause wide scale public health harm. FDA issued these 

requirements as part of the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

Currently, all DLA Troop Support Subsistence contracts have a requirement for the submission, and implementation 

of some type of Food Defense at each contractor facility, which must be approved by DLA Troop Support. Areas of 

concern listed in this checklist must be addressed in the plan. As a result of increased risk for the potential of 

intentional food tampering the plan shall describe (in general terms) the type of preventive measures that are taken or 

will be taken to reduce food defense vulnerabilities and to protect the food intended for DLA Troop Support's 

customers at CONUS and OCONUS locations. The plan must include preventive steps taken to safeguard product 

from intentional tampering/ contamination during all stages of receipt, production, storage, assembly, delivery, and 

shipment.

This revision to the DLA/DLA Troop Support Food Defense Checklist contains the following changes:

1. Acknowledgement of The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule effective July 26, 2016 has been 

incorporated as an inherent requirement in accordance with the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act 

(FSMA). This requirement is fundamental “The DLA Troop Support Food Defense Checklist” since DLA Troop 

Support developed the original checklist and DLA vested all food defense responsibilities to FTSB during the FT 

reorganization in 2005. This change was made to clearly identify the office with “official” responsibility for food 

defense for all DLA Troop Support subsistence contractors and, to facilitate immediate changes should unexpected 

circumstances dictate the need for changes, based on DLA Troop Support audit results/site visits/risk assessments at 

contractors' facilities, and/or feedback from inspection agencies (e.g., USDA-AMS, USDC, US Army Food inspectors, 

etc.) supporting DLA Troop Support and/or changes in regulatory requirements. The goal is to clarify roles and 

responsibilities for food defense for all DLA Troop Support subsistence contracts and facilitate changes to food 

defense requirements in case of unexpected circumstances.

2. Food Defense was removed from Section V of the DLA Troop Support Quality Systems Audit Workbook I: 

Documented Quality Systems Plans (QSP) Evaluation Guideline and made into a standalone document. A Food 

Defense Plan will be evaluated with each new acquisition regardless if the location is from an incumbent or not. The 

previously approved plans will be given the same rating barring no changes have been made to the original approved 

plan. The goal is to reduce duplication and contradictions of the checklists used by subsistence contractors and DLA 

Troop Support personnel.

3. This document serves three purposes: (1) To communicate to prospective contractors the information that 

is expected to be addressed/included in their Documented Food Defense Plan submitted with their 

Technical Proposals/Bids. To ensure contractors address issues and respond to questions deemed critical 

to food defense at production facilities, ration assembly/subassembly/packaging facilities, Prime Vendor 

facilities, and/or other type of food distribution/ storage facilities located at CONUS and OCONUS 

locations; (2) Used by FTSB's Lead Auditors to determine if prospective contractors have

satisfactorily addressed/included information applicable to their type of facility (3) Used by FTSB's Lead 

Auditors during compliance quality audits, Quality Systems Management Visits, and/or reviews to 

determine compliance, and effectiveness of the plan identifying vulnerabilities in the system/facility.

 1 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 

I. Establishment/Facility Registration ........................................................................... 1

II. Food Defense Management Plan and Policy .............................................................. 1

III. Personnel ........................................................................................................ 2

IV. Security of Perimeter, Buildings, Docks, and Receiving/Shipping Areas ........................ 4

V. Receipt Inspection ......................................................................................................... 6

VI. Warehousing and Storage ................................................................................... 7

VII. Production Areas ............................................................................... ............. 8

VIII. Emergency Procedures .................................................................................... 10

IX. Subcontractors/suppliers .................................................................................... 12

CAUTION NOTES .............................................................................................................................. 13 

 2
DLA Troop Support FOOD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

REFERENCE: Operational Rations Contract/TDP Section E; USDA-FSIS Model Food Security Plans; USDA-FSIS Industry 

Self- Assessment Checklist for Food Security; FSIS Directive 5420.1, Revision 1 (Food Security Verification Procedures); FDA

Guidance for Industry, Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters - Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance, FDA final rule 

FDA-2013-N-125-0146 of FSMA, and 2006 Joint Government Operational Rations Food Defense Vulnerability Assessment Summary.

CONTRACTOR 

YES NO N/A 

AUDITOR 

A M U 

I. ESTABLISHMENT/FACILITY REGISTRATION:

See FDA Food Facility Registration User Guide: 

https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FoodFacilityRegistration/ucm324780.htm

Section 415 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) [21 U.S.C. § 350d] requires food 

facilities that are required to register with FDA to renew such registrations during the period beginning 

on October 1 and ending on December 31 of each even-numbered year. If a registration is not renewed 

by 11:59 PM on December 31, of the even-numbered year, the registration is considered expired. 

