U Marketing and

Regulatory

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Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Specialty

Crops

Program

Commodity Specification 

for Shelled Tree Nuts

April 2020
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Commodity Specification for Shelled Tree Nuts

Table of Contents

General........................................................................................................................................... 1

U.S. Standards................................................................................................................................. 1

Exceptions to U.S. Standards.......................................................................................................... 1

Product Origin................................................................................................................................. 1

Packing Season ............................................................................................................................... 2

Grade of Shelled Tree Nuts ............................................................................................................. 2

Labels and Packaging................................................................................................................... 2

Primary Containers (Packages and Labeling)................................................................................. 2

Secondary Containers (case) for Commercial Labels..................................................................... 3

Secondary Containers (case) for Non-Commercial Labels ............................................................ 3

Universal Product Codes (UPC).................................................................................................. 4

Palletization Requirements .......................................................................................................... 4

Pallets.............................................................................................................................................. 4

Unitization....................................................................................................................................... 4

Sampling ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Individual Commodity Specifications......................................................................................... 4

Shelled Almonds......................................................................................................................... 4

Shelled Walnuts.......................................................................................................................... 6

Pistachio Nuts in the Shell.......................................................................................................... 7

Inspection and Checkloading....................................................................................................... 8

Requirements .................................................................................................................................. 8

Procedures....................................................................................................................................... 8

Failure to Meet Specifications...................................................................................................... 8

Exhibits........................................................................................................................................ 10

Exhibit 1 - Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers................................. 10

Exhibit 2 - Alternative Label for Shipping Containers................................................................. 11

Exhibit 3 - Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers.................................................... 12

Exhibit 4 - Universal Product Codes ............................................................................................ 13

Exhibit 5 - “Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement.................................................................... 14

Exhibit 6 - “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement .......................................................... 15

Exhibit 7 - USDA Symbol ............................................................................................................ 16
Commodity Specification Shelled Tree Nuts

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 1 of 16

GENERAL 

U.S. Standards

Shelled tree nuts produced under this Commodity Specification must meet the requirements 

specified in the applicable United States Standards for Grades of shelled nuts (U.S. Standards) 

effective on the date of the Solicitation/Invitation for Bid (IFB). The U.S. Standards are 

published separately and are incorporated herein and made a part of this Commodity 

Specification.

Exceptions to U.S. Standards

Additional exceptions may be specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB. Any exceptions 

contained in the applicable Solicitation/IFB shall have precedence over the requirements 

contained herein, for that Solicitation/IFB only.

Product Origin

1. Commodities delivered pursuant to this Commodity Specification shall have originated 

from crops that have been 100 percent grown, processed, and packed in the United 

States, its territories or possessions, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the Trust 

Territories of the Pacific Islands, (hereinafter referred to as the United States). See the 

Master Solicitation.

2. If the contractor handles any commodity originating from sources other than the 

United States, the contractor must have a written plan to segregate the commodity. 

This segregation plan will include an identification and record system for all 

commodities to ensure they are completely segregated and cannot be used to fulfill 

purchase orders awarded by USDA. Such segregation plan must be made available, 

within 10 days of purchase order award, to representatives of the Agricultural 

Marketing Service (AMS).

3. The contractor must maintain positive written documentation records evidencing 100 

percent domestic origin to the grower level. Contractors must also ensure that the 

documentation provided by any subcontractors demonstrates the same level of 

traceability. The burden of proof of compliance is on the contractor.

4. Documentation may include load or warehouse storage receipts for raw product (i.e., 

bin tags), product blend (formulation) records, product coding explanations, finished 

product warehousing records, shipping or payment records, or other documentation or 

evidence that clearly establishes the product's domestic origin.

5. Contractors must provide the domestic origin certification and supporting 

documentation records to representatives of the AMS, Specialty Crops Program, 

Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division (USDA Inspector) when requesting 

inspection service. USDA Inspectors will select and review at least one code for each 
Commodity Specification Shelled Tree Nuts

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 2 of 16 

purchase order or contract to determine compliance with the Agency's domestic origin 

requirements.

