MIL-DTL-32141

5 April 2004

W/CHANGE 14 9 Mar 17 ES17-023 (DSCP-SS-17-00571)

DETAIL SPECIFICATION

SANDWICH, SHELF STABLE, FOR OPERATIONAL RATIONS

This specification is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of 

Defense.

1. SCOPE

1.1 Scope. This specification covers a shelf stable sandwich in flexible pouches intended for 

use by the Department of Defense as a component of operational rations.

1.2 Classification. The product will be of the following types as specified (see 6.1):

1.2.1 Types. The types are as follows:

Type I - Nacho flavored beef 

Type II - Pepperoni 

Type III - Honey barbecue chicken

Type IV - Honey barbecue beef

Type V - Italian style

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

2.1 General. The documents listed in this section are specified in sections 3 and 4 of this 

specification. This section does not include documents cited in other sections of this 

specification or recommended for additional information or as examples. While every effort has 

been made to ensure the completeness of this list, document users are cautioned that they must 

meet all specified requirements documents cited in sections 3 and 4 of this specification, whether 

or not they are listed.

Comments, suggestions, or questions on this document should be addressed to: Commander, 

US Army Research, Development & Engineering Command, Natick Soldier Research, 

Development and Engineering Center, RDNS-CFF, 15 Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760-5056 

or emailed to melvin.l.carter6.civ@mail.mil. Since contact information can change, you may 

want to verify the currency of this address information using the ASSIST Online database at

www.dodssp.daps.mil. 

AMSC N/A FSC 8940

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

INCH-POUND
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2.2 Government documents.

2.2.1 Specifications, standards, and handbooks. None.

 2.2.2 Other Government documents, drawings, and publications. The following other 

Government documents, drawings, and publications form a part of this document to the extent 

specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those cited in the 

solicitation or contract.

 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

 Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS) for Sausage Products Series 800

Meat and Poultry Inspection Regulations (9 CFR Parts 300-599)

U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Tomato Paste

U.S. Standards for Grades of Olive Oil

(Copies of these documents are available online from www.usda.gov or from Superintendent of 

Documents, ATTN: New Orders, P. O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954.)

 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and regulations promulgated thereunder 

(21 CFR Parts 1-199)

(Copies of this document are available online from www.access.gpo.gov/nara or from the

Superintendent of Documents, ATTN: New Orders, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-

7954.)

 U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACENCY (EPA)

National Primary Drinking Water Regulations

(Copies of this document are available from www.epa.gov or from the Office of Drinking Water, 

Environmental Protection Agency, WH550D, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460.)

2.3 Non-Government publications. The following documents form a part of this document 

to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are 

those cited in the solicitation or contract.
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 AOAC INTERNATIONAL

Official Methods of Analysis of the AOAC International

(Copies of this document are available from www.aoac.org or AOAC International, 481 North 

Frederick Avenue, Suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.)

 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CEREAL CHEMISTS (AACC)

Approved Methods of the American Association of Cereal Chemists

(Copies of this document are available from www.aaccnet.org or American Association of Cereal 

Chemists, 3340 Pilot Knob Road, St. Paul, MN 55121.)

 AMERICAN DEHYDRATED ONION AND GARLIC ASSOCIATION (ADOGA)

Official Standards and Methods of the American Dehydrated Onion and Garlic 

Association for Dehydrated Onion and Garlic Products

(Copies of this document are available from www.CLFP.com or American Dehydrated Onion and 

Garlic Association, 980 9th Street Suite 230, Sacramento, CA 95814.)

 AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE (ANSI)

ANSI/ASQCZ1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes

(Copies of this document are available from www.asq.org or ASQ, 600 North Plankinton Ave., 

Milwaukee, WI 53203.)

 NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Food Chemicals Codex

(Copies of this document are available from www.nap.edu or National Academy Press, 2101 

Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20418.)

 INSTITUTIONAL MEAT PURCHASING SPECIFICATIONS (IMPS)

100 Fresh Beef Series

(Copies of this document are available from www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/QAD or USDA, AMS, LPS 

Program, QAD, 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Room 3932, Stop 0258, Washington, DC 20250.)
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 NORTH AMERICAN MEAT PROCESSORS ASSOCIATION (NAMP)

Meat Buyers Guide

(Copies of this document are available from www.namp.com or North American Meat Processors 

Association, 1910 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191.)

2.4 Order of precedence. In the event of a conflict between the text of this document and the 

references cited herein, the text of this document takes precedence. Nothing in this document, 

however, supersedes applicable laws and regulations unless a specific exemption has been 

obtained.

3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Product standard. When specified (see 6.1), a sample shall be subjected to first article 

(FA) or product demonstration model (PDM) inspection as applicable, in accordance with 4.2. 

The approved sample shall serve as the product standard. Should the contractor at any time plan 

to, or actually produce the product using different raw material or process methodologies from 

the approved product standard, which result in a product non comparable to the product standard, 

the contractor shall submit a replacement FA or PDM for approval. In any event, all product 

produced must meet all requirements of this document including product standard comparability.

3.2 Ingredients. All ingredients shall be clean, sound, wholesome, and free from foreign 

material, evidence of rodent or insect infestation, extraneous material, off-flavors, off-odors, and 

off-colors. All ingredients shall meet and be in accordance with good commercial manufacturing 

practices. 

3.2.1 Ingredients for bread.

3.2.1.1 Flour. The flour shall be matured, bleached, enriched, hard wheat flour, which will

produce a product in compliance with 3.5. Alternatively, unenriched flour may be used provided 

the equivalent enrichments required in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for Standard of 

Identity for Enriched Flour (21 CFR, Part 137.165) are added at the time of production of the 

finished product. The flour used for preparation of the dough shall have a protein content of not 

less than 12.5 percent. Amylolytic enzyme activity, as determined by the “falling number” 

method shall not be less than 225. Flour not meeting protein requirements but otherwise in 

compliance may be supplemented with vital wheat gluten to the required protein level.

3.2.1.2 Water. Water used for formulation and washing shall conform to the National 

Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
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3.2.1.3 Shortening. Solid non-hydrogenated shortening shall be made from refined, bleached, 

deodorized palm oil commonly used by the baking industry and shall have a free fatty acid content of 

less than or equal to 0.1 percent, a Peroxide Value of less than or equal to 1 meq/kg, and a Mettler

Dropping Point between 106-114°F. The shortening shall be a creamy, opaque white oil that 

possesses a bland clean odor and flavor. The shortening may contain regulated additives/ingredients. 

Shortening used for greasing dough trough, dough pieces, or baking molds shall conform to the above 

requirements.

3.2.1.4 Glycerol. The glycerol shall comply with the Food Chemicals Codex.

3.2.1.5 Yeast. Yeast shall be active dry baker’s yeast. Compressed yeast shall not be used. 

3.2.1.6 Salt. Salt shall be iodized, white, refined sodium chloride with or without anticaking agents.

3.2.1.7 Emulsifier. The emulsifier shall be sucrose fatty acid esters complying with the 21 

CFR, Part 172.859 and shall be limited to sucrose ester stearate having an HydrophilicLipophilic Balance (HLB) number of approximately 16 (see 6.2.1).

3.2.1.8 Gum arabic. Gum arabic shall comply with the Food Chemicals codex and shall have 

been produced from a solution of gum arabic which has been sprayed dried. 

3.2.1.9 Calcium sulfate. The calcium sulfate shall comply with the Food Chemicals Codex.

3.2.1.10 Xanthan gum. Xanthan gum shall comply with the Food Chemicals Codex.

3.2.1.11 Glucono-delta lactone, encapsulated. Encapsulated glucono-delta-lactone shall 

comply with the Food Chemicals Codex. The encapsulated glucono-delta-lactone shall consist 

of 70 + 2 percent glucono-delta-lactone and 30 + 2 percent vegetable oil. The vegetable oil shall 

have a melting point of 141°F to 147°F (60o C to 64oC) (see 6.2.2).

 3.2.1.12 Sorbic acid, encapsulated. Encapsulated sorbic acid shall comply with the Food 

Chemicals Codex. The encapsulated sorbic acid shall consist of 70 + 2 percent sorbic acid and 

30 + 2 percent vegetable oil. The vegetable oil shall have a melting point of 141°F to 147°F 

(61oC to 64oC) (see 6.2.3).

 3.2.1.14 Vital wheat gluten. Vital wheat gluten shall be a cream to tan colored powder 

produced from wheat flour by drying freshly washed gluten under temperatures sufficiently low 

to preserve the vital characteristics of gluten. Vital wheat gluten shall have a protein content (N 

x 5.7) of not less than 71.0 percent and a moisture content of not more than 6.5 percent.

3.2.1.15 Oxidizer/conditioner/mix reducer. The Oxidizer/conditioner/mix reducer shall be 

Im-Prove 200 or equal complying with the Food Chemicals Codex (see 6.2.5).
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3.2.2 Ingredients for meat product used in types I and II filling. 

 3.2.2.1 Nacho flavored beef stick. The nacho cheese flavored beef stick filling shall be not 

more than 3.5 inches long or more than 1.0 inches in diameter. The stick shall have a weight not 

less than 0.8 ounces (22 grams). It shall have a pH of less than or equal to 5.0 and a water 

activity of less than or equal to 0.89 (see 6.2.6).

 3.2.2.2 Pepperoni stick. The pepperoni stick filling shall be not more than 3.5 inches long or 

more than 1.0 inches in diameter. The stick shall have a weight not less than 0.8 ounces (22 

grams). It shall have a pH of less than or equal to 5.0 and a water activity of less than or equal to 

0.89 (see 6.2.7).

3.2.3 Ingredients for honey barbecue sauce for types III and IV filling.

3.2.3.1 Tomato paste. Tomato paste shall be Grade A as defined by the U.S. Standards for 

Grades of Canned Tomato Paste.

3.2.3.2 Sugar, brown, light. Brown sugar shall be refined cane or beet sugar. The sugar 

shall be light brown in color and shall possess a sweet, molasses-like flavor.

3.2.3.3 Salt. Salt shall be iodized, white, refined, sodium chloride, with or without 

anticaking agent. 

3.2.3.4 Sauce, Worcestershire. Worcestershire sauce shall be brown to dark brown liquid 

and shall possess a pleasant, tart, peppery fruit-spice flavor with a typical heavy viscosity. The 

titratable acidity (as acetic acid) of the sauce shall be not less than 2.8 percent or more than 3.3 

percent.

3.2.3.5 Glycerol. The glycerol shall comply with the Food Chemicals Codex.

3.2.3.6 Onion, dehydrated, chopped. Dehydrated chopped onions shall be Fancy Grade of 

the Official Standards and Methods of the American Dehydrated Onion and Garlic Association 

for Dehydrated Onion and Garlic Products.

3.2.3.7 Flavoring, smoke. Smoke flavoring shall be an aqueous solution of natural maple 

and/or oak wood smoke and shall be dark brown-black in color with a clean smoke odor. The 

smoke flavoring shall have a titratable acidity of 6.2 to 7.2 percent (expressed as acetic acid), a 

carbonyl level (butanone-2) of 7.0 to 8.0 grams per 100 mL and the smoke flavoring compounds 

(phenols) shall be 6.0 to 9.0 mg per mL (see 6.2.8).

3.2.3.8 Pepper, red, ground. Ground red pepper shall be derived from red, ripe fruit of 

Capsicum fructesens L. and shall possess the characteristic yellowish-red to red color. The 
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Scoville Pungency Value shall be not less than 30,000 units. The red pepper shall be uniformly 

ground to allow a minimum of 95 percent, by weight, to pass through a U.S. Standard No. 40 

sieve, and not less than 95 percent, by weight, to be retained on a U.S. Standard No. 60 sieve.

3.2.3.9 Garlic powder. Garlic powder shall be Fancy Grade of the Official Standards and 

methods of the American Dehydrated Onion and Garlic Association for Dehydrated Onion and 

Garlic Products.

3.2.3.10 Oil, vegetable. Vegetable oil shall possess a clean, bland, flavor and shall have a 

minimum stability of 25 hours (AOM). The oil shall have a free fatty acid value not to exceed 

0.05 percent, a moisture/volatile matter content not to exceed 0.06 percent and pass a cold test of 

5.5 hours (minimum).

3.2.3.11 Yellow mustard. The prepared mustard shall be a smooth paste of yellow mustard 

seed, vinegar, water, tumeric, and seasonings such as salt, clove and coriander. 

3.2.3.12 Molasses. Sugarcane molasses shall be what is commonly called dark molasses. 

The molasses shall have a brix not less than 77 degrees Brix, total sugar not less than 58 percent, 

ash not more than 9 percent, and total sulfites not more than 250 ppm.

3.2.3.13 Pepper, black, ground. Ground black pepper shall have been ground from the deep 

brown to black, deep-set wrinkled, immature berries of Piper nigrum L. The ground pepper shall 

have a characteristic, penetrating odor, a hot biting pungent flavor and a light gray to speckled 

black-gray color. The ground pepper shall contain not less than 2.0 ml of volatile oil per 100 

grams of ground black pepper and be of such size that 95 percent shall pass through a U.S. 

Standard No. 16 sieve.

3.2.3.14 Encapsulated vinegar powder. Encapsulated vinegar powder shall comply with the 

Food Chemicals Codex. The encapsulated vinegar powder shall consist of 58 to 62 percent 

vinegar powder and 38-42 percent vegetable oil. The vegetable oil shall have a melting point of 

150°F to 158°F (66oC to 70oC). The encapsulated vinegar powder shall have a 5 percent 

maximum on #14 Mesh Screen (USSS) (see 6.2.9).

3.2.3.15 Honey. The honey shall be pure high commercial grade and shall be free of any off 

flavor or off odor.

3.2.3.16 Ground mustard. Mustard flour shall be a bright yellow powder from a blend 

derived from the endosperm of the seed of Brassicca hirta and Brassica junca. Mustard flour 

shall contain not less than 0.4 ml volatile oil per 100 grams of mustard flour and be of such size 

that not less than 95 percent shall pass through a U.S. Standard No. 60 sieve. 

3.2.4 Ingredients for chicken used in type III. 
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3.2.4.1 Chicken breast. Raw (uncooked), skinless, boneless chicken breast shall be prepared 

from freshly slaughtered broiler/fryer chickens in accordance with USDA Poultry Products 

Inspection regulations. The chicken breasts shall be U.S. Grade A. The chicken breasts shall 

have no bone or bone fragments over 0.3 inch. The chicken breast shipped between plants shall 

be accompanied by a USDA Poultry Products Grading Certificate to certify quality, class, weight 

range requirements, and condition of the product and either the initial chilling date or initial 

freezing (in-storage) date. Raw (uncooked), skinless, boneless chicken breast shall be prepared 

from freshly slaughtered broiler/fryer chickens in accordance with USDA Poultry Products 

Inspection regulations. The chicken breasts shall be U.S. Grade A. The chicken breast shipped 

between plants shall be consumer grade labeled with the USDA "Grade A" shield and production 

date to certify quality, class, and condition of the product and either the initial chilling date or 

initial freezing (in-storage) date. When this ingredient is used in the finished product, it shall 

have no bone or bone fragments over 0.3 inch.

3.2.4.2 Chicken thighs. Raw (uncooked), skinless, boneless chicken thighs shall be prepared 

from freshly slaughtered broiler/fryer chickens in accordance with USDA Poultry Products 

Inspection regulations. The chicken thighs shall be U.S. Grade A. The chicken thighs shall have 

no bone or bone fragments over 0.3 inch. Excess fat must be removed from the meat before use. 