A. Does the plan clearly indicate the facility/establishment is registered with FDA as per the CFR? 

B. Does the plan identify the establishment number and the date the facility was registered? 

C. Is the registration date current in accordance with FDA’s Biennial Registration Renewal? 

D. Is the physical address of the facility identified in the plan? 

II. FOOD DEFENSE MANAGEMENT PLAN AND POLICY: Does the plan identify/ include/address 

the following?

A.A policy statement concerning top management support for food defense and the integrity of food 

supplies. 

B.The risk management principles/guidelines used to develop and implement the plan (example FDA, 

USDA-FSIS, industry guidelines, etc.). 

C.Organizational charts clearly identifying management personnel (by position) involved with the 

company's Food Defense. 

D.Identify the Food Defense Manager/Coordinator or the responsible management official with the 

overall responsibility for: Reviewing the adequacy, implementation and effectiveness of plan; control 

and security of the plan and all copies; and determining whether a private firm is needed 

to assess risk or reduce food defense vulnerabilities.

E. Does the plan identify the Food Defense team members by position and their specific assigned 

responsibilities?

F. Does the plan clearly identify the date of last review/ revision of the plan? 

G. Responsibilities for monitoring and controlling each area identified in the plan. 

H.How the contractor maintains confidentiality of the plan and details that may compromise the 

security of the facility or the integrity of the plan. 

I. Identify personnel (by position) authorized to have copies of the plan. Identify who, where, and how

 copies are maintained, controlled and secured.

J. Indicate if employees performing monitoring activities are delegated authority to take immediate 

 action if there are signs that may indicate a breach in security/problem?

K. Are computer hardware, software, and paper records documenting food production controls backed

 -up, secure? If so, is access to these passwords controlled and changed periodically? 

L. Is there a cyber-security plan? If so, is there a plan for a cyber-attack?

 

 3

 
DLA Troop Support FOOD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

REFERENCE: Operational Rations Contract/TDP Section E; USDA-FSIS Model Food Security Plans; USDA-FSIS Industry 

Self- Assessment Checklist for Food Security; FSIS Directive 5420.1, Revision 1 (Food Security Verification Procedures); FDA

Guidance for Industry, Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters - Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance, FDA final rule 

FDA-2013-N-125-0146 of FSMA, and 2006 Joint Government Operational Rations Food Defense Vulnerability Assessment Summary.

CONTRACTOR 

YES NO N/A 

AUDITOR 

A M U 

III. PERSONNEL: Employees, visitors, contract workers and others.

A. Employees: Under Federal law, food establishment operators are required to verify the 

employment eligibility of all new hires, in accordance with the requirements of the 

Immigration and Nationality Act, by completing the INS Employment Eligibility 

Verification Form (INS Form I-9). Completion of Form I-9 for new hires is required by 

8 USC 1324a and nondiscrimination provisions governing the verification process are 

set forth at 8 USC 1324b. Note: screening procedures should be applied equally to all 

staff, regardless of race, national origin, religion, and citizenship or immigration status.

1. Employee references/background checks. Does the plan identify/include/ 

address the following?

A. Employment references, addresses, and phone numbers supplied

 by employees on the application form are verified for ALL 

 employees (seasonal, temporary, permanent, contract workers, 

 etc.) prior to hiring.

B. If background checks are not required for ALL employees, does the 

 plan identify employees (seasonal, temporary, permanent, and 

 contract workers) by position, subjected to background checks before 

 hiring?

C. Are employees hired prior to verification of employment references 

 or background checks are completed.

D. Clearly identify the responsible official(s) with cognizance for 

 ensuring employment references, background checks and security 

 clearances (i.e., Top Secret or Secret) if required are verified and up 

 to date (current) and stipulate the required frequency (e.g., semi- 

 annual, etc.) of these reviews.

E. If an external personnel agency is used are the recruitment 

 methods utilized by said external personnel agency known?

2. Employee training. Does the plan identify/include/address the following?

A. If members of the Food Defense Team are trained, prior to their 

 assignment, in the provisions of the plan and identify other food 

 defense training received.

B. If ALL (new/current) employees are trained in the defense policies 

 and procedures of the company. Does the training include 

 instructions for employees to immediately report suspicious 

 activity, external/internal threats, or if they suspect wrong doing or 

 product tampering by other employees to their supervisor or other 

 management personnel? 

 4

 
DLA Troop Support FOOD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

REFERENCE: Operational Rations Contract/TDP Section E; USDA-FSIS Model Food Security Plans; USDA-FSIS Industry 

Self- Assessment Checklist for Food Security; FSIS Directive 5420.1, Revision 1 (Food Security Verification Procedures); FDA

Guidance for Industry, Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters - Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance, FDA final rule 

FDA-2013-N-125-0146 of FSMA, and 2006 Joint Government Operational Rations Food Defense Vulnerability Assessment Summary.

CONTRACTOR 

YES NO N/A 

AUDITOR 

A M U 

3. Control of employees. Does the plan identify/include/address the following?

A. Identify the procedure/method used (e.g., photo IDs with 

 expiration dates, company badges, etc.) for controlling entry of 

 employees into the plant during both working and non-working 

 hours. Are these verified upon entrance at the facility?

B. Indicate if an updated list is maintained for plant personnel with 

 open or restricted access to the establishment.

C. Identify the procedure/method used (e.g., color-coded uniforms 

 or coded badges) to make it obvious when employees move to 

 areas of the facility other than where they normally work.

D. Are only designated employees allowed in sensitive areas or 

 areas where the product is open to contamination?

E. Is there a written procedure listing and enforcing a policy on 

 what personal items are not allowed inside the plant?

F. Does each department keep a roster of employees working on 

 any given day? Is the roster updated daily? Is the roster 

 distributed to all plant supervisors?

G. Upon the termination of an employee, is there a procedure in 

 place to immediately restrict access to the facility by this 

 individual? How?

B. Visitors/Guests/Contractors: Does the plan identify/include/address the following?

1. If the visitor policy requirement and method used to control entry into the 

facility requires positive identification for ALL visitors (e.g., picture IDs, 

sign-in and sign-out at the gate, reception desk, etc.).

2. Procedure for examining/inspecting briefcases, backpacks, toolboxes and/ 

or other containers prior to entering the facility.

3. Procedure to control visitors (contractors, salespeople, truck drivers, etc.) 

movement to prevent them from accessing restricted areas such as 

production. Are visitors escorted/accompanied at ALL times by an 

authorized plant representative while in the facility?

 

 

 

 

5 
DLA Troop Support FOOD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

REFERENCE: Operational Rations Contract/TDP Section E; USDA-FSIS Model Food Security Plans; USDA-FSIS Industry

Self- Assessment Checklist for Food Security; FSIS Directive 5420.1, Revision 1 (Food Security Verification Procedures); FDA Guidance 

for Industry, Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters - Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance, FDA final rule FDA-2013-

N-125-0146 of FSMA, and 2006 Joint Government Operational Rations Food Defense Vulnerability Assessment Summary.

CONTRACTOR 

YES NO N/A 

AUDITOR 

A M U 

4. Procedure to control visitors (contractors, salespeople, truck drivers, etc.) 

movement controls in place for contract workers (e.g., sanitation crews, 

pest control, etc.,) to prevent intentional contamination of product?

A. Is access to the facility limited to only those areas of the 

 plant relevant to their work? Are contract workers 

 escorted by an authorized plant representative while 

 performing work in the facility or when they must work in 

 sensitive areas?

B. Is there a written procedure listing and enforcing a policy on 

 what personal items may and may not be allowed inside the 

 plant and within production areas?

IV. SECURITY OF PERIMETER, BUILDINGS, DOCKS, AND RECEIVING/ 

SHIPPING AREAS:

A. Perimeter. Does the plan identify/include/address the following:

1. Is the plant perimeter monitored for signs of suspicious activity or unauthorized 

entry? How? Identify the measures in place (e.g., fencing or other barriers, “No 

Trespassing” signs, etc.) to prevent unauthorized access within the boundaries of 

the facility/buildings. 

2. Identify the measures in place to protect the facility/buildings from unauthorized 

entry during operation and non-operational hours. Identify if access points into the 

facility are controlled using a combination of the following: Fences, security 

guards, alarms, locking devices, lighting, surveillance cameras, emergency exits 

alarmed have self-locking doors that can be opened only from the inside, or other 

defense hardware consistent with national and local fire and safety codes. 

3. Is a procedure available identifying areas of concern and programs in place to 

monitor unauthorized access and prevent defense breaches of the following: Control 

panels, vents for air circulation lines, pipes, electrical lines/boxes, gas or pressure 

valves, doors, windows, roof openings, vent openings, trailer bodies, railcars, etc. 

4. Are outside storage tanks containing hazardous materials, potable water, and bulk 

storage tanks secured (e.g., locks, seals, sensors) at all times? 

