DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

UNITED STATES ARMY PUBLIC HEALTH COMMAND

ARMY INSTITUTE PUBLIC HEALTH VETERINARY SERVICES

OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (IP08) 

1 March 2013

Kosher/Halal Meals (Religious Meals) Inspection

1.0 PURPOSE: To establish standardized procedures for Kosher/Halal (Religious Meal) 

inspections. 

2.0 SCOPE: 

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

or stations with responsibility for performing surveillance inspections of Religious Meals.

2.2 This document discusses procedures and inspection guidance not covered in Defense 

Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support Handbook 4155.2 and related appendices.

3.0 DEFINITIONS: 

3.1 DLA Troop Support Handbook 4155.2, Paragraph V.

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

3.3 PHC Operational Rations IP02.

3.4 Meal, Religious, Kosher/Halal – Meals utilized to feed those individuals in the 

military service who maintain a strict religious diet.

3.5 Characteristics – Each meal consists of one Kosher- or Halal-certified entrée and 

religiously certified/acceptable complimentary items sufficient to provide the recommend daily 

nutritional requirements. Like the MRE, it is a totally self-contained meal; however, it may or 

may not be combined in a flexible meal bag, depending on the assembler. Each case of religious 

rations contains either two intermediate boxes, one box with twelve entrees and one box with 

twelve accessory packs, or twelve self-contained meals.

3.6 Number of entrees –At time of writing, both Kosher and Halal will have twelve 

different entrees. Consult technical data to verify.

3.7 Shelf life 

3.7.1 Religious meals shall have not less than 10 months remaining shelf life on 

all components at the time of packing. 
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP08)

1 March 2013

2

3.7.2 Religious meals shall have not less than eight months remaining shelf life 

on all components at the time of shipping.

NOTE: Bear in mind, main entrees may have a manufacturer shelf-life of five years stamped on 

carton; the accessory pack items have a shorter shelf-life. 

3.8 Nutritional data – Each menu provides approximately 1200 calories (Protein 11-13 

%, Fat not more than 35%, and Carbohydrate not less than 48%).

3.9 Menu - For inspection purposes and to alleviate confusion, the term “menu” will 

refer to one entrée component and one accessory pack combined.

4.0 REFERENCES: 

4.1 DLA Troop Support Handbook 4155.2.

4.2 DLA Troop Support Handbook 4155.2, Appendix A

4.3 DLA website, https://www.troopsupport.dla.mil/subs/rations/index.asp, select 

“Operational Rations” (Left), then select “Rations Program/ Products” under Menus Select 

“Click Here” for specific Ration Program for additional information and guidance.

4.4 MEDCOM Regulation 40-28

4.5 MEDCOM Pamphlet 40-13

4.6 Natick Pamphlet 30-25

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

5.0 PROCEDURES: 

NOTE: DLA Troop Support Handbook 4155.2, Appendix A and its monographs will be the 

primary inspection document to conduct this inspection. So when you see an “IAW Table” 

referenced in this IP it is referring to Appendix A.

5.1 GENERAL EXAMINATION FOR TRANSPORTATION DAMAGE / 

OBVIOUS DEFECTS.

5.1.1 A complete receipt inspection is not required if a current (NTE 30 days) 

inspection report accompanies the shipment. Inspect the shipment for transportation 

damage/obvious defect.

5.1.2 In the event that a transportation damage or obvious defect that may affect 

the product is observed, the AVI will perform a complete receipt inspection.
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP08)

1 March 2013

3

5.1.3 Religious Meal deliveries require a complete receipt inspection.

5.2 ROUTINE INSPECTION GUIDANCE.

5.2.1 STEP 1: Evaluation of Storage Conditions

 5.2.1.1 Storage conditions vary significantly. As a minimum, storage 

areas should be clean and dry. Religious meals should not be stored directly on the floor. The

area shall be free of pests in accordance with:

5.2.1.1.1 MIL-STD 904, Detection, Identification, and Prevention 

of Pest Infestation of Subsistence.

