DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES ARMY VETERINARY COMMAND

OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP15)

Revision 11, 3 March 2011

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),

Revision 11, 3 March 2011

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

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 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.

5.1.1.3 Contracts, solicitation, and other applicable inspection documents
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP15),

Revision 11, 3 March 2011

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),

Revision 11, 3 March 2011

Sampling Criteria for Inspection of UGR-A Rations 1/

(Nondestructive CPI)

LOT SIZE SAMPLE SIZE AQL’s

(MODULES) (MODULES) 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

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
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP15),

Revision 11, 3 March 2011

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 in-plant 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),

Revision 11, 3 March 2011

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),

Revision 11, 3 March 2011

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),

Revision 11, 3 March 2011

Type of Report: Destination

Inspection

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.

Sampling Criteria for Inspection of UGR-A Rations

(Nondestructive CPI)

LOT SIZE SAMPLE SIZE AQL’s

(MODULES) (MODULES) 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

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 applicable)

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),

Revision 11, 3 March 2011

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),

Revision 11, 3 March 2011

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: