DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES ARMY VETERINARY COMMAND

OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP15)

1 March 2013

Unitized Group Ration – A, Receipt/Destination Inspection

1.0 PURPOSE: To establish standardized procedures for Unitized Group Ration – A (UGR-A) 

receipt/destination inspections.

2.0 SCOPE: This document applies to Army Veterinary Inspectors (AVI) assigned to 

installations with responsibility for performing receipt/destination inspections of UGR-As.

NOTE: This inspection procedure does not apply to procurement/in-plant inspection. 

3.0 DEFINITIONS:

3.1 Ration Module. The ration module is the end-item ration, which contains the entire 

contents of the menu to feed one meal to a specified number of individuals. The ration module 

includes the perishable module and the semi-perishable module. Perishable modules and the 

semi-perishable modules may be ordered as separate NSNs.

3.2 Perishable Module. The perishable module is comprised of one case containing all 

the frozen perishable components of the ration module.

3.3 Semi-Perishable Module. The semi-perishable module consists of two cases that 

contain the complete semi-perishable and disposable components of the ration module.

3.4 Case. A case is an individual shipping container.

3.5 Component. A component is an individual item in each case of the semi-perishable 

and perishable modules.

3.6 Grossly Observable Discrepancy. An immediately observable defect, or obvious, 

that, in the AVI’s judgment, does not conform to contractual requirements.

3.7 Complete UGR-As module: designed to feed 50 complete meals. 

3.8 There are 14 lunch/dinners and 7 breakfast menus.

3.9 Expected shelf-life of 18 months at 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

3.10 Each meal provides an average of 1450 kilocalories (14% protein, 32% fat, and 

54% carbohydrates)

4.0 REFERENCES:
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP15),

1 March 2013

4.1 MEDCOM Regulation 40-28 

4.2 MEDCOM Pamphlet 40-13

4.3 DSCP Handbook 4155.2, Inspection of Composite Rations

4.4 Current UGR-A Assembler Contracts, posted on the DLA-Troop Support website, 

http://www.dscp.dla.mil/subs/rations/programs/ugr/uaci.asp

4.5 ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2003

4.6 United States Standards for Condition of Food Containers 

4.7 DSCP Manual 4155.20

4.8 DLA-Troop Support website,

https://www.dscp.dla.mil/subs/rations/programs/ugr/uaabt.asp#menu

4.9 Natick Pam 30-25, 8th Edition

4.10 VETCOM Handbook 40-3, Installation Support Plan (ISP) Program

5.0 PROCEDURES:

5.1 Receipt/Destination Inspection

NOTE: Prior to delivery PHCR contacts will receive an e-notification of scheduled 

deliveries by location.

5.1.1 Receipt/Destination Inspection. The AVI will conduct a limited receipt 

inspection on every delivery prior to acceptance. This consists of:

5.1.1.1 Inspection for condition, identity, grossly observable 

discrepancies, and wholesomeness.

5.1.1.2 The current UGR (e.g. UGR-A11) database does contain many 

posted delivery orders for the various delivery locations. However, it may not always contain 

all the delivery orders, so it is the responsibility of each installation food inspection office to 

coordinate with their destination accountable officer to ensure that they are properly notified 

upon receipt of all UGR-A deliveries. The applicable UGR-A contracts identify specific 

delivery times and days of UGR-A receipts. If coordination between the AVI and the 

Accountable Officer cannot be reached, the AVI will make every effort to be at the delivery 

location during the times and dates identified in the contract to ensure receipt inspections are 

performed. If 

problems cannot be 5.1.1.3 Contracts, solicitation, and other applicable inspection documents
resolved between the Accountable Officer and the AVI, the Branch NCOIC or OIC will 

contact the Operational Rations Section, VETCOM HQ via Lotus Notes email.
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP15),

1 March 2013

may be found at DLA-Troop Support website,

http://www.dscp.dla.mil/subs/rations/programs/ugr/uaci.asp

5.1.2 Surveillance Inspection. The AVI will perform UGR-A surveillance 

inspections IAW VETCOM OPRATS IP16.