5.2.1.1.2 TG-38, Protecting Meals, Ready-To-Eat (MREs) Rations 

and other Subsistence During Storage. This document also applies to religious meals.

 5.2.1.2 When multiple pallets of religious rations are warehoused, the 

storage facility should meet the additional standards of MIL-HDBK- 3006, Guidelines for 

Auditing Food Establishments. Religious meals cannot be stacked more than four pallets high 

without the use of storage aids, pallet racks/pallet sets, etc. These pallet racks/pallet sets should 

support the full weight of any additional pallets. The pallet (s) above shall not be in contact with 

or supported by the pallets beneath. Temperature history of storage locations must also be 

considered when recommending final condition codes and dispositions.

 5.2.1.3 The AVI will recoup or repair all cases opened for inspection, or 

damaged, in a manner sufficient to ensure protection of the product during subsequent storage 

and handling. The AVI will backfill the cases so that no more than one case will have less than 

12 meals.

 

5.2.2 STEP 2: Determine Lot Size. 

5.2.2.1 Lot size is expressed as the total number of menus in the 

Contractor’s or grand lot. One religious meal case consists of 12 complete meals, including 

entrées, accessory packs and complimentary items. Determine how many shipping cases there 

are in the lot; multiply that number by twelve menus in a full case of religious meals. (i.e. 3,500 

cases x 12 menus = 42,000 menus).

5.2.2.2 Lotting procedures will be as follows:

 5.2.2.2.1 Contractor's lots are composed of rations from the 

same assembly contractor, same classification of religious meal (either Kosher or Halal, but not 

both combined), having the same contract number and lot number, and stored under substantially 

similar storage conditions. Contractor’s lots will be identified by the AVI as: 

5.2.2.2.1.1 Kosher contractor’s lot
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP08)

1 March 2013

4

5.2.2.2.1.2 Halal contractor’s lot

 5.2.2.2.2 Grand lots for the purpose of religious meal 

inspections will be composed of rations from the same assembly contractor that have the same 

contract number, same classification of religious meal (either Kosher or Halal, but not both 

combined). Grand lots may contain rations from more than one contractor's lot as long as the 

contractor and contract numbers are the same. Additionally, the rations must have been stored 

under substantially similar storage conditions. Samples from grand lots must represent all 

individual lots proportionally, even if the next highest sample size must be used. Identity of 

samples from each sublot must be maintained throughout the inspection. 

 

 5.2.2.2.3 Segregate defective contractor's lots from 

grand lots and inspected individually when one or more of the following occurs:

5.2.2.2.3.1 A Major A defect is found in the 

contractor’s lot.

5.2.2.2.3.2 The Major B or Minor defects found 

seem to be concentrated in one or more of the contractor's lots comprising the grand lot.

5.2.2.2.3.3 The AVI determines for any reason, 

based on initial inspection results, that inspection of the contractor's lot is justified. 

5.2.2.2.4 Grand Lotting is encouraged (to conserve inspection 

resources) whenever it is considered appropriate by the inspection activity. Grand lotting will 

not be used when performing warranty inspections or on inspections of lots reported as possibly 

having wholesomeness deficiencies.

5.2.3 STEP 3: Inspect Shipping Containers (Master Case) and Selection of 

Menu Samples.

5.2.3.1 IAW Table A, select appropriate sample size for shipping 

container examinations. Obviously damaged shipping cases should not be selected unless they 

are truly representative of the lot. Damaged cases should be set aside, inspected and salvaged.

5.2.3.2 Conduct routine inspections using a single sampling 

plan.

5.2.3.3 Using the defects listed in Table C, the AVI should check 

each sample case for previously opened cases. While this indicator may be the result of 

tampering, each may also be due to other reasons (e.g., a wholesale rework of a lot). The AVI 

will contact their supervisors for guidance if pilferage or tampering is suspected.