6. Such records must be available for review by the Government in accordance with FAR 

52.214-26. In the event of an audit, AMS auditors will examine as many codes as is 

necessary to verify compliance.

7. Self-certifications by contractors and subcontractors will not be accepted.

8. Failure to observe this requirement may lead to suspension or debarment, purchase 

order termination, and penalties at Title 18, Section 1001 of the U.S. Code concerning 

falsification of information. 

Packing Season 

All shelled tree nuts must be from the current packing season/crop year, unless otherwise 

specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB.

Grade of Shelled Tree Nuts

All shelled tree nuts must be U.S. Commercial Grade (as defined in the U. S. Standards) 

unless otherwise specified in Section II, Individual Product Specifications, herein or the 

applicable Solicitation/IFB.

LABELS AND PACKAGING

Primary Containers (Packages and Labeling) 

1. Vendors have the option to use commercial labeling and packaging which meets all 

applicable FDA requirements and contains a code which allows traceability of the 

product in the event of a recall or they may use non-commercial packaging and labeling 

as specified in the Master Solicitation. 

2. The processors’ own commercially acceptable “brand” labels may be used on all 

Solicitations/IFBs. Distributor’s “brand” labels are not acceptable. 

3. All products must be packed in new, commercially acceptable primary containers 

(packages). Shelled tree nuts shall be packed only in the container size and type specified 

in the applicable Solicitation/IFB. The primary package must be suitably code marked so 

that the product can be identified with related inspection certificates. 

4. Product packed in bags must be effectively heat sealed. 

5. For packages 3 pounds or less, labels must also meet the following formatting criteria: 
Commodity Specification Shelled Tree Nuts

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 3 of 16

a. Must include, at a minimum, Two (2) colors, in addition to black and or white. 

b. Must incorporate a graphic (photo or illustration) depicting the product/contents 

on the principal display panel if the packages are not clear or contain an 

adequate viewing window. 

c. Suitably code marked so that the product can be identified with related inspection 

certificates. 

Secondary Containers (case) for Commercial Labels 

1. Primary containers shall be further enclosed within new, corrugated fiberboard cartons 

(cases) acceptable by common or other carriers for safe storage and transportation to 

destinations. 

2. Case flaps, gaps, and other openings may not exceed 1 inch and must be fully sealed with 

tape. The tape used must be clear and of commercially acceptable width and strength. 

The tape must extend at least two inches down the sides or ends. 

3. Mixing and matching of commercial and non-commercial labeling methods will not be 

acceptable. 

4. Two or more different commercial labels will not be acceptable within a shipping unit 

(truck load). 

Secondary Containers (case) for Non-Commercial Labels

Packages with non-commercial labels shall be further enclosed within new, corrugated 

fiberboard cartons (cases) acceptable by common or other carriers for safe transportation to 

destinations. Flaps, gaps and other openings may not exceed 1 inch and must be fully sealed with 

tape. The tape used, must be clear and of commercially acceptable width and strength. The tape 

must extend at least two inches down the sides or ends. 

Cases must be marked in such a manner that they contain all the required symbols, statements 

and information contained in Exhibits 1, 2 or 3 as applicable. 

Use of USDA Symbol is optional.

Cases may be marked by printing or stenciling or by preprinted, self-adhesive stickers. Selfadhesive stickers must be affixed to the case in such a manner that they cannot be removed 

intact. 

Exact arrangement and adherence to font size is not required. The case markings must be clearly 

marked, easily read, and substantially the same as specified in Exhibit 1, 2 or 3 as applicable.
Commodity Specification Shelled Tree Nuts

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 4 of 16 

Exhibit 3 shows an alternative placard that may be applied to a non-commercial, new, corrugated 

fiberboard case acceptable by common or other carriers for safe transportation to destinations. 

