(4) When contractual requirements cannot be obtained, notify your
supervisor immediately and continue to inspect the product for characteristics
associated with that product.
b. STEP 2. Inspect the conveyance or storage area, if necessary to determine
temperature, cleanliness of vehicle or storage area and presence of off-odors. Detailed
procedures for inspecting a conveyance or storage area can be found in subcourse
MD0694, Basic Food Inspection Procedures and MD0717, Storage and Sanitation.
c. STEP 3. Select the samples in accordance with (IAW) the inspection data
packet.
(1)
The sample size for prime vendor inspections is IAW local SOP.
(2) The sample size for wholesale and retail activities (other than prime
vendor) is IAW the VETCOM Handbook 40-5.
(3) Sample size for all surveillance inspections is IAW AR 40-656 or
purchasing agency directives.
d. STEP 4. Determine the approved source status or exempt status of product.
All meat items procured in CONUS must originate from plants where the product is
inspected for wholesomeness by the USDA. This is indicated by the inspection legend
placed directly on the carcass on each primal cut or on the marked end of the sealed
container (packing). Also determine if the product complies with the Berry Amendment
which requires all items be 100 percent grown and produced in the US, unless
otherwise given special exempt status by the contract (this does not apply to
commissaries, exchanges and non-appropriated fund instrumentalities).
(1) Beef and pork sources may be listed in the USDA Meat and Poultry
Inspection Directory. This publication is available for order on the world wide web at:
(2) Other beef and pork sources may be listed in the USDA Foreign
Countries and Plants Certified to Export Meat and Poultry to the US or VETCOM
Circular 40-1.
(3)
Any exceptions to (1) and (2) above will be outlined in the contractual
documents.
e. STEP 5. Determine compliance with the requirement for correct packaging,
packing, and marking. In some instances, meat items must be packaged in Cryovac
plastic bags. The IMPS lists some packaging and packing options available to the
purchaser, but other options are available. The purchaser is responsible to specify
which IMPS option they desire or if there are any other specific requirements. The
requirements should be stated in the contractual documents.
MD0710
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