Food specifications

Commodities distributed to WFP's recipients are of good quality, safe for human consumption and meet required specifications. You will find WFP's official specifications [WFP], WFP's local specifications [Country name], and Codex Alimentarius references.

Specifications used by WFP are international specifications or national specifications both by the producing countries and in some cases from importing countries.

What is a commodity specification?

A specification is a written description of a commodity, and it includes the specific requirements that the vendor must follow to meet the World Food Programme's  contract for delivering our commodities.

What information is contained in a specification?

A specification contains standards relating to the quality, appearance and delivery of the product: conditions under which it is to be grown or produced, packed, stored and transported; explicit descriptions regarding its size, weight, color and nutrient content; details of the inspection process; and specific packing and labeling requirements. All requirements for purchase of commodity products are included in the specification.