The chicken thighs shipped between plants shall be accompanied by a USDA Poultry Products 

Grading Certificate to certify quality, class, weight range requirements, and condition of the 

product and either the initial chilling date or initial freezing (in-storage) date. Raw (uncooked), 

skinless, boneless chicken thighs shall be prepared from freshly slaughtered broiler/fryer 

chickens in accordance with USDA Poultry Products Inspection regulations. The chicken thighs 

shall be U.S. Grade A. The chicken thighs shipped between plants shall be consumer grade 

labeled with the USDA "Grade A" shield and production date to certify quality, class, and 

condition of the product and either the initial chilling date or initial freezing (in-storage) date. 

When this ingredient is used in the finished product, it shall have no bone or bone fragments over 

0.3 inch.

3.2.4.3 Fat. Excess fat must be removed from the meat before use. Excess fat includes: (a) 

visible fat not integrated in the muscle tissue that exceeds an aggregate area equivalent to the 

area of a circle with a diameter of 1.50 inches (3.81 cm); and (b) fat deposit not integrated in the 

muscle that extends more than 0.50 inches (1.27 cm) beyond the meat tissue.

3.2.4.4 Chicken, chilled. Raw (uncooked), skinless, boneless thighs, whole chicken breast 

or breast halves received in the chilled state shall not have been previously frozen and shall have 

been held at the internal temperature of 28oF to 40oF (-2oC to 4oC) for a period of time not to 

exceed 6 days following the initial chilling and prior to preparation and further processing. 

3.2.4.5 Chicken, frozen. Raw (uncooked), skinless, boneless thighs, whole chicken breast or 

breast halves received in the frozen state shall have been held at an internal temperature not to 

exceed 0oF (-18oC) for a period of time not to exceed 180 days following initial freezing and 

prior to preparation and further processing.
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3.2.5 Ingredients for beef used in type IV.

3.2.5.1 Beef, frozen. Raw (uncooked) beef shall be from knuckles (North American Meat 

Processors Association (NAMP) 167) or bottom rounds (NAMP 170) or (IMPS 171) and have all 

surface fat removed. The beef shall be free of heavy connective tissue. The beef shall have been 

held at an internal temperature not to exceed 0oF (-18oC) for a period of time not to exceed 180

days following initial freezing and prior to preparation and further processing. The frozen beef 

shall be certified by the vendor (CoC) identifying the beef cut NAMP, freezing date and 

processing requirements. 

3.2.6 Ingredients for marinating sauce used in types III and IV.

3.2.6.1 Broth, beef. The dry, canned (thermostabilized) or frozen beef broth shall be 

produced from USDA inspected beef in accordance with the USDA Meat and Poultry Products 

Inspection Regulation. The canned or frozen beef broth shall be free from extraneous material 

and crackling. The broth shall have a characteristic mild-beef broth odor and flavor and may 

contain flavor enhancer approved by the FDA. The frozen beef broth shall have been held at 0oF 

(-18oC) or below for not more than 75 days from date of freezing.

3.2.6.2 Broth, chicken. The dry, canned (thermostabilized) or frozen chicken broth shall be 

produced from USDA inspected chicken in accordance with the USDA Poultry Products 

Inspection Regulation. The broth shall have a characteristic mild-chicken broth odor and flavor 

and may contain flavor enhancer approved by the FDA. The frozen chicken broth shall have 

been held at 0oF (-18oC) or below for not more than 75 days from date of freezing.

3.2.6.3 Rice syrup, clarified. The rice syrup should be a clarified low conversion rice syrup. 

The syrup shall have a sweet taste, and gold to amber color. It shall have a pH of 6.0 to 6.6, a 

clarity (5 percent, 800 nm) not greater than 85 percent transmission and a minimum brix of 77 

degrees Brix. The clarified rice syrup shall have a dextrose equivalent (DE) of 26. (see 6.2.10).

3.2.6.4 Glycerol. The glycerol shall comply with the Food Chemicals Codex.

3.2.6.5 Pepper, black, ground. Ground black pepper shall have been ground from the deep 

brown to black, deep-set wrinkled, immature berries of Piper nigrum L. The ground pepper shall 

have a characteristic, penetrating odor, a hot biting pungent flavor and a light gray to speckled 

black-gray color. The ground pepper shall contain not less than 2.0 ml of volatile oil per 100 

grams of ground black pepper and be of such size that 95 percent shall pass through a U.S. 

Standard No. 16 sieve.

3.2.6.6 Sodium tripolyphosphate. The sodium tripolyphosphate shall comply with the Food 

Chemicals Codex.
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3.2.7 Ingredients for Italian tomato sauce for type V filling.

3.2.7.1 Tomato paste. Tomato paste shall be Grade A as defined by the U.S. Standards for 

Grades of Canned Tomato Paste.

3.2.7.2 Tomatoes, crushed, canned. Canned tomatoes shall be peeled, cored, mature, 

crushed tomatoes. The use of safe and suitable firming and acidification ingredients and salt is 

permitted. The canned tomatoes shall have not less than 8.0 percent tomato soluble solids and 

shall possess a red flesh color, normal character, and a good distinct acid sweet tomato flavor and 

odor. The crushed tomatoes shall be free of extraneous vegetable material and objectionable 

core material and skins (peel). The canned, crushed tomatoes shall be of the latest season’s pack.

3.2.7.3 Glycerol. The glycerol shall comply with the Food Chemicals Codex.

3.2.7.4 Cheese, blend, Parmesan/Romano grated. The cheese blend shall comply with 21 

CFR Part 133; section 133.146 Grated cheeses, section 133.165 Parmesan and Reggiano cheese, 

and section 133.183 Romano cheese. 

3.2.7.5 Olive oil. Olive oil shall be U.S. Grade A of the U.S. Standards for Grades of Olive 

Oil.

3.2.7.6 Sugar, white, granulated. Sugar shall be white, refined, granulated cane or beet 

sugar, or a combination thereof. 

3.2.7.7 Garlic powder. Garlic powder shall be Fancy Grade of the Official Standards and 

methods of the American Dehydrated Onion and Garlic Products.

3.2.7.8 Onion, dehydrated, chopped. Dehydrated chopped onions shall be Fancy Grade of 

the Official Standards and Methods of the American Dehydrated Onion and Garlic Association 

for Dehydrated Onion and Garlic Products.

3.2.7.9 Salt. Salt shall be iodized, white, refined, sodium chloride, with or without 

anticaking agent. 

 3.2.7.10 Oregano, ground. Ground oregano shall be derived from the dried leaves of 

Origanum vulgare L. and shall have a strong camphoraceous aroma and a pungent, slightly bitter 

flavor. Volatile oil content shall be not less than 2.0 mL per 100 grams and the oregano shall be 

of such size that not less than 95 percent shall pass through a U.S. Standard No. 30 sieve.

 3.2.7.11 Fennel, ground. Ground fennel shall be derived from the clean ripe fruit of 

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. The ground fennel shall be light green-brown to a yellow-brown in 

color and possess a pleasant aromatic odor with a flavor resembling that of anise. A minimum of 
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95 percent by weight shall pass through a U.S. Standard No. 25 sieve. The volatile oil content 

shall be not less than 1.0 mL per 100 grams.

 3.2.7.12 Basil, ground. Ground basil shall be derived from the dried leaves of Ocimum 

basilicum L. and shall possess a sweet, anise-like odor, and aromatic, warm, slightly pungent 

flavor. The volatile oil content shall be not less than 0.4 mL per 100 grams of ground basil. A 

minimum of 95 percent, by weight, shall pass through a U.S. Standard No. 35 sieve. 

 3.2.7.13 Pepper, white, ground. Ground white pepper shall have been ground from 

immature berries of Piper nigrum L. from which the outer covering or the outer and inner 

covering have been removed and shall possess a characteristic, penetrating odor, a hot biting 

pungent flavor and a cream white color. 

