DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

UNITED STATES ARMY PUBLIC HEALTH COMMAND

ARMY INSTITUTE PUBLIC HEALTH VETERINARY SERVICES

OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP05)

1 March 2013

Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) Inspections

1.0 PURPOSE: To establish standardized inspection procedures for Meals, Readyto-Eat (MREs).

2.0 SCOPE:

2.1 This document applies to Army Veterinary Inspectors (AVI) assigned to post, 

camp, or station with responsibility for performing receipt, in-storage, warranty, prior to 

issue, and special inspections of MRE’s.

2.2 This document discusses situations, procedures, and inspection guidance not 

covered in DLA Troop Support Handbook 4155.2 and DLA Troop Support Handbook 

4155.2 Appendix A.

2.3 The procedure for using the USAPHC Lotus Notes MRE Inspection 

Database is discussed in USAPHC OPRATS IP06 – MRE Inspection Database.

3.0 DEFINITIONS:

3.1 See DLA Troop Support Handbook 4155.2, Paragraph V.

3.2 See DLA Troop Support Handbook 4155.2, Appendix A, Paragraph I.G.

3.3 See USAPHC OPRATS IP02.

4.0 REFERENCES:

4.1 MEDCOM Regulation 40-28

4.2 MEDCOM Pamphlet 40-13

4.3 DLA Troop Support Handbook 4155.2, Inspection of Composite Rations

4.4 DLA Troop Support Handbook 4155.2, Appendix A, Inspection of Meals, 

Ready-to-Eat

NOTE: Ensure to check the DLA Troop Support website,

https://www.troopsupport.dla.mil/subs/support/qapubs/index.asp , for most current 

edition of DLA Troop Support 4155.2 Appendix A.
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP05)

1 March 2013

5.0 PROCEDURES:

5.1 Types and Frequency of Inspections.

5.1.1 Receipt Inspection – IAW DLA Troop Support Handbook 4155.2, 

Paragraph VIII A. 

5.1.2 In-storage Inspection – IAW DLA Troop Support Handbook 

4155.2, Paragraph VIII B. 

5.1.3 Warranty Inspection – IAW DLA Troop Support Handbook 4155.2, 

Paragraph VIII C.

5.1.4 Prior to Sale or Shipment (Surveillance) Inspection – IAW 

DLA Handbook 4155.2, Paragraph VIII D.

5.1.5 Special Inspection – IAW DLA Handbook 4155.2, 

Paragraph VIII D.

5.2 Formation of Lots. IAW DLA Handbook 4155.2, Appendix A. 

5.2.1 Normal Inspection.

5.2.1.1 Table A (for use with Table C) – Lot size for 

“shipping containers” is the total number of modules.

5.2.1.1.1 The DLA Handbook 4155.2, Appendix A 

does not

distinguish procedures for disproportionate lots of “A” and “B” cases. Therefore, when 

utilizing a hard copy of DSCP Form 5117 to record inspection results, follow the 

procedures below:

5.2.1.1.1.1 The “Lot Size” for Tables A and B

will be expressed as “modules” rather than “cases”. Each lot size of “A” and “B” is 

determined separately. This is in reality performing the same function as the Lotus Notes 

database, the performance of two separate inspections. Determine disposition utilizing 

the corresponding “Action Numbers”.

5.2.1.1.1.2 The “Lot Size” for Tables D, E, 

H,

and I will remain as “menus”. The total number of “A” and “B” cases are added 

together and multiplied by 12 menus. This is in reality performing the same function 

as the Lotus Notes database, the performance of one inspection.

5.2.1.2 Tables D and H (for use with Tables F, G and J) - Lot size 

for “menu bags and contents to include accessory bags and contents, and destructive 
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP05)

1 March 2013

open package inspection (DOPI)” is the total number of ration menus. The Lotus Notes 

MRE Inspection database automatically calculates these lot sizes by adding together the 

number of “A” and “B” cases from Table C and multiplying by 12 menus.

5.2.2 Special Inspection. Determine lot size IAW DLA Troop Support 

Handbook 4155.2, Appendix A, Paragraph 3, Special Inspection Guidance.

5.3 Sampling Plan. IAW DLA Handbook 

4155.2, APPA. 5.3.1 Normal Inspection.