 

 

6 
DLA Troop Support FOOD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

REFERENCE: Operational Rations Contract/TDP Section E; USDA-FSIS Model Food Security Plans; USDA-FSIS Industry 

Self- Assessment Checklist for Food Security; FSIS Directive 5420.1, Revision 1 (Food Security Verification Procedures); FDA

Guidance for Industry, Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters - Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance, FDA final rule 

FDA-2013-N-125-0146 of FSMA, and 2006 Joint Government Operational Rations Food Defense Vulnerability Assessment Summary.

CONTRACTOR 

YES NO N/A 

AUDITOR 

A M U 

5.Is access to central controls for airflow, water systems, electricity and gas 

restricted and controlled? Do your airflow systems include a provision 

for immediate isolation of contaminated areas or rooms?

6. Identify procedures in place for inspecting trucks entering the facility 

boundaries. Are incoming and outgoing vehicles/trucks (both private and 

commercial) inspected for unusual cargo or activity?

7. Are truck drivers required to possess and present upon request 

adequate identification prior to entering the facility/gate?

8. Are deliveries verified against a roster of scheduled deliveries? Are 

unscheduled deliveries held outside the plant premises, if possible, 

pending verification of shipper and cargo?

9. Is there a waiting room for drivers? Is access from the waiting room to 

other parts of the facility controlled? If so, how?

10. Do you have parking areas for visitors situated at a safe distance from the 

main facility? Is the area segregated from production areas, storage, 

utilities, fuel tanks, etc. by adequate defense fencing or otherwise? Is this 

area monitored?

11. Are vehicles of authorized visitors, guests, and employees 

clearly identifiable (placards, decals, etc.)?

12. Have the normal routes for personnel entry to/exit from your facility been 

assessed? Are all points monitored or controlled?

13. Are your emergency alert systems fully operational and tested and 

locations of controls clearly marked?

B. Incoming/outgoing shipments: Does the plan identify/include/address the 

following as applicable?

1. Review and Maintenance of Records. Are records reviewed and maintained for 

all delivery conveyances (e.g., tankers, railcars, ships, etc.) used to transport food 

products?

2. Is there a policy for deliveries during non-operational hours to ensure prior notice 

of such deliveries and to require the presence of an authorized individual to verify 

and receive the shipment?

3. Is there an advance notification (by phone, e-mail, fax, etc.) required for all 

incoming/outgoing deliveries, including pertinent details about the shipment and the 

name of the driver?

 

7 
DLA Troop Support FOOD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

REFERENCE: Operational Rations Contract/TDP Section E; USDA-FSIS Model Food Security Plans; USDA-FSIS Industry 

Self- Assessment Checklist for Food Security; FSIS Directive 5420.1, Revision 1 (Food Security Verification Procedures); FDA

Guidance for Industry, Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters - Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance, FDA final rule 

FDA-2013-N-125-0146 of FSMA, and 2006 Joint Government Operational Rations Food Defense Vulnerability Assessment Summary.

CONTRACTOR 

YES NO N/A 

AUDITOR 

A M U 

4. Defense seals (incoming): Is there a requirement for incoming shipments to be sealed with 

tamper-proof, numbered seals and that seal numbers be recorded on the Shipping 

documents/Bill of Lading? Are seal numbers verified prior to entry of the facility and 

registered/logged in per incoming shipment? Are seal numbers inspected for possible 

tampering for incoming shipment?

5. Defense seals (Outgoing): Is there a requirement for outgoing shipments to be sealed with 

tamper-proof, numbered seals or padlocks with individual identification numbers, and that 

seal number/ padlock identification recorded on the Shipping documents/Bill of Lading? 

6. Are shipping documents with suspicious alterations thoroughly investigated and is there 

guidance for this type of incident?

7. Are loading docks secured to avoid unverified or unauthorized deliveries? Are there 

procedures in place for handling deliveries to this area?

8. Does the plan indicate how they ensure open trucks are not left unattended during offloading and loading and sealed immediately after loading?

9. Is there a capability for verification of driver location and load at any time?

 10. Have defense procedures been developed and implemented for drivers 

 when docking or stopping for meals, gas, breakdowns, etc.? Is there a 

 requirement that drivers keep trailers locked down at all times?

 11. Are there predetermined protocols for drivers when faced with suspicious 

 circumstances? Are drivers required to immediately report suspicious activity 

 and any instances of suspected adulteration or tampering with the shipment? Are 

 drivers provided a list of telephone numbers of officials to contact during 

 operational and non-operational hours?

C. Mail Handling: Do you have a separate mail handling facility or room away from in plant food 

production/processing operations? Are your mail handlers trained to recognize

and handle suspicious pieces of mail using U.S. Post Office guidelines? 