5.1.3 Special Inspection. DLA-Troop Support, in conjunction with HQ 

VETCOM and the Accountable Officer, will direct this inspection based upon initial receipt 

inspection results. The Accountable officers are the Installation Troop Issue Subsistence 

Officer (TISO).

5.1.4 Warranty Inspection. Only DLA-Troop Support will direct this type of

inspection.

5.2 Formation of the Lots. Inspectors will utilize identical lot sizes for the inspection of 

perishable and semi-perishable modules.

5.2.1 The lot size for perishable modules is the total number of

perishable modules by menu. The sample unit will consist of one complete perishable module.

5.2.2 The lot size for semi-perishable modules is the total number of semiperishable modules by menu. The sample unit will consist of one complete semi-perishable 

module (2 cases, Box 1 & Box 2 as labeled on cases).

5.2.3 When multiple delivery orders are received on the same conveyance, the AVI 

will calculate the total number of ration modules delivered, by menu, for the lot size. Multiple 

delivery orders received throughout the day on multiple conveyances may be combined when 

appropriate.

5.3 Sampling Plan. The sample size for perishable and semi-perishable modules is in 

accordance with Table I, Inspection Level S-2 and Table II-A (single sampling plans for normal 

inspection-Master Table) ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2003. Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs) are not used 

in determining the acceptability of the lot. The AVI will utilize the table below in determining 

sample size criteria.
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP15),

1 March 2013

1/ The term module refers to the semi-perishable and perishable module.

5.3.1 Closed Package Inspection (CPI). The AVI will sample the perishable and 

semi- perishable modules by menu and inspect them individually based on the sample size 

generated. Strict random sampling is not required.

5.3.2 Destructive Open Package Inspection. DOPI is not authorized unless 

specifically authorized by the Contracting Officer for UGR-A at DLA-Troop Support. Specific 

requests for DOPI from the accountable officer and/or the inspector may be coordinated through 

the Operational Rations Section, VETCOM HQ. The AVI will not perform a DOPI without the 

explicit consent of the contracting officer.

NOTE: UGR-As delivered to an installation are contractor-owned until the accountable officer 

or his or her representative signs the delivery invoice. The receiving accountable officer can 

reject any UGR-A delivery for cogent reasons.

NOTE: If a nonconformance that may affect the product is observed (i.e. hole on the box that 

pierced through the perishable component, freezer burn, discolored), the AVI will recommend to 

the accountable officer that the entire module be rejected.

NOTE: The AVI will not perform a DOPI on contractor-owned UGR-As. If the inspection 

results indicate that that the status of the modules cannot be determined without DOPI, then 

recommend rejection of the damaged/questionable module or box (i.e. box 2 of 3) and 

recommend that the accountable officer request immediate replacement(s) for the rejected 

module(s) or box(es) through proper channels. The success of the replacement is dictated by 

whether the replacement can be accomplished by the time of the scheduled use of the UGR-A 

order.

5.4 Performing the Inspection. Receipt inspections will be limited to condition, identity, 

grossly observable deficiencies, and wholesomeness. To have the background knowledge 

necessary to adequately perform the destination inspection, the AVI will be familiar with the 

following requirements:

5.4.1 Substitution of Menu Items or Brand/Labels. IAW the requirements listed in 

the contract. The AVI will compare both the menu sheet in Box 1 of the semi-perishable

Sampling Criteria for Inspection of UGR-A Rations 1/

(Nondestructive CPI)

LOT SIZE 

(MODULES)

SAMPLE SIZE 

(MODULES)

AQL’s

Ac Re

2 - 25 2 0 1

26 - 150 3 0 1

151 - 1200 5 0 1

1201 - 35000 8 0 1

35001 or more 13 0 1
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP15),

1 March 2013

module and the menu sheet in Attachment 1 of the contract to the contents of the UGR-A 

modules. Written authorization for substitutions, as stated in the contract, also applies to email 

notification received by the contractor from DLA-Troop Support and will be provided to the inplant inspector by the contractor. There are no origin inspections for CONUS deliveries, so these 

should receive receipt inspection. Once the UGR-A are received at the installation they become 

part of the DOD inventory. For CONUS deliveries, UGR-A suppliers are required to include any 

authorization emails along with shipments.