5.3.1.1 Table A – The sample unit for “shipping containers” is one 

MRE module. The Lotus Notes MRE Inspection database has been designed to generate 

the sample sizes and action numbers for “A” and “B” cases independently. This allows 

for instances when only “A” or “B” cases are to be inspected. When inspecting cases of 

only “A” or “B”, if an action number for either the “A” or “B” case is met or exceeded, it 

is considered as meeting or exceeding the action number see paragraph 6.3.

5.3.1.2 Tables D and H – The sample unit for “menu bags and 

contents to include accessory bags and contents, and destructive open package inspection 

(DOPI)” is one ration menu. The samples will be selected from the sample cases used for 

the Table A (shipping container) inspection. The sample size generated by the Lotus 

Notes MRE Inspection database is for both the “A” and “B” cases combined. The AVI 

will draw sample menus from the “A” and “B” cases in direct proportion to their lot size 

if a grand lot and proportionally from each sample case if a single lot.

5.3.2 Special Inspection. Determine lot size IAW DLA Troop Support, 

Appendix A, Paragraph 3, Special Inspection Guidance.

5.4 Performing the Inspection. Perform IAW Appendix A. 4155.2, Appendix A.

5.4.1 Time Temperature Indicator (TTI).

5.4.1.1 TTIs are read by comparing the color of the indicator’s 

center to the outer ring surrounding it. AVI will use a TTI Comparator Card to perform 

this reading. Initially, the TTI has a bull’s-eye appearance, with the center being much 

lighter than the darker outer ring. The center is designed to darken with time and 

temperature, darkening more rapidly as the temperature increases. The theory behind the 

TTI is that there is a correlation between the appearance of the indicator and remaining 

shelf life of the ration.

5.4.1.2 The TTI’s appearance correlates directly with the 

numerical stages of the indicator (see TTI Chart below). When the numerical stage of 

the indicator increases above the initial “0” reading, the likelihood of finding time and 

temperature related defects in the ration increases. The AVI will take extra diligence 

when inspecting these rations. A change in condition code may be required based on 

the inspection results. Do not use the numerical reading as the sole source for 

determined condition code. The chart below shows the approximate remaining shelf 

life in months for rations stored at various temperatures for each of the numerical 

stages.
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP05)

1 March 2013

TTI CHART

Appearance

Center much lighter than outer ring

Numerical Stage

0

Remainin

g 60o

F

210

“Approximate”

100o F

6.4

Shelf Life (months) 

80oF

36

Center lighter than outer ring 1 146 24 4.5

Center slightly lighter than outer ring 2 106 17 3.2

Center same shade as outer ring 3 End of expected shelf life

Center slightly darker than outer ring 4 Exceeds expected shelf life

Center much darker than outer ring 5 Exceeds expected shelf life

Note: Additional information regarding TTI’s can be found in the Lotus Notes Operational Rations Doc Library.

5.4.2 Flameless Ration Heaters

5.4.2.1 Follow guidance posted in Lotus Notes Operational 

Rations Doc Library or at DSCP website,

https://www.troopsupport.dla.mil/subs/support/qapubs/appa/

5.4.2.2 Do not forget to contact local installation HAZMAT 

authority and/or fire department to see if there are any special local policies for 

disposal.

5.4.2.3 The AVI will activate the flameless ration heaters as 

part of the inspection procedure and disposal of activated heaters can be treated just 

like normal trash NOTE: The guidance in 5.4.2.1 & 5.4.2.2 above mainly deals with 

inactivated heaters. 5.4.3 Substitutions (Mistakenly called Wrong or Incorrect Items)

5.4.3.1 MREs occasionally may contain wrong or incorrect 

items IAW menu bag and DLA Troop Support HDBK 4155.2, Appendix A, Table S. 

This is acceptable and should not be scored as a defect. The assembler is granted 

permission from the contracting officer to substitute “like items” at times. The 

inspectors assigned to the MRE assembly plants verify these substitutions. Rather 

than score wrong or incorrect items as a defect, make a note in the “Additional 

Inspection Comments” section of the report (DLA Troop Support Form 5117).

5.4.3.2 If inspectors have concerns about the substitutions 

found during the surveillance inspection, please contact by email the Chief, 

Operational Rations Section, USAPHC. Again, do not score as a defect during the 

inspection. 

5.5 Nonconformance Reporting – Perform IAW DLA Troop Support

Handbook 4155.2, and DLA Troop Support 4155.2, Appendix A.

5.6 CURSORY INSPECTIONS (General Examination for 

Transportation Damage/Obvious Defects).