3.2.7.14 Thyme, ground. Ground thyme shall be derived from leaves and flowering tops 

of Thymus vulgaris L and shall possess a fragrant aromatic odor and aromatic, minty, flavor and 

brown-green color.

 3.2.7.15 Bay leaves, ground. Ground bay leaves shall be derived from the dried leaves of 

Laurus nobilis L, and shall possess a pleasant, aromatic odor and pungent, mildly bitter flavor 

with a pale green to yellow-green color. The volatile oil content shall be not less than 1.0 mL 

per 100 grams of ground bay leaves. A minimum of 95 percent, by weight, shall pass through a 

U.S. Standard No. 30 sieve.

 3.2.7.16 Pepper, red, ground. Ground red pepper shall be derived from red, ripe fruit of 

Capsicum fructesens L. and shall possess the characteristic yellowish-red to red color. The 

Scoville Pungency Value shall be not less than 30,000 units. The red pepper shall be uniformly 

ground to allow a minimum of 95 percent, by weight, to pass through a U.S. Standard No. 40 

sieve, and not less than 95 percent, by weight, to be retained on a U.S. Standard No. 60 sieve. 

 3.2.7.17 Mozzarella cheese powder. The Mozzarella cheese powder shall be off white, 

creamy and mild flavored. It shall have a maximum moisture of 3.5 percent and a minimum fat 

of 31.5 percent. The powder shall be free from hard lumps and 100 percent through a U.S. 

Standard No. 12 sieve.

 3.2.7.18 Pre-blended spice and seasoning mix. Pre-blended spices and seasonings may be 

used. The spices and seasonings in the mix shall comply with the individual requirements 

specified in this specification. The ingredients shall be in the same proportions as specified in 

the spice and seasoning mix formula.

3.2.8 Ingredients for meat used in type V. 
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 3.2.8.1 Italian sausage, sweet, bulk, uncooked. The sweet Italian sausage shall comply with 

the Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS) Item No. 818: Italian Sausage, Formula D, 

Flavor B, Type F, Cooking option C. 

 3.2.8.2 Pepperoni, diced. The diced pepperoni shall comply with the IMPS Item No. 821 

Pepperoni, Formula B. The diced pepperoni shall be pieces typically produced by a 1/2 inch 

machine setting. 

 3.2.9 Ingredients for marinating sauce used in type V.

 3.2.9.1 Rice syrup, clarified. The rice syrup should be a clarified low conversion rice syrup. 

The syrup shall have a sweet taste, and gold to amber color. It shall have a pH of 6.0 to 6.6, a 

clarity (5 percent, 800 nm) not greater than 85 percent transmission and a minimum Brix of 77 

degrees Brix. The clarified rice syrup shall have a dextrose equivalent (DE) of 26. (see 6.2.10).

 3.2.9.2 Glycerol. The glycerol shall comply with the Food Chemicals Codex.

 3.2.9.3 Water. Water used for formulation and washing shall conform to the National Primary

Drinking Water Regulations.

 3.2.9.4 Salt. Salt shall be iodized, white, refined, sodium chloride, with or without anticaking agent.

3.3 Preparation and processing.

3.3.1 Preparation and processing of meat mixtures. 

3.3.1.1 Preparation and processing of meat used in Types III and IV. The chicken or beef 

shall be formulated from the following ingredients in the proportions specified: 

Ingredient Percent by weight

Chicken or beef 1/ 2/ 86.06

Chicken or beef broth 4.7

Rice syrup 3.7

Glycerol 3.7

Salt 1.3

Sodium tripolyphosphate 0.36

Black pepper 0.18

1/ The chicken shall consist of 90 percent skinless, boneless chicken breast and 10 percent 

skinless, boneless chicken thighs. 

2/ The chicken shall have no bone or bone fragments over 0.3 inch.
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 a. The chicken mixture shall be prepared as follows:

(1) The chicken shall be tempered to a temperature to facilitate processing not to exceed 

40°F (4°C) then flaked through a Comitrol in order to achieve a coarse grind thru a 3/8 inch 

plate.

(2) Combine the marinade ingredients. The chicken shall be mixed with 

marinade and marinated for 24 hours under refrigeration 40°F or lower (4oC or lower). An 

alternative to marinating overnight is to vacuum infuse the marinade with the meat in a vacuum 

tumbler. Infusion parameters shall replicate a 24 hour marinade and have been successfully 

accomplished in a 25 minute, 25 rpm, 27 mmHg process schedule.

(3) After marinating or vacuum infusion, the chicken mixture shall be cooked in a steam

jacketed kettle or equivalent to a targeted water activity less than or equal to 0.94. The filling 

shall be mixed intermittently to ensure chicken pieces are less than 1/2 inch, but not ground. 

Excess moisture should be drained or cooked off from the cooked chicken mixture until the 

target water activity is met.

(4) If the process is not continuous, the cooked chicken mixture shall be cooled to a 

temperature of 72°F (22°C) within 2 hours and to 40°F (4°C) within 4 hours following the 

cooking process. The cooled, cooked chicken mixture shall be held for not more than 24 hours 

at a temperature of 28°F to 40°F (-2°C to 4°C) after removal from the cooking process and prior 

to mixing with barbecue sauce.

 b. The beef mixture shall be prepared as follows:

(1) The frozen beef shall be tempered to a temperature to facilitate shaving not to exceed 

40°F (4°C). Beef shaved between 1/32 to 2/32 inches has been shown to meet end item 

requirements. After shaving the beef shall be tempered to 28°F to 40°F (-2°C to 4°C) prior to 

marinating. 

(2) Combine the marinade ingredients. The beef shall be mixed with marinade and 

marinated for 24 hours under refrigeration 40°F or lower (4oC or lower). An alternative to 

marinating overnight is to vacuum infuse the marinade with the meat in a vacuum tumbler. 

Infusion parameters shall replicate a 24 hour marinade and have been successfully accomplished 

in a 25 minute, 25 rpm, 27 mmHg process schedule.

(3) After marinating or vacuum infusion, the meat mixture shall be cooked in a steam

jacketed kettle or equivalent to a targeted water activity of less than or equal to 0.94. Excess 

moisture should be drained or cooked off from the cooked beef until the target water activity is 

met.

(4) If the process is not continuous, the cooked beef mixture shall be cooled to a 
MIL-DTL-32141

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temperature of 72°F (22°C) within 2 hours and to 40°F (4°C) within 4 hours following the 

cooking process. The cooled, cooked beef mixture shall be held for not more than 24 hours at a 

temperature of 28°F to 40°F (-2°C to 4°C) after removal from the cooking process and prior to 

mixing with barbecue sauce.

 3.3.1.2 Preparation and processing of meat used in type V. The Italian sausage shall be 

formulated from the following ingredients in the proportions specified:

Ingredient Percent by weight

Italian sausage, sweet 80.0

Rice syrup 9.0

Water 5.0

Glycerol 5.0

Salt 1.0

 a. The Italian sausage mixture shall be prepared as follows:

(1) Combine the marinade ingredients. The Italian sausage shall be mixed with 

marinade and marinated for 24 hours under refrigeration 40°F or lower (4oC or lower). An 

alternative to marinating overnight is to vacuum infuse the marinade with the meat in a vacuum 

tumbler. Infusion parameters shall replicate a 24 hour marinade and have been successfully 

accomplished in a 25 minute, 25 rpm, 27 mmHg process schedule.

(2) After marinating or vacuum infusion, the Italian sausage mixture shall be cooked in a 

steam jacketed kettle or equivalent to a targeted water activity of less than or equal to 0.92. The 

filling shall be mixed intermittently to ensure Italian sausage pieces are less than 1/2 inch, but

not ground. Excess moisture should be drained or cooked off from the cooked sausage until the 

target water activity is met.

(3) If the process is not continuous, the cooked Italian sausage shall be cooled to a 

temperature of 72°F (22°C) within 2 hours and to 40°F (4°C) within 4 hours following the 

cooking process. The cooled, cooked Italian sausage mixture shall be held for not more than 24 

hours at a temperature of 28°F to 40°F (-2°C to 4°C) after removal from the cooking process and 

prior to mixing with Italian sauce.

 3.3.2 Preparation of sauces or fillings.

3.3.2.1 Preparation of honey barbecue sauce. The honey barbecue sauce shall be formulated 

with the following ingredients in the proportions specified:

Ingredient Percent by weight

Tomato paste 35.98

Brown sugar 14.9
MIL-DTL-32141

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Yellow mustard 11.7

Honey 10.4

Glycerol 7.7

Molasses 5.94

Ground mustard 3.7

Vegetable oil 3.1

Salt 2.0

Worcestershire sauce 2.0

Onions (dehydrated) 1.54

Smoke (liquid base) 0.6

Garlic powder 0.4

Red pepper 0.06

Black pepper 0.06

The sauce ingredients shall be mixed together and heated to a temperature of 140oF to 180oF 

(60oC to 82oC), and cooked continuously until a targeted water activity of less than or equal to

0.86 is reached.

3.3.2.2 Preparation of filling (types III and IV). The filling shall be prepared as follows:

Ingredient Percent by weight

Barbecue sauce 54.1

Marinated/cooked chicken or beef 44.3

Encapsulated vinegar powder 1.6

 a. The cooked chicken or beef shall be mixed with the barbecue sauce and encapsulated 

vinegar. Temperature shall be less than 135oF (57oC) before adding encapsulated vinegar. The 

water activity of the final mixture shall be less than or equal to 0.91 and the pH of the mixture 

shall be less than or equal to 5.0.

 b. If the mixture is not going to be used immediately, the meat/barbecue sauce mixture 

shall be held at 40oF (4oC) or less for not more than 48 hours or frozen to 0oF (-18oC) or below 

within 72 hours and held for not more than 60 days. The meat/barbecue sauce mixture shall be 

stored in containers that are adequate to protect from freezer deterioration/damage and maintain 

the product in excellent condition.

 3.3.2.3 Preparation of Italian sauce. The Italian tomato sauce shall be formulated with the 

following ingredients in the proportions specified:

Ingredients Percent by weight

Tomato paste 39.05

Crushed tomatoes 29.7
MIL-DTL-32141

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Glycerol 12.3

Olive oil 3.5

Parmesan/Romano cheese 5.6

Onion (dehyd/chopped) 1.8

Sugar 2.2

Salt 1.3

Garlic powder 2.1

Oregano (ground) 0.6

Fennel (ground) 0.3

Basil (ground) 0.3

White pepper 0.1

Thyme (ground) 0.1

Bay leaves (ground) 0.1

Pepper, red ground 0.05

The sauce ingredients shall be mixed together and heated to a temperature of 140oF to 180oF 

(60oC to 82oC) and cooked continuously until a targeted water activity of less than or equal

to 0.90 is reached. 

 3.3.2.4 Preparation of filling type V. The filling shall be prepared as follows:

Ingredients Percent by weight

Italian tomato sauce 46.8

Marinated/cooked sausage 28.2

Diced pepperoni 22.2

Mozzarella cheese powder 2.8

 a. The marinated/cooked sausage shall be mixed with the Italian tomato sauce, diced 

pepperoni and mozzarella cheese powder. The water activity of the final mixture shall be less 

than or equal to 0.89 and the pH of the mixture shall be less than or equal to 5.0.

 b. If the process is not continuous, the mixture shall be held at 40oF (4oC) or less for not 

more than 48 hours or frozen to 0oF (-18oC) or below within 72 hours and held for not more than 

60 days. The mixture shall be stored in containers that are adequate to protect from freezer 

deterioration/damage and maintain the product in excellent condition.

 3.3.3 Preparation of bread. 
MIL-DTL-32141

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3.3.3.1 Preparation of bread for types I, II and V. The bread shall be formulated from the 

following ingredients in the proportions specified:

I and II V

Ingredient Percent by 

weight

Percent by 

weight

Flour, bread 1/ 51.05 49.75

Water 1/ 27.4 28.8

Shortening 8.7 8.7

Glycerol 6.4 6.4

Yeast (instant dry) 1/ 2.3 2.3

Salt 1.3 1.3

Sucrose ester 1.0 1.0

Oxidizer/conditioner/mix reducer 0.5 0.5

Gum arabic 0.5 0.5

Calcium sulfate 0.25 0.25

Xanthan gum 0.25 0.25

Glucono delta lactone, encapsulated 0.25 0.15

Sorbic acid, encapsulated 0.10 0.10

1/ The percent by weight of flour, water, and yeast, may be adjusted, if necessary, to compensate for 

in-plant processing equipment, humidity and temperature conditions.

3.3.3.2 Preparation of bread for types III and IV. The bread shall be formulated from the 

following ingredients in the proportions specified:

Ingredient Percent by weight

Flour, bread 1/ 50.1

Water 1/ 28.8

Shortening 8.6

Glycerol 6.3

Yeast (instant dry) 1/ 2.3

Salt 1.3

Sucrose ester 1.0

Oxidizer/conditioner/mix reducer 0.5

Gum arabic 0.5

Calcium sulfate 0.25

Xanthan gum 0.25

Sorbic acid, encapsulated 0.10

1/ The percent by weight of flour, water, and yeast may be adjusted, if necessary, to compensate 
MIL-DTL-32141

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for in-plant processing equipment, humidity and temperature conditions.

3.3.3.3 Preparation of dough. The bread shall be manufactured by the sponge and dough 

method or any other method yielding an equivalent product. Commonly used dough improvers, 

yeast foods and/or dough relaxers are permitted. The sucrose ester emulsifier shall be dry 

blended with the flour. All ingredients shall then be combined and sufficiently mixed to develop 

the dough. Relax dough prior to sheeting.

3.3.4 Preparation of sandwich.

3.3.4.1 Sheeting and forming sandwich. The proofed dough shall be sheeted into pieces of 

sufficient weight and filled to ensure compliance with finished product net weight requirements. 

The co-extrusion method may be used as long as all finished product requirements are met.

3.3.4.2 Forming of types I and II sandwiches. Types I and II made with a dough weight of 

2.0 ounces (56.7grams) and meat weight of 0.9 ounces (25.5 grams) and a final product weight 

of 2.9 ounces (82.2 grams) prior to proofing and baking have been shown to meet end item 

requirement weights.

 3.3.4.3 Forming of types III and IV sandwiches. The filling weight shall be a minimum 1.3 

ounces (36.8 grams). Types III and IV made with a dough weight of 2.6 ounces (73.7 grams) 

and filling weight of 1.3 ounces (36.8 grams) and a final product weight of 3.9 ounces (111.0 

grams) prior to proofing and baking have been shown to meet end item requirement weights.

 3.3.4.3.1 Forming of type V sandwich. The filling weight shall be a minimum 1.3 ounces 

(36.8 grams). Types V made with a dough weight of 2.6 ounces (73.7 grams) and filling weight 

of 1.3 ounces (36.8 grams) and a final product weight of 3.9 ounces (111.0 grams) prior to 

proofing and baking have been shown to meet end item requirement weights.

 3.3.4.4 Proofing. The formed sandwiches shall be proofed at 90oF to 100oF (32oC to 38 oC) 

and 86 to 90 percent relative humidity for 50 to 60 minutes. Fluctuations due to opening and 

closing of proof box doors are acceptable as long as end item requirements are met.

 3.3.4.5 Baking. The proofed product shall be fully baked to a minimum internal temperature 

of 185°F (85°C) and until the exterior is a uniform medium golden brown bread crust color.