D. Water/ice: (Applicable to all Subsistence Contractors to include food processors)

1. Water Source: Does the plan identify all sources of water used in the facility (both potable 

and non-potable sources) and are defense measures associated with each source of water?

2. If a municipal water supply is used, is there a procedure to immediately notify

local municipal/health officials in the event of any abnormalities or if the water supply in the 

facility is compromised?

3. Water Testing: If municipal water is used, has the supply system procedure been 

reviewed and samples taken at several locations within the plant? Identify frequency of 

water testing to verify microbiological and chemical safety? Does the testing also include 

testing potable water with respect to federal/state/local water quality standards? Is the 

defense of well systems reviewed at least monthly and samples taken at several locations 

within the plant for microbiological checks? 

 

8 
DLA Troop Support FOOD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

REFERENCE: Operational Rations Contract/TDP Section E; USDA-FSIS Model Food Security Plans; USDA-FSIS Industry 

Self- Assessment Checklist for Food Security; FSIS Directive 5420.1, Revision 1 (Food Security Verification Procedures); FDA

Guidance for Industry, Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters - Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance, FDA final rule 

FDA-2013-N-125-0146 of FSMA, and 2006 Joint Government Operational Rations Food Defense Vulnerability Assessment Summary.

CONTRACTOR 

YES NO N/A 

AUDITOR 

A M U 

 

 4. Do you inspect the potable and non-potable water lines in food processing areas 

 periodically for possible tampering as applicable to the facility? Identify the 

 frequency. 

 5. Is your in-plant ice-making equipment and ice storage facilities monitored and 

 have controlled access?

V. RECEIPT INSPECTION: Does the plan identify/include/address the following:

A. Identify the procedure for inspecting for evidence of intentional tampering? Are 

tamper evident packaging features used when available for certain ingredients and 

supplies?

B. Are receipt inspectors trained to look for obvious signs of shipment and/or product 

tampering and to verify the integrity of incoming shipments and products during 

their receipt inspection?

C. Are all deliveries checked against orders made and is packaging/packing integrity 

inspected at the receiving dock for evidence of tampering prior to opening 

containers for signs of tampering or other anomalies?

D. Are “Accept” and “Reject” criteria for all incoming materials well understood by 

personnel signing for or receiving products, including courier packages of 

minor ingredients or laboratory materials?

E. Does incoming materials have clear, legible lot codes for traceability? Are all lot codes

for incoming ingredients, processing aids and packaging materials identified on 

production records to ensure that products are traceable from receipt, production to 

finished products?

VI.WAREHOUSING AND STORAGE: Does the plan identify/include/address 

the following:

A. Warehousing/Storage:

 1. The person in charge of warehousing/storage, receiving, and authorizing the 

 release of finished goods for shipment and ingredients/materials for use in 

 production, clearly identified (by positions)?

 2. The procedure for storing product adequate to control access and minimize or 

 eliminate the possibility of product adulteration/tampering? NOTE: The plan 

 must identify all internal/external/contracted storage facilities used to store 

 ingredients/ products/materials intended for DLA Troop Support customers.

 3. Do you have an emergency plan that identifies all areas in which products and 

 ingredients are handled and stored (e.g., off-site warehouses, product chillers, 

 and storage facilities)? 

 

9 
DLA Troop Support FOOD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

REFERENCE: Operational Rations Contract/TDP Section E; USDA-FSIS Model Food Security Plans; USDA-FSIS Industry 

Self- Assessment Checklist for Food Security; FSIS Directive 5420.1, Revision 1 (Food Security Verification Procedures); FDA

Guidance for Industry, Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters - Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance, FDA final rule 

FDA-2013-N-125-0146 of FSMA, and 2006 Joint Government Operational Rations Food Defense Vulnerability Assessment Summary.

CONTRACTOR 

YES NO N/A 

AUDITOR 

A M U 

4. Are restricted areas inside the plant clearly marked, secured, and the manner 

in which access is controlled clearly stated?

5. Do you have updated plant layout schematics available at strategic and 

secured locations in the plant?

6. Are there procedures for handling damaged and/or returned products and are these 

inspected for evidence of possible tampering before salvage or use in rework? Are 

records kept if these products are used?

7. Is an inventory kept of product in the warehouse (including location)? Are 

you maintaining an accurate inventory of finished products to allow detection 

of unexplained additions to or withdrawals from existing stock?

8. Are stored product/ingredients segregated by manufacturer and lot number to 

expedite isolation, inspection, or recall capability?

9. Are labels held in a secure area to prevent label theft and misuse? Is there a plan in

place to identify and contain mislabeled products?