5.6.1 A complete Receipt/Routine inspection is not required for the 

following situations:
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP05)

1 March 2013

5.6.1.1 If the MREs are delivered to the installation directly 

from the MRE assembly plant, a full receipt inspection is not required. Inspect these 

deliveries only for transportation damage/obvious defects.

5.6.1.2 If the MREs are delivered from a depot or other 

installation and a current (within the last 30 days) inspection report, completed at the 

point of origin (for example, a depot, not another installation that received the same 

lot) accompanies the shipment or a current MRE inspection report is posted in the 

MRE Inspection database for the lot number and manufacturer/assembler delivered. 

The origin report in the MRE Inspection Database or accompanying inspection report 

should match the lot number and manufacturer/assembler information in the 

receipt/delivery documentation, as well as the marking on the shipping container, plus 

the delivery origin. Inspect these deliveries only for transportation damage/obvious 

defects.

5.7 SURVEILLANCE INSPECTIONS.

NOTE: Although MEDCOM Pamphlet 40-13 references “Serviced-owned rations 

should be inspected annually at a minimum”. The correct frequency for surveillance 

inspections is referenced in paragraph 5.7.1 below and DLA Troop Support 4155.2, 

Appendix A, Paragraph II.M.Step 13. page 12. 

5.7.1 Surveillance inspections are performed on 6-months intervals 

following the last competed inspection. The last completed inspection could have 

been a receipt/cursory or a surveillance/routine, it does not matter. After entering 

“Date of Inspection” in Part I, the “Next Inspection Due” in Part V automatically 

defaults to 6 months. The only way the “Next Inspection Due” is less than 6 months 

is if the Condition Code selected is less than Condition Code A. “Next Inspection 

Due” will NEVER be more than 6 months from the last completed inspection. This 

is also covered in DLA Troop Support 4155.2, Appendix A, Paragraph II.M.Step 

13. page 12.

5.7.2 Surveillance inspections are not required for MREs held in commercially 

contracted cold storage (31-35 degrees Fahrenheit) locations or for MREs on ships that are 

maintained as Prepositioned War Reserve, Afloat rations. However a full receipt inspection will 

be performed at the first destination where these rations are sent after being removed from these 

storage locations.

6.0 RECORDS, REPORTS AND FORMS:

6.1 With the exception of small, 5 modules (A + B case) or less, “turn-ins” the 

AVI will post all MRE surveillance inspection reports, whether there is a 

nonconformance or no defect was noted, in the USAPHC Lotus Notes MRE 

Inspection database.

6.2 The procedure for using the USAPHC Lotus Notes MRE Inspection 

Database is discussed on USAPHC OPRATS IP06 - MRE Inspection Database.

6.3 The AVI will generate a local copy of DLA Troop Support Form 5117 for MRE 

“turn-in” inspections. The USAPHC Lotus Notes MRE Inspection database can be used 
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP05)

1 March 2013

to generate the local DLA Troop Support Form 5117, however, do not save it, once 

printed delete or abandon the report. If the turn-in report is accidentally saved in the 

database, email the Chief, Operational Rations Section, USAPHC with a link to the 

report for deletion.

6.4 At time of receipt or turn-in only equal numbers of unopened “A” and “B” 

cases should be accepted. There should be equal numbers of “A” and “B” cases unless 

an odd number of cases are received. If an odd number of cases are received there 

should be only one extra “A” or “B” case, which will not affect inspection results or 

recommendations. If there are unequal numbers of “A” and “B” cases report the 

discrepancy to the Accountable/Receiving Officer and recommend 

disposition/rejection of unmatched cases. At the request of the Accountable Officer, 

the inspector may perform a separate inspection of the unmatched MRE cases as a 

separate lot. In such an inspection, sample size will be IAW with sampling tables as a 

separate lot. MREs of a single case type will not be placed in Condition Code A. They 

must be stored and issued separately with priority to issue them first to remove from 

inventory.

6.5 All reports should be completed and approved by the supervisor within 

10 days. If the report needs to be deleted from the database, email the Chief, 

Operational Rations Section, USAPHC HQ with a link to the report for deletion. 

Reports that remain in draft or awaiting approval for more than 10 days without an 

explanation provided to the Chief, Operational Rations Section, USAPHC HQ, will 

be reported to the applicable RVC Veterinary Services Technician for action.

6.6 A CVR will be completed for each ration inspection to establish a record 

in the ISP application and capture the manpower required.