5.2.3.4 Open the sample cases to determine how many different menus 

they contain. Religious meal cases are designed to have 12 menus in each case. The AVI may

encounter double packing of two or more menus.
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP08)

1 March 2013

5

5.2.3.5 Using defects listed in Table C, observe each case for signs of 

rodent damage or insect infestation. Post infestation findings on the inspection report, to include:

5.2.3.5.1 Whether the pests were alive or dead.

5.2.3.5.2 Identification of the pests (based on 

entomological or laboratory identification).

5.2.3.5.3 Probable origin of pests (see DLA Troop Support 

Handbook 4155.2, 

paragraph XI.).

5.2.3.5.4 Probable movement of pests. For example, from outside 

the shipping container into the menu bags or vice-versa. 

 

5.2.3.6 Classify each defective case by the most serious defect it 

possesses. 

5.2.4 STEP 4: Perform Closed Package Inspection of Entrée and 

Accessory Packet.

 5.2.4.1 Select the appropriate number of menus IAW Table D. Open the 

case, to include boxes containing entrees and accessory packs, as appropriate, to collect sample 

menus.

5.2.4.2 Inspect the entree for applicable defects in accordance 

with Table G. 

5.2.4.3 Inspect the accessory packs for defects IAW Table F. 

Inspect accessory pack components for defects IAW Table G.

5.2.4.4 Thoroughly examine all pouches and primary packaging under a 

good light source and, if available, with the aid of a magnification lens. When a pouch or 

primary packaging exhibits more than one defect, classify the defect by the most serious defect it 

possesses. However, for the purpose of gathering additional information, note the lesser defects. 

Record the following information for all defective components:

 5.2.4.4.1 Entrée name/nomenclature 

5.2.4.4.2 Assembler's lot number. 

 5.2.4.4.3 Accessory packet component nomenclature and code. 

5.2.4.4.4 Processor's and/or plant name (if available). 
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP08)

1 March 2013

6

5.2.4.4.5 Defect number.

5.2.4.4.6 Specific defect code (if applicable).

 5.2.4.4.7 Narrative description of defect (if necessary). 

 

5.2.4.4.8 Tally defects (Major A, Major B, Minor) according to 

type of component.

5.2.4.5 Discard all components (entrée and accessory packet

components) observed during the inspection with Major A or Major B defects (whether they are 

part of the sample or not). Components not exhibiting defects or those exhibiting only minor 

defects may be reassembled into the lot.

 5.2.4.6 Open component packages with a Major A or Major B packaging 

defect to evaluate the effect the defect has on the product. Record any findings as a note on the 

inspection record. 

NOTE: Do not confuse this inspection with the normal open package inspection. Open 

package inspection is a phase of inspection during which only those components that did not 

show any external Major A or Major B packaging defects are examined.

5.2.5 STEP 5: Perform Destructive Open Package Inspection (DOPI).

 5.2.5.1 Perform open package inspection in accordance with Table H and 

those defects listed in Table J.

 5.2.5.2 If an entrée or accessory packet component already had a defect 

scored against it (regardless of the severity) prior to this point, it cannot be used for DOPI. Draw 

new sample menu to replace those with previous defects, and utilized for DOPI only.

 5.2.5.3 Currently, there are no monographs for the components of the 

religious meals. The AVI will use best judgment when performing DOPI. With the exception of 

the main entrée, all accessory components of the religious meal are commercially available 

items.

 5.2.5.4 Open and inspect each component of the sample menus 

(including all accessory pack items). If no Major A or Major B defects are noted and the action 

number for minor defects is not exceeded during normal open package inspection, this phase of 

the inspection is considered complete.

 5.2.5.5 Classify each defective by the most serious defect it possesses.

5.2.6 STEP 7: Determine if Special Inspection is Required. 

5.2.6.1 Special inspection is required when any action number is 
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP08)

1 March 2013

7

reached/exceeded. If a special inspection is deemed necessary, go to Section 5.3 below for 

procedures.