5.4.2 Date-of-Pack (DOP)/Shelf Life/Freshness. IAW the requirements listed in the 

contract, the AVI will base shelf life computation on the shortest shelf life component contained in 

the ration module. To determine the shelf life remaining/Inspection Test Date

(ITD), use Attachment 1 of the contract. For ITD determination of condiment components, the 

AVI will utilize the inspection requirements listed in the contract.

5.4.3 Packaging, Packing, Marking and Labeling. IAW the requirements listed

in the contract.

5.4.4 Delivery, Shipping, and Storage. IAW the requirements listed in the 

contract and paragraph 5.4.6.1 below, the AVI will place emphasis on the condition, 

wholesomeness, and temperature requirements associated with the perishable module 

components.

5.4.5 Approved Source Requirements. IAW the requirements listed in the

contract.

5.4.6 Additional Inspection Requirements. The AVI will use the following 

guidance to supplement the contractual requirements:

5.4.6.1 Temperature Determination. The AVI will place emphasis on the 

temperature requirements associated with the perishable module components. The perishable 

frozen components will show no evidence of thawing, refreezing or other off-condition.

5.4.6.1.1 If temperatures of delivery conveyances containing the 

perishable modules are above the contractually required temperature, this could indicate a 

possible product temperature non-conformance.

NOTE: The AVI will not recommend to the Accountable Officer acceptance or rejection of the 

delivery based on conveyance temperature, but rather on perishable component temperature 

and/or ability of product to meet shelf-life requirements.

5.4.6.1.2 For initial perishable component temperature, the AVI 

will place the thermometer between two perishable components. At time of receipt (IAW 

current contract requirements), frozen components should be NMT 10°F. If initial temperature 

results indicate a temperature nonconformance and there is evidence of thawing and/or

OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP15),
1 March 2013

refreezing, the AVI report the nonconformance telephonically to DLA-Troop Support and 

request guidance as to whether additional inspection is needed. Care must be taken to ensure 

that no boil-in-bag components are punctured during the destination inspection.

5.4.6.1.3 When there is evidence of thawing the AVI will determine 

the degree of nonconformance and thoroughly describe the condition of the item to the 

Accountable Officer and on the inspection report.

5.4.6.2 Count or Weight Discrepancies. When grossly observable 

discrepancies exist, the AVI will verify the count and/or weight of these components to ensure 

conformance to the menu sheet (attachment 1) in box 1 of the semi-perishable module. There is 

no requirement to count or weigh all components on every delivery, however, based on product 

quality history or customer complaints, count and/or weight may be verified.

5.4.6.3 The AVI will classify can defects IAW the U.S. Standards for 

Condition of Food Containers/USDA Visual Inspection Gauge for Metal Containers. “Minor” 

and “Insignificant” defects will not be reported.

5.4.6.4 The AVI will not physically stress the integrity of the UGR-A 

components’ packaging in an attempt to verify suspected damage or leakage.

5.4.7 Inspection of UGR-A Components for quality and identity. UGRA 

food components are expected to meet the requirements in Table II of the procurement 

contract. Table II is found in the DLA-Troop Support website at:

https://www.dscp.dla.mil/subs/rations/programs/ugr/uaabt.asp#menu

5.4.7.1. Inspectors should compare the description in Table II with the 

labeling on the case/product.

5.5 Nonconformance Reporting.

5.5.1 The AVI will report all inspection nonconformances identified at receipt to 

the accountable officer who will ultimately accept or reject the delivery. The only time that 

Veterinary Services personnel would be able to require rejection would be in the event of 

unwholesomeness. Unwholesomeness must be determined by a Veterinary Corps Officer. If 

unwholesomeness is suspected, and the accountable officer wants to accept the delivery, contact 

your chain of command immediately and request that Veterinary Corps Officer verify whether or 

not the food is wholesome.