 3.4 Packaging methods. Continuous method shall be used. One unit of sandwich and one 

package of an FDA approved oxygen scavenger shall be placed into the pouch. The internal 

temperature of the sandwich shall be not less than 80oF (27oC) or greater than 135oF (57oC).

 3.4.1 Oxygen scavenger. The oxygen scavenger shall be constructed of materials that are 

safe for direct and indirect food contact, and shall be suitable for use with edible products. The 

oxygen scavenger shall be in compliance with all applicable FDA regulations.
MIL-DTL-32141

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 3.5 Finished product requirements. The finished product shall comply with the following 

requirements:

 a. There shall be no foreign materials such as, but not limited to dirt, insect parts, hair,

wood, glass, metal or mold.

 b. There shall be no foreign odors or flavors such as, but no limited to burnt, scorched,

moldy, rancid, sour or stale. 

 c. There shall be no color foreign to the product.

 d. For types I and II, no individual pouch shall contain less than 2.5 ounces (70.8 grams).

 e. For types III, IV or V, no individual pouch shall contain less than 3.5 ounces (99.2 

grams).

 f. The shelf stable sandwich and the oxygen scavenger shall both be intact.

 g. The water activity for any individual pouch shall be not less than 0.84 and not greater than 0.89

when measured at 77o F (25oC). 

 h. The oxygen content of the filled and sealed pouches shall not exceed 0.30 percent 

after 48 hours from time of sealing.

 i. For all types, the pH shall not exceed 5.2.

 j. For all types, the texture of the bread shall not be excessively dry, crumbly or 

excessively moist and gummy. The texture of the bread shall be slightly dense and have a 

uniform cell structure.

 k. For all types, the crust color shall be uniform and golden brown, without being

excessively light or dark. The crumb shall be white to off white. There shall be no evidence of 

compression streaks. The filling should not appear to be excessively dark.

 l. For types I and II, the meat stick filling shall be moist, slightly chewy and shall not 

be grainy or excessively dry. 

 m. For types I and II, the meat stick filling shall be a reddish brown cured meat color and not 

appear dry or crumbly.

 n. For types III, IV and V, the filling shall be moist, very slightly chewy and shall not be 

pasty or excessively dry.
MIL-DTL-32141

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 o. For type III, the chicken shall be less than 1/2 inch pieces.

p. For type I, the nacho flavored beef shall have a slightly spicy, fermented beef nacho 

cheese odor and flavor. The product shall have a slight smoked and fermented flavor. The bread 

shall have a slight nacho cheese odor and flavor.

 q. For type II, the pepperoni shall have a slightly spicy pepperoni beef odor and flavor. The 

product shall have a slight fermented flavor. The bread shall have a slight pepperoni odor and 

flavor. 

 r. For types III and IV, the product shall have a slightly sweet barbecue, hickory, honeylike odor and flavor. The bread shall have a slight fermented and smoked odor and flavor.

 s. For type IV, clumps of beef shavings shall be less than 1/2 inch.

 t. For all types, meat shall be free from skin, cartilage, coarse connective tissue, tendons or

ligaments, glandular material, discolored meat, and bone or bone fragments.

 u. For type V, the Italian sausage pieces shall be less than 1/2 inch.

 v. For type V, the product shall have an odor and flavor of pepperoni, sausage, cheese, 

tomato and mild Italian seasonings. The bread shall have a slight fermented and Italian 

seasonings odor and flavor.

 w. For all types, the filling shall be fully enrobed in bread. 

3.5.1 Overall appearance and palatability. The finished product shall be equal to or better 

than the approved product standard sample (see 6.1) in palatability and overall appearance.

3.6 Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan. Prior to the first production, the 

contractor shall provide a written HACCP plan that is specific to each product type produced. 

The plan will include a process flow diagram, identification of critical control points and critical 

limits, as well as specific monitoring procedures, corrective actions, documentation and 

verification procedures. The following are considered by the product developer to be critical 

control points: pH, Aw, baking time and temperature, oxygen content of the end-packaged 

product. If any of these are not addressed in the producers HACCP plan, they will established 

and documented as manufacturing process controls in their quality system plan. Other critical 

control points specific to the manufacturers processes will also be included. Specification limits 

shall not be used as critical limits for the HACCP plan. When calculating critical limits for 

analytical requirements, the contractor shall provide sufficient tolerance to account for the 

variation inherent to their process. The HACCP plan must be submitted to the applicable 

government inspection agency for approval, and must be approved prior to production of any 
MIL-DTL-32141

21

product offered for acceptance. Contractors may be required to provide records of process 

capabilities study or related production evaluation to validate critical limits.

3.7 Plant qualifications. The meat component and the finished product shall originate and be 

produced, processed, and stored in plants regularly operating under Meat and Poultry Inspection 

Regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The product shall be prepared, processed and 

packaged in establishments meeting the requirements of 21 CFR, Part 110, “Current Good 

Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packaging, or Holding of Human Food,” and the plant 

sanitation requirements of the appropriate government inspection agency. 

3.8 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. All deliveries shall conform in every respect to 

the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and regulations promulgated 

thereunder.

4. VERIFICATION 

4.1 Classification of inspections. The inspection requirements specified herein are classified 

as follows: 

 a. Product standard inspection (see 4.2).

 b. Conformance inspection (see 4.3).

4.2 Product standard inspection. The first article or product demonstration model shall be 

inspected in accordance with the provisions of this specification and evaluated for overall 

appearance and palatability. Any failure to conform to the requirements or any appearance or 

palatability failure shall be cause for rejection of the lot. The approved product standard shall be 

used for periodic review evaluations. All food components that are inspected by the USDA shall 

be subject to periodic review sampling and evaluation. The USDA shall select sample units 

during production of contracts and submit them to the following address for evaluation:

US Army Research, Development & Engineering Command

Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center

RDNS-CFF

15 Kansas Street

Natick, MA 01760-5056

One lot shall be randomly selected during each calendar month of production. Six (6) sample 

units of each item produced shall be randomly selected from that one production lot. The six (6) 

sample units shall be shipped to Natick within five working days from the end of the production 

month and upon completion of all USDA inspection requirements. The sample units will be 

evaluated for the characteristics of appearance, odor, flavor, texture and overall quality.
MIL-DTL-32141

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4.3 Conformance inspection. Conformance inspection shall include the examinations of 

4.2.1, 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3 and the tests of 4.4.1 through 4.4.3.

4.3.1 Component and material examination. Components and materials shall be inspected in 

accordance with all the requirements of referenced documents unless otherwise excluded, 

amended, modified, or qualified in this specification or applicable purchase document.

4.3.2 Ingredient and component examination. Conformance of ingredients and components 

to identity, condition, and other requirements specified in 3.2 shall be certified by the ingredient 

supplier or ingredient manufacturer, and compliance shall be verified by examination of 

pertinent labels, markings, US Grade Certificates, certificates of analyses, or other such valid 

documents acceptable to the inspection agency. If necessary, each ingredient shall be examined 

organoleptically or inspected according to generally recognized test methods such as the standard 

methods described in the Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical 

Chemists and in the Approved Methods of the American Association of Cereal Chemists, to 

determine conformance to the requirements. Any nonconformance to an identity, condition, or 

other requirement shall be cause for rejection of the ingredient or component lot or of any 

involved product.

4.3.3 Product examination. The filled and sealed pouches shall be conditioned to 70oF to 

80oF (21oC to 27oC) and examined for the defects listed in table I. The lot size shall be expressed 

pouches. The sample unit shall be the contents of one pouch. Utilizing the double sampling 

plans indicated in ANSI/ASQC Z1.4, the inspection level shall be S-3 and the acceptable quality 

level (AQL), expressed in terms of defects per hundred units, shall be 1.5 for major defects and 

4.0 for minor defects.

TABLE I. Product defects. 1/ 2/

Category Defect

Major Minor

101 Product not type as specified.

102 Pouch does not contain one intact sandwich or does not contain one intact 

oxygen scavenger. 4/

103 Sandwich bread crumb not white to off white color. 

104 Sandwich bread shows evidence of compression streaks.

201 Sandwich crust color not uniform or not medium golden brown. 

202 Sandwich filling excessively dark.

203 Filling not fully enrobed in bread.
MIL-DTL-32141

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105 Sandwich bread texture dry, crumbly, or excessively moist or gummy.

106 Sandwich bread texture not slightly dense or not a uniform cell structure.

107 Tear, hole, or open seal in oxygen scavenger.

Type I

204 Meat stick filling not moist or not slightly chewy. 

108 Meat stick filling grainy or excessively dry. 

205 Meat stick filling not reddish brown cured meat color. 

109 Meat stick filling appears dry or crumbly.

110 Nacho flavored beef not a slightly spicy, fermented beef nacho cheese 

odor or flavor. 

TABLE I. Product defects. 1/ 2/ (continued)

Category Defect

Major Minor

111 Sandwich does not have a slight smoked and fermented flavor. 

112 Sandwich bread does not have a slight nacho cheese odor or flavor.

206 Total weight of skin, cartilage, coarse connective tissue, tendons or 

ligaments, glandular material, discolored meat, and bone or bone 

fragments more than 0.1 ounces.

Type II

207 Meat stick filling not moist or not slightly chewy 

113 Meat stick filling grainy or excessively dry. 

208 Meat stick filling not reddish brown cured meat color. 

114 Meat stick filling appears dry or crumbly.

115 Pepperoni not a slightly spicy pepperoni beef odor or flavor. 

116 Sandwich does not have a slight fermented flavor.
MIL-DTL-32141

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117 Sandwich bread does not have a slight pepperoni odor or flavor. 

209 Total weight of skin, cartilage, coarse connective tissue, tendons or 

ligaments, glandular material, discolored meat, and bone or bone 

fragments more than 0.1 ounces.

Type III

210 Chicken pieces in finished sandwich greater than 1/2 inch.

211 Chicken bone or bone fragments over 0.3 inch.

118 Sandwich does not have a slightly sweet barbecue, hickory, honey-like 

odor or flavor. 

119 Sandwich bread does not have a slight fermented and smoked odor or 

flavor.

120 Sandwich filling not moist or not very slightly chewy. 

121 Sandwich filling pasty or excessively dry.

TABLE I. Product defects. 1/ 2/ (continued)

Category Defect

Major Minor

211212 Total weight of skin, cartilage, coarse connective tissue, tendons or 

ligaments, glandular material, discolored meat, and bone or bone 

fragments more than 0.20 ounces.

Type IV

122 Beef not shaved or thickness of clumped shaved beef greater than 1/2 

inch.

123 Sandwich does not have a slightly sweet barbecue, hickory, honey-like 

odor or flavor. 

124 Sandwich bread does not have a slight fermented and smoked odor or 

flavor.

125 Sandwich filling not moist or not very slightly chewy. 

126 Sandwich filling pasty or excessively dry.
MIL-DTL-32141

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212213 Total weight of skin, cartilage, coarse connective tissue, tendons or 

ligaments, glandular material, discolored meat, and bone or bone 

fragments more than 0.35 ounces.

Type V 

213214 Italian sausage pieces greater than 1/2 inch.

127 Sandwich does not have a pepperoni, sausage, cheese, tomato or mild 

Italian seasonings odor or flavor.

128 Bread does not have a slight fermented and Italian seasonings odor or 

flavor.

129 Filling not moist or not very slightly chewy.

130 Filling pasty or excessively dry.

214215 Total weight of skin, cartilage, coarse connective tissue, tendons or 

ligaments, glandular material, discolored meat, and bone or bone 

fragments more than 0.35 ounces.

TABLE I. Product defects. 1/ 2/ (continued)

Category Defect

Major Minor

Weight 

215216 Types I or II, net weight of an individual sandwich less than 2.5 ounces 

(70.8 grams). 3/

216217 Types III or IV or V, net weight of an individual sandwich less than 3.5 

ounces (99.2 grams). 3/

1/ Presence of any foreign materials for example, dirt, insect parts, hair, wood, glass, metal or 

mold, or any foreign odors or flavors such as, but not limited to burnt, scorched, rancid, sour, or 

stale or foreign color shall be cause for rejection of the lot.

2/ Product not equal to or better than the approved product standard in palatability or overall 

appearance shall be cause for rejection of the lot (see 3.5.1).

3/ The net weight of the filled and sealed pouches shall be determined by weighing each sample 

on a suitable scale tared with a representative empty pouch and one oxygen scavenger. Results 

shall be reported to the nearest 0.1 ounce or to the nearest 1.0 gram.
MIL-DTL-32141

26

4/ Construction of the oxygen scavenger and compliance with FDA regulations will be verified 

by Certificate of Conformance.

4.4 Tests.

4.4.1 Water activity (Aw) testing. Eight filled and sealed pouches shall be selected at 

random from the lot regardless of lot size. Water activity shall be determined not less than 4 

days but not more than 14 days after baking to allow moisture equilibration in the product. The 

pouched product shall be individually tested for Aw in accordance with the Official Methods of 

Analysis of the AOAC method 978.18, using an electric hygrometer system self temperature 

controlled at 25oC (77o F) or an equivalent instrument. Each individual sample unit shall be 

ground prior to Aw analysis. The results of each Aw determination shall be reported to the 

nearest 0.01. Any test result not conforming to the Aw requirement in 3.5 shall be classified as a 

critical defect and the lot shall be rejected.

 4.4.2 Oxygen content testing. Eight filled and sealed pouches shall be randomly selected 

from one production lot and individually tested for oxygen content. Testing shall be 

accomplished after the filled and sealed pouches have been allowed to equilibrate at room 

temperature for not less than 48 hours from the time of sealing. Test results shall be reported to 

the nearest 0.01 percent. Any test result not conforming to the oxygen content requirement in 

3.5 shall be classified as a major defect and shall be cause for rejection of the lot.

 4.4.3 Analytical. The sample to be analyzed shall be a composite of eight filled and sealed 

pouches which have been selected at random from the lot. The composite sample shall be 

prepared and analyzed in accordance with the following Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC 

International (OMA).

Test Method Number

pH 981.12

The sample shall be ground. Weigh 100 g of sample into a beaker and add 100 mL of CO2 free 

water. Mix well with a stirring rod. Let sample rest for 15 – 30 minutes and measure the pH. 

Test results of pH value shall be reported to the nearest 0.1. Government verification will be 

conducted through actual testing by a Government laboratory. Any result not conforming to the 

pH requirement in 3.5 shall be cause for rejection of the lot.

5. PACKAGING

5.1 Packaging. For acquisition purposes, the packaging requirements shall be as specified in 

the contract or order (see 6.1). When actual packaging of material is to be performed by DoD 

personnel, these personnel need to contact the responsible packaging activity to ascertain 

requisite packaging requirements. Packaging requirements are maintained by the Inventory 
MIL-DTL-32141

27

Control Point’s packaging activity within the Military Department or Defense Agency, or within 

the Military Department’s System Command. Packaging data retrieval is available from the 

managing Military Department’s or Defense Agency’s automated packaging files, CD-ROM 

products, or by contacting the responsible packaging activity.

6. NOTES

(This section contains information of a general or explanatory nature that may be helpful, but 

is not mandatory.)

6.1 Acquisition requirements. Acquisition documents should specify the following:

 a. Title, number, and date of this specification.

 b. Type of product required (see 1.2).

 c. When other than first article or product demonstration model are is required (see 3.1). 

 d. Provisions for approved product standard samples (see 3.5.1)

 e. Packaging requirements (see 5.1)

6.2 Ingredient information.

 6.2.1 Emulsifier. Sucrose fatty acid ester S-1670, supplied by Mitsubishi International 

Corporation, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022 meets the requirements of 3.2.1.7 and 

performs satisfactorily in this product.