This placard must be affixed to the case in such a manner that it cannot be removed intact. 

Cases must have the recycling statement shown in Exhibit 5, “Please Recycle” Symbol and 

Statement or Exhibit 6, “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement. 

UNIVERSAL PRODUCT CODES (UPC)

Contractor UPCs are acceptable for primary containers with commercial labels and/or secondary 

fiberboard cases enclosing commercially labeled product.

UPCs are not required for commercial labeling with tray pack shipping containers. 

Products with alternative, non-commercial labels must use the UPCs listed in Exhibit 4 on the 

primary and secondary containers. 

PALLETIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Pallets

Products must be on 48 X 40-inch, non-reversible, flush stringer, and partial four-way entry. 

New pallets must be good quality wood. Used pallets must be No.1 hardwood or its equivalent in 

new softwood. Broken or damaged pallets are unacceptable. If pallet exchange is desired, the 

contractor shall arrange for pallet exchange with consignees. USDA is in no way responsible for 

arrangement of pallet exchange.

Unitization

Each delivery unit of shelled tree nuts must be unitized. Shipping cases must be stacked and 

secured from top to bottom, so that each container and layer of containers becomes an integral 

part of the pallet. Either stretch wrapping with plastic film or “lock ‘n pop” is acceptable. The 

palletized product must be loaded in the conveyance in such a way that will prevent shifting and 

damage to the containers of product. 

Sampling

Samples to determine grade, size, and microbiological examination will be drawn by the Federal 

or Federal-State Inspection Service prior to roasting (unless otherwise specified). 

Microbiological examination will be performed by the laboratory designated by the Federal or 

Federal- State Inspection Service or specified in the individual commodity specification. 

INDIVIDUAL COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS

Shelled Almonds 

1. Grade: U.S. No. 1 Grade prior to roasting, which includes a chip and scratch 
Commodity Specification Shelled Tree Nuts

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 5 of 16

allowance of 10 percent.

a. Mission variety must meet all the requirements of U.S. No. 1 grade with 

the exception of an additional 10 percent chip and scratch allowance 

(20% total) prior to roasting.

2. Types:

a. Whole Natural and Whole Roasted

b. U.S. No. 1 pieces, as contained the United States Standards for Grades of 

Shelled Almonds of March 24, 1997

3. Group: Nonpareil, California, Neplus, or Mission 

4. Size: 30 –32

5. Pack Size: 12/2 lb.

6. Chemical:

a. Moisture

i. 3.5 percent maximum (Roasted)

ii. 6.5 percent maximum (Natural)

b. Aflaxtoxin: 10 ppb orless

c. Shelled almonds shall be treated with Propylene Oxide (PPO) or other 

validated methods such as steam treatment that achieves a minimum 

of 4 log reduction of Salmonella bacteria. Verification that such 

treatment has been performed must be provided to the USDA inspector.

d. Samples for chemical, microbiological and moisture specifications will be 

drawn by the Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service and certified by 

the Dried Fruit Association of California (CDFA) or Safe Food Alliance. 

7. Roasted can be nitrogen flushed or vacuum packed.

8. Inspection must be done before roasting.

9. A certificate issued by the CDFA (Safe Food Alliance) for conformance with 

the above chemical and microbiological specifications is required. (See invoices 

and payment)
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Effective Date: April 2020 Page 6 of 16

Shelled Walnuts

1. Grade: U.S. Commercial Grade or better.

2. Variety: English or Persian varieties of (Juglansregia).

3. Size: Must be - Pieces, or Pieces and halves, or Halves. (No mixing of size designations)

a. 24/1-pounds

4. Color: 

a. light amber or better

b. Red (no color requirements). “Red” color shall not be mixed with “light amber,” 

or lighter colors.

5. Flavor/odor: Must have good flavor and odor and be free of any off or objectionable flavors 

and odors, such as rancidity.