10. Do you have accountability programs, such as “sign-off sheets” for all 

restricted ingredients? Is there a list of personnel authorized to handle highly 

restricted ingredients?

11. Is controlled access maintained for all product and ingredient storage areas? Is 

an access log maintained?

B. Control of hazardous material:

1. Are procedures and physical barriers (e.g., locks, keyed access by authorized 

personnel only) in place to restrict access to hazardous compounds such as nitrite, 

cleaning and sanitizing chemicals, pesticides, etc? Are these materials properly 

labeled?

2. Is a daily inventory and material usage log maintained of hazardous chemicals 

or other products and are all discrepancies investigated immediately? Are 

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) up to date, readily available, and accessible in case of 

emergency?

3. Is there a procedure to ensure cleaning and sanitizing chemicals, lubricants, paints, 

pesticides and other non-food chemicals are stored away from food processing 

areas, under controlled access and with documented inventory?

4. Are comprehensive and validated defense and disposal procedures in place, 

particularly for the control of agents, hazardous materials and live cultures of 

pathogenic bacteria?

 

10 
DLA Troop Support FOOD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

REFERENCE: Operational Rations Contract/TDP Section E; USDA-FSIS Model Food Security Plans; USDA-FSIS Industry 

Self- Assessment Checklist for Food Security; FSIS Directive 5420.1, Revision 1 (Food Security Verification Procedures); FDA

Guidance for Industry, Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters - Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance, FDA final rule 

FDA-2013-N-125-0146 of FSMA, and 2006 Joint Government Operational Rations Food Defense Vulnerability Assessment Summary.

CONTRACTOR 

YES NO N/A 

AUDITOR 

A M U 

VII. PRODUCTION AREAS: Does the plan identify/include/address the following?

A. Control of personal items and equipment issue:

1. Is there a procedure listing and enforcing a policy on what personal items are not 

allowed inside the production areas?

2. Are utensils such as hand- held dial thermometers, knives, and/or other 

potentially dangerous equipment/utensils distributed and accounted for on a daily 

basis?

B. Ingredient Safety:

1. Are procedures in place to monitor the operation of pieces of equipment 

(blenders, choppers, poultry chill tanks, etc.) to prevent product tampering?

2. Does the plan indicate if projected and actual use of restricted ingredients is 

verified at the end of each day, by someone other than the employee who logs 

the ingredient?

3. Does the plan indicate if the integrity of packaging materials of all spices 

and restricted ingredients (including premixes prepared in the plant) are 

verified prior to use?

C. Batching/Mixing:

1. Is access to product production or holding areas restricted to plant 

employees and authorized inspection personnel only?

2. What types of controls are in place during mixing/batching of product or 

ingredients to prevent employee tampering, especially in areas where employees 

are by themselves without supervision or a coworker present??

3. Have points where clandestine access to product is possible been identified? 

Are these points monitored? How?

4. Are areas in which large amounts of product are exposed, (e.g., vats, kettles, 

tanks, chillers, cooler, etc.) restricted?

5. Is traceability for all ingredient components, oxygen scavengers, packaging 

materials (that come in direct contact with food), etc, used in the production 

of finished products recorded and maintained in case of a recall?

6. Are there specific procedures that define how product is to be reworked during 

processing? Are products to be reworked and related records/documentation 

properly identified and handled securely?

7. Does the plan identify procedures to follow in the event an 

intentional contamination occurs during the production process?

 

11 
DLA Troop Support FOOD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

REFERENCE: Operational Rations Contract/TDP Section E; USDA-FSIS Model Food Security Plans; USDA-FSIS Industry 

Self- Assessment Checklist for Food Security; FSIS Directive 5420.1, Revision 1 (Food Security Verification Procedures); FDA

Guidance for Industry, Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters - Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance, FDA final rule 

FDA-2013-N-125-0146 of FSMA, and 2006 Joint Government Operational Rations Food Defense Vulnerability Assessment Summary.

CONTRACTOR 

YES NO N/A 

AUDITOR 

A M U 

8. Are protocols in place for segregating unprocessed products from processed 

products? Is there a plan that addresses the deliberate mixing of processed 

and unprocessed product (e.g., retort by pass)?

9. Are processing systems, including automatic control systems, secure? Are 

individuals with access to control systems identified?

D. Laboratory Control:

1. Is access to in-plant laboratory facilities strictly controlled?

2. Are all positive pathogen culture controls kept locked?

3. Are mercury thermometers accounted for on a daily basis?

4. Do you ensure only sample collection laboratory materials are permitted on 

the manufacturing floor?