 6.2.2 Glucono-delta-lactone, ecapsulated. Encapsulated Glucon-delta-lactone manufactured 

by Balchem Corporation, Slate Hill, NY 10973 meets the requirements of 3.2.1.11 and performs 

satisfactorily in this product.

6.2.3 Sorbic acid, encapsulated. Encapsulated sorbic acid manufactured by Balchem 

Corporation, Slate Hill, NY 10973 meets the requirements of 3.2.1.12 and performs satisfactorily 

in this product.

6.2.4 Potassium sorbate, encapsulated. Encapsulated potassium sorbate manufactured by 

Balchem Corporation, Slate Hill, NY 10973 meets the requirements of 3.2.1.13 and performs 

satisfactorily in this product.

 6.2.5 Oxidizer/conditioner/mix reducer. Im-Prove 200 manufactured by CARAVAN, 

Totowa, NJ 07512, meets the requirements of 3.2.1.15 and performs satisfactorily in this 

product.

 6.2.6 Nacho flavored beef stick. Nacho flavored beef stick manufactured by Bridgford 

Foods Corporation, 170 North Green Street, Chicago, IL 60607 meets the requirements of 

3.2.2.1 and performs satisfactorily in this product.
MIL-DTL-32141

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 6.2.7 Pepperoni stick. Pepperoni stick manufactured by Bridgford Foods Corporation, 170 

North Green Street, Chicago, IL 60607 meets the requirements of 3.2.2.2 and performs 

satisfactorily in this product.

6.2.8 Flavoring, smoke. Charsol C-6 manufactured by Red Arrow Products Company LLC, 

12265 Water Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220 meets the requirements of 3.2.3.7 and performs 

satisfactorily in this product.

6.2.9 Encapsulated vinegar powder. Flavorshure 114 manufactured by Balchem 

Corporation, Slate Hill, NY 10973 meets the requirements of 3.2.3.14 and performs satisfactorily 

in this product.

 6.2.10 Rice syrup, clarified. White rice syrup (WRSRDCL) or partially polished brown rice 

syrup (PPRSRDCL) manufactured by California Natural Products Larhrop, CA 95330 meets the 

requirements of 3.2.6.3 and 3.2.9.1 and performs satisfactorily in this product.

6.3 Deleted.

6.4 Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Model. Natick Soldier Center - Combat Feeding 

Directorate has developed a generic Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Model for 

Shelf Stable Pocket Sandwiches in order to provide a framework that manufacturers may find 

helpful as they develop their own plant-process-product specific HACCP plan. Copies of this 

generic model can be obtained at the following address:

US Army Research, Development & Engineering Command

Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center

RDNS-CFF

15 Kansas Street

Natick, MA 01760-5056

 6.5 Shelf life. This specification covers items where shelf life is a consideration. Specific 

shelf-life requirements should be specified in the contract or purchase order. The shelf-life codes 

are contained in the Federal Logistics Information System Total Item Record. Additive 

information for shelf-life management may be obtained from DoD 4140.27-M; Shelf-life 

Management Manual, or the designated shelf-life Points of Contact (POC). The POC should

be contacted in the following order: (I) the Inventory Control Points (ICPs), and (2) the DoD

Service and Agency administrators for the DoD Shelf-Life Program. Appropriate POCs for the

DoD Shelf-Life Program can be contacted through the DoD Shelf-Life Management website:

htm://www.shelflife.hg.dla.mil/.

6.6 Subject term (key word) listing.

Combat field feeding
MIL-DTL-32141

29

Pouch bread

Custodians: Preparing activity:

 Army - GL Army - GL

 Navy - SA (Project 8940-0959)

 Air Force - 35

Review activities:

 Army - MD, QM

 Navy - MC

 DLA - SS

Civil agency: 

 USDA - FV

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 www.dodssp.daps.mil.
MIL-DTL-32141

30

For DLA Troop Support Website Posting

RDNS-SEC-EM 9 March 2017

TO: Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) - Troop Support – Subsistence DSCP-FTRE

SUBJECT: ES17-023 (DSCP-SS-17-00571); Follow Up to ES17-017 (DSCP-SS-17-00354); 

Waiver request; Waive United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grade A certified 

requirement and replace with a Grade-A equivalent chicken; for use in MIL-DTL-32141, 

Sandwich, Shelf Stable, For Operational Rations, Type III, Honey Barbecue Chicken; for use in 

the First Strike Ration® (FSR); Contract SPM3S1-12-D-Z127, Vendor.

1. Reference: Memo from RDNS-SEC-EM to DSCP-FTRE, dated 23 January 2017, ES17-017 

(DSCP-SS-17-00354); Document change; MIL-DTL-32141, Sandwich, Shelf Stable, For 

Operational Rations and the Packaging & Quality Assurance Provisions (PKG&QAP); for use in 

the First Strike Ration® (FSR); Contract SPM3S1-12-D-Z127, Vendor.

2. Natick received an Engineering Support Case from DLA on behalf of the Vendor requesting 

that the USDA Grade A certified requirement be waived to accept Grade-A equivalent chicken to 

be used in the Honey Barbecue Chicken Sandwich (Type III) in MIL-DTL-32141, Sandwich, 

Shelf Stable, For Operational Rations and the PKG&QAP for use in the FSR.

3. Natick concurs with the Vendor’s request to waive the USDA Grade A Certificate. After 

consulting with a USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service Poultry Specialist, and to ensure that 

the best quality raw (uncooked), skinless, boneless chicken breast and thighs are used, Natick 

recommends making a change to the wording of sections 3.2.4.1 and 3.2.4.2 in MIL-DTL-32141, 

Sandwich, Shelf Stable, For Operational Rations.

4. Natick submits the following change to subject document for all current, pending, and future 

procurements until the document is formally amended or revised:

a. Page 8, Section 3.2.4.1 Chicken breast. Raw (uncooked), skinless, boneless chicken 

breast shall be prepared from freshly slaughtered broiler/fryer chickens in accordance 

with USDA Poultry Products Inspection regulations. The chicken breasts shall be U.S. 

Grade A. The chicken breast shipped between plants shall be consumer grade labeled 

with the USDA "Grade A" shield and production date to certify quality, class, and 

condition of the product and either the initial chilling date or initial freezing (in-storage) 

date. When this ingredient is used in the finished product, it shall have no bone or bone 

fragments over 0.3 inch.
MIL-DTL-32141

31

b. Page 8, Section 3.2.4.2 Chicken thighs. Raw (uncooked), skinless, boneless chicken 

thighs shall be prepared from freshly slaughtered broiler/fryer chickens in accordance 

with USDA Poultry Products Inspection regulations. The chicken thighs shall be U.S. 

Grade A. The chicken thighs shipped between plants shall be consumer grade labeled 

with the USDA "Grade A" shield and production date to certify quality, class, and 

condition of the product and either the initial chilling date or initial freezing (in-storage) 

date. When this ingredient is used in the finished product, it shall have no bone or bone 

fragments over 0.3 inch.

c. Page 12, Section 3.3.1.1 Preparation and processing of meat used in Types III and IV, 

After footnote 1/, add a new footnote, “2/ The chicken shall have no bone or bone 

fragments over 0.3 inch.”

d. Page 24, Table I. Product Defects, Insert a new Minor defect 211, “Chicken bone or 

bone fragments over 0.3 inch.” Renumber Minor defects 211 through 216 accordingly.

5. The Service Representatives were contacted and their replies were:

Army: Concurs with Natick

Marine Corps: Concurs with Natick

6. Attached is Change 14, MIL-DTL-32141, Sandwich, Shelf Stable, For Operational Rations, 

dated 9 March 2017, with the changes highlighted.