6. Naturally derived and may be antioxidant coated.

7. Chemical

a. Aflatoxin: 20 ppb or less.

b. Peroxide value (PV): 2.8 meq/kg or less.

c. Free fatty acid (FFA): 1.25% or less.

8. Moisture: 4.3 percent maximum

9. Microbiological

a. Total Plate Count: 50,000/gram maximum

b. E. coli: Negative

c. Shelled walnuts shall be treated with Propylene Oxide (PPO) or other validated 

methods such as steam treatment that achieves a minimum of 4 log reduction of 

Salmonella bacteria. Verification that such treatment has been performed must be 

provided to the USDA inspector.

d. Samples for chemical, microbiological and moisture specifications must be drawn by 

the Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service and certified by the CDFA (Safe 

Food Alliance).
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Effective Date: April 2020 Page 7 of 16

e. A certificate issued by the CDFA for conformance with the above chemical and 

microbiological specifications is required. (See invoices and payment)

10. Certification: Walnuts packed in bulk containers to be sent to other facilities for 

final packaging may be inspected to the quality requirements of a Solicitation at an 

applicant’s/vendor request. If the bulk containers are inspected for quality 

requirements at the bulk supplier’s facility, then the product must be PLI’d and 

received intact by a USDA employee at the receiving facility. The sampling for 

moisture, and the microbiological analysis will take place at the location after the 

final packaging occurs.

11. Shipping: All walnuts packaged into their final form (24/1 lb.) for recipient 

distribution, will be transported so that they will reach the final destination within 

five-days.

12. Case markings for all shelled walnuts shall include the statement: “STORE UNDER 

REFRIGERATION 35 TO 40 DEGREES F.”

Pistachio Nuts in the Shell

1. Grade: Prior to roasting the pistachios must be U.S. Extra No. 1 as defined in the United 

States Standards for Grades of Pistachio Nuts in the Shell. 

2. Size: Large – 21 to 25 average number of nuts per ounce. 

3. Moisture: average must not exceed 7 percent.

4. Sodium: Shall not exceed 120 mg per 1 oz. as evidenced by Nutritional Facts Panel.

5. Fumigation: The pistachios shall be treated with Propylene Oxide (PPO) or other 

validated methods such as steam treatment that achieves a minimum of 4 log reduction of 

Salmonella bacteria. Verification that such treatment has been performed must be 

provided to the USDA inspector. 

6. Microbiological 

To be determined prior to roasting:

a. Aflaxtoxin: 15ppb or less.

To be determined after roasting:

b. Total Aerobic Plate Count: 10,000/gram or less 

c. E. coli: Negative 

d. Salmonella: Negative in 25 grams
Commodity Specification Shelled Tree Nuts

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 8 of 16

7. Package size/type: 25/1 or 12/2 pound (as specified in the Solicitation/IFB) clear poly

8. Truckload case count: 1,640 cases 

9. If shipping point is not also the facility where the pistachios are packaged into household 

size bags for distribution, then the shipper will supply the packaging point (facility) with 

the U.S. Grading Certificate as well as a Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing the 

results of moisture and microbiological results.

INSPECTION AND CHECKLOADING

Requirements

Representatives of the AMS, Specialty Crops Program, SCI Division (USDA Inspector) must 

perform the inspection and checkloading. See the Master Solicitation. The cost of inspection, 

samples taken for inspection, mailing of review samples submitted for evaluation, and any 

chemical analysis required for testing shall be for the account of the Contractor.

The shelled tree nuts shall be inspected, certified, and Positive Lot Identification made by the 

Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service in accordance with the Agricultural Marketing Act of 

1946. Subject to See the Master Solicitation, the acceptable. Notice by the USDA Inspector that 

a designated lot scheduled for shipment does not meet requirements of the purchase order shall 

constitute rejection of such lot.

Inspection for grade will have been performed within 30 days prior to shipment for Shelled Nuts, 

with the exception of roasted almonds. Inspection for grade will have been performed within 60 

days prior to shipment for roasted almonds.