5. Do you maintain an up-to-date inventory of all hazardous laboratory chemicals 

and solvents and are these materials securely locked?

VIII. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: Does the plan identify/include/address the 

following?

A. Coordination with DLA Troop Support, Local, State, or Federal Authorities. If a 

breach of security or suspicious activity does occur, timely notification and 

cooperation with local/state/federal authorities and public health and/other local 

officials as appropriate is crucial. In addition to alerting the aforementioned officials, 

DLA Troop Support requires that, in addition to other reporting, product 

contamination/adulteration or that presents any other health or safety hazard to DLA 

Troop Support customers whether accidental or intentional be immediately reported 

to the applicable Contracting Officer so that immediate action be taken by DLA 

Troop Support under the DoD Hazardous Food and Nonprescription Drug Recall 

Reporting Program.

1. Does the plan identify a specific procedure for the immediate notification of the 

aforementioned officials and for handling and investigating food defense 

situations such as internal/external threats, suspicious activity, actual or potential 

cases of tampering or other malicious, criminal, or terrorist actions against any

facility producing/assembling/storing, product or shipments intended for DLA Troop 

Support Customers?

2. Does your plan have a current list of local, State and Federal Government 

Homeland Defense contacts, public health officials and applicable DLA 

Troop Support personnel? How often is this list updated? Is this list 

distributed to company's personnel and copies maintained at the facility and of 

site?

 

12 
DLA Troop Support FOOD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

REFERENCE: Operational Rations Contract/TDP Section E; USDA-FSIS Model Food Security Plans; USDA-FSIS Industry 

Self- Assessment Checklist for Food Security; FSIS Directive 5420.1, Revision 1 (Food Security Verification Procedures); FDA

Guidance for Industry, Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters - Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance, FDA final rule 

FDA-2013-N-125-0146 of FSMA, and 2006 Joint Government Operational Rations Food Defense Vulnerability Assessment Summary.

CONTRACTOR 

YES NO N/A 

AUDITOR 

A M U 

3. Have procedures been established with community emergency personnel to 

assure proper access to the facility during an emergency while still preventing 

public access? Are specially designated entry points for emergency personnel 

identified in the plan?

4. Are there provisions in the plan to deal with onlookers or media 

representatives that may be present during an emergency situation?

5. Does the plan include an evacuation plan for each facility if necessary (bomb 

threat, fire, flood, chemical spill, etc.) and include provisions to prevent 

product tampering during the evacuation process?

6. Food Defense exercise/drills: Are these conducted to verify key provisions 

of the plan? At what frequency? Are results reviewed and changes made to 

the plan if deemed necessary?

7. Are employees trained and instructed to immediately report any sign of 

possible product tampering or break in the food defense system? Note: It is 

imperative that all employees are reminded that timely notification is essential 

to any perceived or potential threat.

B. Communication: Does the plan identify and/or address the following:

1. A policy to ensure employees and truck drivers are frequently reminded to keep 

a low profile and not share information regarding products intended for the 

military/DLA Troop Support customers: Quantities, criticality of products 

being produced or shipped to the military, customer routes, and/or discussed 

other information concerning the facility or shipments.

2. Are truck drivers provided/have communication devices and emergency 

telephone numbers in the event of an emergency during operation/nonoperation 

hours?

C. Recall strategy:

1. Does the plan identify the person responsible (appropriate backups) for 

investigating and proper handling and disposition of recalled product, 

identifying customer contacts, addresses and phone numbers?

2. Is there a program in place to ensure the timely identification and segregation of 

all products involved in the event of deliberate product contamination? Does this 

program identify the corrective action plan for product tampering to ensure 

adulterated and/or potentially injurious products do not enter commerce and the 

immediate recall of adulterated products from trade and consumer channel?

3. Does the plan identify a procedure for the safe handling and disposal of products 

contaminated with chemical or biological agents?

 

13 
DLA Troop Support FOOD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

REFERENCE: Operational Rations Contract/TDP Section E; USDA-FSIS Model Food Security Plans; USDA-FSIS Industry 

Self- Assessment Checklist for Food Security; FSIS Directive 5420.1, Revision 1 (Food Security Verification Procedures); FDA

Guidance for Industry, Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters - Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance, FDA final rule 

FDA-2013-N-125-0146 of FSMA, and 2006 Joint Government Operational Rations Food Defense Vulnerability Assessment Summary.

CONTRACTOR 

YES NO N/A 

AUDITOR 

A M U 

4. Do you have a relationship established with appropriate analytical 

laboratories (Government and/or private) for possible assistance in the 

investigation of product-tampering cases?