5.5.1.1 If the accountable officer rejects the delivery based on the 

AVI’s inspection results, DLA-Troop Support will be contacted telephonically.

5.5.1.2 There is no requirement to contact DLA-Troop Support if the 

Accountable Officer accepts delivery based on the AVI’s inspection results.
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP15),

1 March 2013

5.5.2 When the Accountable Officer or DLA-Troop Support questions the AVI’s 

nonconformance inspection results, the Operational Rations Section, HQ VETCOM will be 

notified.

5.5.3 The AVI will post all inspection results for both conforming and 

nonconforming inspections, in the current UGR database. This provides notification to DLATroop Support’s Operational Rations Quality Assurance Specialist or Food Technologist in 

accordance with the contract.

5.5.3.1 When documenting nonconformances in the UGR database, 

the AVI will describe the condition, wholesomeness, and grossly observable deficiencies in 

enough detail that individuals reading the report can fully understand (visualize) the 

nonconformance.

5.5.3.2 When instances warrant, the AVIs will use digital cameras to 

capture nonconformances. 

5.5.4 The AVIs do not need to generate a DD Form 1232 to report 

nonconformances; the UGR database performs this function.

5.6 Inspection Reports.

5.6.1 The AVI will post all destination inspection results, (both conforming and 

nonconforming, in the UGR database. This will be done within 24 hours of completion. The AVI 

will provide a copy of this report to the Accountable Officer. See Enclosure 1 for an example of a 

completed report. Follow this example for correctness and completeness.

6.0 RECORDS, REPORTS, AND FORMS:

6.1 Inspection Reports are entered and found in the current Lotus Notes UGR 

inspection database.

6.2 A CVR will be completed for each ration inspection to establish a record in the ISP 

application and capture the manpower required.

Enclosure 1 below (Example of completed UGR-A Inspection Report)

UGR-A INSPECTION REPORT
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP15), 1 

March 2013

Type of Report: Destinatio

n 

Contractor: AMERIQUAL

Inspector: Mr Smith Contract Number: SPM300-06-D-Z214

Delivery Location: Fort Hope Delivery Order 

Number:

PK0001027/SH0005764/SH0005765

Number of Modules: 144 Supervisor: CPT Carl

Date of Inspection: 07/15/2008 Status of Origin 

Inspection:

NOTE: To calculate menu sample size, utilize the sampling criteria found in UGR-A Inspection 

Procedure 03 or the Sampling Criteria Table below.

Destination Inspection

Are all items from an 

Approved Source?

Yes Conveyance opening 

temperature:

See Inspectors Remarks 

F

Were defects noted 

on this order?

Yes Initial product 

temperature:

See Inspectors Remarks 

F

Accepted: Yes Internal product 

temperature:

See Inspectors 

Remarks F (If 

Per: Accountable Officer

Record Name of 

Person:

Brian Hare, Assistant TISO

Inspector Comments:

Inspection of UGR-A Received at the Fort Hope TISA (Building P-60).

(Inspected IAW DSCP Handbook 4155.2, VETCOM OPRATS IP15, and MEDCOM Pam 40-13

Menu # Lot Size Sample Size Lot #

(Perishable)

Lot #

(Semi-Per)

Defects, Observations, Notes

B1 *12 2 8192 8191 *6 boxes short (Perishables). 