5.2.6.2 PHCR/PHCD Commander or designated representative may 

waive the Special Inspection if Routine Inspection results reveal that a Special Inspection will 

provide no further useful information to determine disposition of rations. Inspector will annotate 

name of person who grated the Special Inspection waiver on the DSCP Form 5117. 

5.2.7 STEP 8: Determine Disposition.

 5.2.7.1 Determine disposition based on routine inspection results when 

no Major A or Major B defects were noted or the action number for minor defects combined has 

not been reached.

5.2.7.1.1 Downgrade the Condition Code of a lot based on 

special inspection results only. 

5.2.7.1.2 If deemed necessary, submit samples to 

the appropriate supporting laboratory. Place the lot in Condition Code J pending results of the 

tests.

5.2.8 STEP 9: Provide Results and Recommendations to the Accountable

Officer/Agency.

5.2.8.1 Complete DSCP Form 5117, and provide copy of report to 

accountable officer.

 5.2.8.2 Locally file the DSCP Form 5117.

 5.2.8.3 Do not post the inspection report in the Lotus Notes MRE 

Inspection database.

5.3 SPECIAL INSPECTION GUIDANCE.

5.3.1 Background Information: When a special inspection is performed, the 

inspector may choose to inspect all of the components in a menu during the special inspection if 

he/she deems it necessary to ascertain the true condition of the lot. Otherwise, inspect only the 

component(s) that exhibited the defects that initiated the special inspection. All defective 

samples will be classified by the most serious defect they possess.

 5.3.2 STEP 1: Determine Lot Size.

 5.3.2.1 Lot size is expressed as the total number of individual suspected 

defective components as determined during routine inspection (reached/exceeded Action 

Number). Each defective component will be inspected as a separate lot. To determine 

component lot size you will determine the following:
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP08)

1 March 2013

8

5.3.2.1.1 Determine which of the twelve entrees are double 

packed in the case, if the special inspection will be on one of the entrees.

5.3.2.1.2 All accessory pack component items are the same 

for each accessory pack.

 5.3.3 STEP 2: Determine Sample Size for Each Component and Select 

Sample Cases.

5.3.3.1 Determine sample size in accordance with Table B, E or I.

5.3.3.2 Inspect IAW applicable defect table (Table F, G or J).

5.3.3.3 For special inspections, good sample representation of the lot is 

extremely important to help preclude unnecessary destruction. Grand lots shall be subdivided 

and a special inspection will be performed on each Kosher or Halal contractor’s lot. If routine 

inspection defects tend to be associated with a certain lot or lots, inspect these as a single unit(s). 

 

 5.3.4 STEP 3: Determine Disposition of the Lot.

 5.3.4.1 If none of the ANs are reached or exceeded, each menu is 

considered fully useable and the Condition Code of the lot may remain unchanged.

 5.3.4.2 For each AN equaled or exceeded, determine the condition code 

of the lot. Refer to Table N.

 5.3.5 STEP 4: Provide Results and Recommendations to the Accountable 

Officer/Agency. 

5.3.5.1 Complete DSCP Form 5117, and provide copy of report to 

the accountable officer.

5.3.5.2 Locally file the DSCP Form 5117.

 5.3.5.2 Do not post the inspection report in the Lotus Notes MRE 

Inspection database.

5.4 Shelf Life Extensions/Scheduling of Inspections.

5.4.1 At three month interval once the ITD has been reached but the ration is 

still in Condition Code A. 

5.4.2 At one month interval once the ration has been placed in Condition 

Code B. 
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP08)

1 March 2013

9

6.0 RECORD, REPORT, AND FORMS:

 6.1 DSCP Form 5117.

 

6.2 Maintain a copy of the completed DSCP Form 5117 in the local file. 

6.3 DO NOT post religious meal inspection reports in the Lotus Notes MRE Inspection 

database.

6.4 A Customer Visit Report will be completed for each ration inspection to establish a 

record in the ISP application and capture the manpower required.