5. Product Mock recalls: Are these conducted to verify key provisions of the plan, if 

so at what frequency? Note: The DLA Troop Support Quality Audits & Food 

Defense Branch (FTSB) conduct unannounced product mock recalls periodically of 

actual products delivered to DLA Troop Support customers and/or 

ingredients/materials used in the production and packaging of food products. 

Operational rations contractors, Prime Vendors, and other subsistence contractors 

must be able to account for raw ingredients used in the production of food products, 

oxygen scavengers, and packaging (material that come in direct contact with food) 

and/or products shipped to DLA Troop Support customers within 24-hours of first 

contact. During DLA Troop Support Mock recalls contractors must able to identify 

quantity received/used/in-storage at their facility and quantity shipped to each DLA 

Troop Support customer, etc.

6. Are you performing a defense inspection of all storage facilities (including 

temporary storage vehicles) regularly, and logging the results? If so at 

what frequency?

7. Does the plan identify a procedure to ensure the trace-back and trace-forward of 

all raw materials and finished products?

IX. SUBCONTRACTORS/SUPPLIERS: Does the plan identify/include/address the 

following:

A. If the contractor verifies suppliers/subcontractors' compliance with FDA's 

establishment registration requirement as per the CFR? Is a current list of suppliers, 

establishment numbers, items produced, and date of registration maintained for each 

supplier?

B. If the contractor is purchasing from a list of certified, qualified or approved suppliers, 

contracted suppliers and/or if they also buy products from the open market?

C. If consideration is given to assure the integrity of food defense measures in the 

selection of all suppliers (meat, non-meat ingredients, compressed gas, packaging

 materials and labels, etc.)? Does the plan indicate if new suppliers are investigated for 

 their food defense programs and are the programs of existing suppliers known and 

 acceptable? 

 D. The type and extent of control exercised by the contractor over their suppliers 

 regarding food defense and measures that should be taken to protect the 

 ingredients/materials used in the production of finished products, finished products, 

 and shipments intended for DLA Troop Support customers?

 

 

14 
DLA Troop Support FOOD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

REFERENCE: Operational Rations Contract/TDP Section E; USDA-FSIS Model Food Security Plans; USDA-FSIS Industry 

Self- Assessment Checklist for Food Security; FSIS Directive 5420.1, Revision 1 (Food Security Verification Procedures); FDA

Guidance for Industry, Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters - Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance, FDA final rule 

FDA-2013-N-125-0146 of FSMA, and 2006 Joint Government Operational Rations Food Defense Vulnerability Assessment Summary.

CONTRACTOR 

YES NO N/A 

AUDITOR 

A M U 

CAUTION NOTES:

1/ DLA Troop Support: The Quality Audits Food Defense Branch (FTSB) is the only

DLA/DLA Troop Support office authorized to receive, review and approve Food 

Defense/Force Protection plans. ALL Food Defense/Force Protection plans and 

QSPs are maintained and secured by FTSB. All FTSB's auditors reviewing Food 

Defense Plans possess and maintain, as a minimum, a Secret Clearance prior to re 

viewing said plans.

2/ Government Quality Assurance Representatives (GQARs) :

A. GQARs (military and civilian) performing Government Source 

inspection at Operational Rations facilities shall NOT be provided a 

copy of the Food Defense Plan nor be allowed to remove copies of the 

plan from the area where the plan is secured at the contractor's facility.

B. Prior to the contractor authorizing the review of the plan by the supervisory 

GQAR assigned to the facility, the GQAR must sign a confidentiality/ 

nondisclosure agreement and only be allowed to review the plan in a 

private area under the oversight of a member of the Company's Food 

Defense Team.

C. GQARs are required to call FTSB if they have questions/concerns 

regarding the contractor's food defense plan.

3/Securing the Food Defense Plan:

A. If a contractor (operational rations) is producing under the Higher-Level 

Contract Quality requirements (require a QSP), remove the Food 

Defense Plan from the QSP when the QSP is submitted to the 

Government Inspection offices/GQAR.

B. Copies of the Food Defense/Force Protection Plan shall not be 

provided or mailed to Government visitors or to other unauthorized 

personnel. Discussing specific details or allowing unauthorized 

personnel (contractor/Government/other) to review the Food Defense 

Plan may compromise the integrity of the plan and/or the security of 

the facility and the products produced.

C. Contractors shall immediately contact the applicable DLA Troop 

Support Contracting Officer and FTSB if a copy of the plan is requested 

by unauthorized personnel or for questions/concerns regarding DLA 

Troop Support contract requirements for food defense/force protection.

 

15