Whether each lot offered meets the product and container requirements of the purchase order 

must be determined on the basis of representative sample units. Representative sample units will 

be graded according to the Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of Shelled Nuts 

and Vegetables and Related Products (7 C.F.R. part 51), and United States Standards for 

Condition of Food Containers (7 C.F.R. part 42.140), effective on the date of the 

Solicitation/IFB.

Procedures

The Contractor must give the USDA Inspector at least 72 hours advance notice when 

scheduling inspection service. Contractors are encouraged to submit requests for inspection in 

writing with verifiable receipt notice, such as email, to alleviate possible miscommunication.

FAILURE TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS

Any lot which fails applicable specifications prescribed herein will be rejected as not 

acceptable for delivery. If any lot of shelled nuts fails to meet the product or packaging 

requirement, the Contractor may request in writing that USDA accept delivery of the lot. 
Commodity Specification Shelled Tree Nuts

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 9 of 16

USDA may, at its option, accept delivery, provided that the purchase price is the purchase 

order price less a discount, to be determined by the Contracting Officer.
Commodity Specification Shelled Tree Nuts

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 10 of 16

EXHIBITS

Exhibit 1 - Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers

(All printing to be in black ink)

BOTH SIDE PANELS BOTH END PANELS

PRODUCT NAME PRODUCT NAME

1/ PURCHASE ORDER NO. 3/

2/

USDA SYMBOL – USDA Symbol is Optional 4/

STORE IN COOL, DRY PLACE

5/

Product name must be printed or stenciled on a separate line in letters at least threefourths inch high, and all other information must be in letters less than three-fourths inch 

but at least three-eighths inch high. The USDA Food Symbol must be printed, stamped, or 

labeled and be of sufficient size to stand out prominently. Case markings must be limited 

to case codes and those contained in this Exhibit.

1/ Insert any additional product style, pack, packing media, or further definition

as applicable; (i.e. Sliced, Cut, Chopped, etc.).

2/ Insert the size and number of packages per case, i.e. 24/1, 30 pound. 

3/ Insert the last five digits of the purchase order number.

4/ Insert name of Packer and Packer's Address - City, State, and Zip Code. This

information can be placed on the end panels or the side panels.

5/ Insert Universal Product Code (see Exhibit "4").

Recycle symbols and statements can be placed on bottom panels (Exhibit “5” and 

“6”).
Commodity Specification Shelled Tree Nuts

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 11 of 16

Exhibit 2 - Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

(Includes all Required Information)

Product Name

Pack Size/Number 

per case 

Purchase Order # 

Packed by: ABC Growers 

Any Town, CA 99999

USDA Symbol is Optional

 

STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE

1234567891012345678910
Commodity Specification Shelled Tree Nuts

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 12 of 16

Exhibit 3 - Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

Shelled 

Walnuts

30-pounds Purchase Order Number XXXX

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999

 USDA Symbol is Optional

STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE

1 11 07 15001 01434 1
Commodity Specification Shelled Tree Nuts

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 13 of 16

Exhibit 4 - Universal Product Codes

Shelled Tree Nuts WBSCM 

Material

Primary 

Container Secondary Container

Walnut Eng PCS (24/1 lb.) 100908 7 15001 00908 1 1 07 15001 00908 8

Pistachios In-Shell (25/1 lb.) 111078 7 15001 11078 7 1 07 15001 11078 4

Pistachios In-Shell (12/2 lb.) 111090 7 15001 11090 9 1 07 15001 11090 6
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Effective Date: April 2020 Page 14 of 16

Exhibit 5 - “Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement

PLEASE 

RECYCLE
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Effective Date: April 2020 Page 15 of 16

Exhibit 6 - “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement
Commodity Specification Shelled Tree Nuts

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 16 of 16

Exhibit 7 - USDA Symbol

The USDA Symbol is Optional