Ordered 18 received 12

B2 18 2 8192 8191 See Remarks Below

B3 12 2 8192 8177/8178 See Remarks Below

B4 6 2 8192 8185 See Remarks Below

B5 6 2 8192 8184 See Remarks Below

B6 12 2 8192 8184 See Remarks Below

B7 12 2 8192 8192 See Remarks Below

L/D1 6 2 8193 8176 See Remarks Below

OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP15), 1 

Sampling Criteria for Inspection of UGR-A Rations

(Nondestructive CPI)

LOT SIZE 

(MODULES)

SAMPLE SIZE 

(MODULES)

AQL’s

Ac Re

2 - 25 2 0 1

26 - 150 3 0 1

151 - 1200 5 0 1

1201 - 35000 8 0 1

35001 or more 13 0 1
March 2013

L/D2 12 2 8193 8184 See Remarks Below

L/D5 6 2 8193 8184/8191 See Remarks Below

L/D6 6 2 8193 8184 See Remarks Below

L/D7 6 2 8193 8192 See Remarks Below

L/D8 6 2 8193 8185 See Remarks Below

L/D9 6 2 8193 8191 See Remarks Below

L/D13 12 2 8193 8177 sub

w/LD3

See Remarks Below

L/D14 6 2 8193 8169 See Remarks Below

1. This delivery conveyance was a mixed load with 3 thin Styrofoam dividers used to segregate the semi-perishables and 

perishables (freeze) portions of the modules. Opening temperature of conveyance where semi-perishables were located 

(tail end) was 9 degrees Fahrenheit. This low opening temperature necessitated a detailed examination of product for 

freeze damage. Numerous internal product temperatures (using nondestructive methods) indicated temperatures ranged 

from 6-17 degrees Fahrenheit. Condiments in the shipment were slightly frozen to solidly frozen, due to their small 

portion size. Puddings revealed slight ice crystallization. Large Items such as #10 cans did not appear frozen.

2. Product temperature discrepancy was immediately reported to the TISO staff and DCSP, Ms Linda Carlin, 

Contacting Officer. Product was accepted pending a detailed examination of product for freeze damage, with focus 

on condiments such as Ketchup, Mustard and Salad Dressing which may have ingredient separation due to freeze 

damage. Further examination confirmed freeze damage to condiments contained in Menus B1 thru B7 and D2.

3. Medical Food Inspector (MFI) provided quantities of condiments and menus involved to DCSP. Assembler agreed to 

provide replacement condiments for menus B1 thru B7 and D2. received at the TISA. On 16 Jul 08, the TISA received 

replacement condiments for the supplemental issue to consumers. MFI prepared a DD 1232 (Quality Assurance 

Representative Correspondence) containing replacement instructions/info for units receiving rations and the 

supplemental issue. DD 1232 is attached below:

4. Inadequate segregation of mixed loads is a recurring problem. Attached below are links to previous inspection 

reports noting inadequate segregation of mixed load shipments of UGR-A's.

5. Recommend future mixed loads deliveries have adequate barriers to ensure protection of semi perishables from 

freeze damage and undesirable condensation on packaging. Condensation may contribute to rust on canned products.

6. Other Observations/Deficiencies: Steak Sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Salad Dressing and Relish packets are 

required to not be older than 60 or 90 days old at assembly date as stated on Table I footnotes. Date of pack on 

these items are not embossed, stamped or marked on individual packets or master bags (plastic bag). Age of 

product at time of assembly cannot be determined.

DSCP Comments:

Destination Inspection Defects:

Defective Item: Condiments not marked w/ Date of 

Pack

Item Lot #: unknown

Defects Noted: Other nonconformance, not listed Menus Affected: B1-SP thru B7-SP, D2-SP, D7-SP

Module DOP: All DOP's received

Defect Description: Steak Sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, and Relish packets are required to be NMT 90 days old at time 

of assembly. Salad Dressing required to be NMT 60 days old. Age of product at time of 

assembly cannot be determined.
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP15),

1 March 2013

Defective Item: Condiments, Ketchup, Mustard and 

Salad Dressing Received Soft to Solid 

Frozen

Item 

Lot #:

Unknown, condiments not marked w/ 

Date of Pack

Defects Noted: Freeze or Chill Damage Menus Affected: B1-SP thru B7-SP and D2-SP

Module DOP: 8177, 8178, 8184, 8185, 8191 & 8192

Defect Description:

Defective Item: Item 

Lot #:

Defects Noted: Menus Affected:

Module DOP:

Defect Description: