Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Fruit and

Vegetable

Program

Specialty 

Crops 

Inspection

Division

Commodity Specification 

Frozen Fruit Juices

June 2014
SCI Division Commodity Specifications Frozen Fruit Juices

Effective Date: June 2014 Page 2 of 19

Table of Contents

I. GENERAL..............................................................................................4

A. U.S. Standards....................................................................................................................... 4

B. Exceptions to U.S. Standards................................................................................................ 4

C. Product Origin....................................................................................................................... 4

D. Kosher Products.................................................................................................................... 5

E. Packing Season ..................................................................................................................... 5

F. Shipment ............................................................................................................................... 5

G. Grade of Frozen Fruit Juices................................................................................................. 5

H. Fill of Container.................................................................................................................... 5

I. Packing, Labels and Packaging............................................................................................. 6

J. Universal Product Codes (UPC)........................................................................................... 7

K. Palletization Requirements................................................................................................... 8

L. Shipment and Delivery................................................................................8

II. INDIVIDUAL COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................... 8

 A. Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice..............................................................8

B. Orange Juice from Concentrate in Individual Serving Sizes.......................................... 8

C. Pasteurized Orange Juice in Individual Serving Sizes (Not From Concentrate)............ 8

 D. Apple Juice from Concentrate in Individual Serving Sizes..................................8

 E. Pasteurized Apple Juice in Individual Serving Sizes (Not from Concentrate)............9

III. INSPECTION AND CHECKLOADING................................................................................ 9

 A. Requirements.......................................................................................9

 B. Certification.......................................................................................10

 C. Procedures.........................................................................................10

 D. Laboratory Tests.................................................................................10

IV. FAILURE TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................... 10
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Effective Date: June 2014 Page 3 of 19

V. EXHIBITS.............................................................................................11

 Exhibit 1 Label Requirements for Frozen Fruit Juice Products....................................11

 Exhibit 1-1 Label Requriements for Frozen Fruit Juice in Single Serving Sizes................12

 Exhibit 2 Required Markings for Non Commercial Shipping Containers........................13

 Exhibit 3 Alternative Label for Shipping Containers................................................14

 Exhibit 4 Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers......................................15

 Exhibit 5 Universal Product Codes....................................................................16

 Exhibit 6 "Please Recycle" Symbol and Statement.................................................17

 Exhibit 7 "Corrugated Recycles" Symbol and Statement..........................................18

 Exhibit 8 USDA Symbol................................................................................19
SCI Division Commodity Specifications Frozen Fruit Juices

Effective Date: June 2014 Page 4 of 19

I. General

A. U.S. Standards

Frozen fruit juices (product/commodity) produced under this Commodity Specification 

must meet the requirements specified in the applicable United States Standards for 

Grades of frozen fruit juices (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. 

B. Exceptions to U.S. Standards

Exceptions to the U.S. Standards for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) frozen fruit 

juices purchases are found in Section II, Individual Product Specifications, of this 

document. Additional exceptions may be specified in the applicable Invitation. Any

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

requirements contained herein, for that Solicitation/IFB only. 

C. 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 Section I.F. of 

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 contracts awarded by 

USDA. Such segregation plan must be made available, within 10 days of contract 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 sub-contractors demonstrates the same level of 

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

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. 

4. Contractors must provide the domestic origin certification and supporting documentation 

records to representatives of the AMS Fruit and Vegetable Programs Specialty Crops 

Inspection (SCI) Division (USDA Inspector) when requesting inspection service. USDA 

Inspector will select and review at least one code for each purchase order to determine 

compliance with the Agency's domestic origin requirements. 
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Effective Date: June 2014 Page 5 of 19

5. 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.

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

7. Failure to observe this requirement may lead to suspension or debarment, contract 

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

falsification of information.

D. Kosher Products

Occasionally, USDA solicits offers to sell KOSHER products. Such products are 

identified on the solicitation with the letter “K” incorporated into the WBSCM material 

descriptions. Vendors must comply with the applicable dietary (KOSHER) laws as 

established by the “613 COUNCIL OF KASHRUTH” in the production of these 

commodity products. Vendors must not bid on these purchase units unless they can be 

properly certified. 

Vendors receiving purchase order items identified as “KOSHER” must contact the Board 

of Jewish Education of Greater New York (BJENY) at telephone 646-472-5365 prior to 

manufacturing the commodity product to arrange for certification of compliance with the 

applicable dietary (kosher) laws.

E. Packing Season 

All frozen fruit juices must be from the current packing season/crop year, unless 

otherwise specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB. 

F. Shipment

Shipment of frozen fruit juice must be at 0 degrees (plus or minus 10 degrees).

G. Grade of Frozen Fruit Juices

All frozen fruit juices must be U.S. Grade A (as defined in the U. S. Standards) unless 

otherwise specified in Section II, Individual Commodity Specifications, herein or the 

applicable Solicitation/IFB.

H. Fill of Container

1. Contractor must meet either the drained weight or the fill weight for the product as 

specified in the applicable U.S. Standards unless otherwise indicated herein. Each 

container must be as full as practicable. The product must occupy at least 90 percent 

of the container. 

2. The average fill of container must meet the fill of container as printed on the label and 

the Individual Commodity Specification, Section II. 
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Effective Date: June 2014 Page 6 of 19

I. Packing, Labels and Packaging

Commercial Labels and Packaging

1. Primary Containers 

a. 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 USDA packaging and labeling 

as specified in the Master Solicitation.

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

invitations unless prohibited by the Invitation. Distributor’s “brand” labels are 

not acceptable.

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

(cans/cartons). Frozen fruit juices shall be packed only in the container size and 

type specified in the applicable Invitation. The containers must be suitably code 

marked so that the product can be identified with related inspection certificates.

2. Secondary Containers (tray and case)

Mixing and matching of USDA and commercial labeling methods will not be 

acceptable.

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

(truck load).

USDA Label and Packaging

1. Primary Containers 

• Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice

The product shall be packed in containers of 12/32 fluid ounce size, commercially 

acceptable for the product, and have a minimum average net content of 32 fluid 

ounces, provided, no individual sample unit has a net content less than 31.5 fluid 

ounces.

The containers must be suitably code-marked so that the product can be identified 

with related inspection certificates.

• Orange Juice from Concentrate, Pasteurized Orange Juice, Apple Juice from 

Concentrate, and Pasteurized Apple Juice 

All in individual serving sizes, must be packed in “milk carton type” primary 

containers of food grade quality in accordance with the federal Food and Drug 

Administration’s Food Additives Regulations for commercial retail use containers, 

and have a minimum average net content.

See Exhibits 1 and 1-1 for can/carton labels for concentrated orange juice and juices 

in individual servings.
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Effective Date: June 2014 Page 7 of 19

2. Secondary Container (case) Markings 

The primary containers 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 one inch and must be 

fully glued or sealed with tape. If tape is used in lieu of glue, it 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 of the symbols, 

statements and information contained in Exhibit 2, “Required Markings for Shipping 

Containers”. 

Cases may be marked by printing or stenciling or by preprinted, self-adhesive 

stickers. Self-adhesive stickers must be affixed to the case in such a manner that they 

cannot be removed intact. 

The case markings must be clearly marked, easily read, and substantially the same as 

specified in Exhibit 3. 

Exhibit 4 shows an alternative placard that may be applied to a 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 6, “Please Recycle” 

Symbol and Statement or Exhibit 7, “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement. 

Shipping cases for juices in individual serving sizes shall contain the statement 

“KEEP FROZEN AT 0°F OR LOWER UNTIL THAWED FOR USE”, printed, 

stamped, or labeled on each case in nominal size lettering. Identity coding must be 

on the shipping cases which shall be commercial grade with commercial markings as 

required by the Federal Food and Drug Administration.

J. Universal Product Codes (UPC)

Contractor UPC’s are acceptable for primary containers of product shipped utilizing 

commercial labels and/or secondary fiberboard cases enclosing commercially labeled 

product. 

Primary label and shipping container Universal Product Codes for USDA products are 

listed in Exhibit 5. The Contractor’s UPC is not acceptable. The primary container UPC 

must be positioned on the can label as shown in Exhibit 1. The shipping container UPC 

must be marked on the case as shown in Exhibit 2. 

UPC’s are not required for commercial labeling with tray pack shipping containers.
SCI Division Commodity Specifications Frozen Fruit Juices

Effective Date: June 2014 Page 8 of 19

K. Palletization Requirements

1. 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.

2. Unitization

Each delivery unit of frozen fruit juice 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. 

L. Shipment and Delivery

1. Quantity Tolerance

Contractor will be allowed a tolerance on the final delivery of plus or minus 50 cases of 

each product, from each shipping point named in the purchase order.

II. Individual Commodity Specifications

A. Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice

Grade – The Grade of frozen concentrated orange juice delivered under this 

Announcement shall meet the description and quality requirement of U.S. Grade A, 

unsweetened, frozen concentrated orange juice. 

Exception: The Brix-Acid Ratio shall be not less than 14.0:1 and no greater than 19.5:1. 

The product shall be packed in containers of 12/32 fluid ounces.

B. Orange Juice from Concentrate in Individual Serving Sizes

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A.

2. Primary Container Size – 4-ounce individual serving cartons.

3. Count – 70 cartons per case.

4. Net Weight – 19 pounds per case.

5. Inspection – USDA in-plant inspection required.

6. Shelf Life – No more than 6 months if kept frozen, ten days after thawing. 

C. Pasteurized Orange Juice in Individual Serving Sizes (Not From Concentrate)

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A.

2. Primary Container Size – 4-ounce individual serving cartons.
SCI Division Commodity Specifications Frozen Fruit Juices

Effective Date: June 2014 Page 9 of 19

3. Count – 70 cartons per case.

4. Net Weight – 19 pounds per case.

5. Inspection – USDA in-plant inspection required.

6. Shelf Life – No more than 6 months if kept frozen, ten days after thawing. 

D. Apple Juice from Concentrate in Individual Serving Sizes

1. Quality and Analytical Requirement – Must be equivalent to the analytical and 

quality requirements of U.S. Grade A Canned Apple Juice. The finished product 

shall be fortified to contain at least 34 milligrams of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) per 

100 milliliters of apple juice. (Label indications of Vitamin C fortification are 

required).

2. Primary Container Size – 4-ounce individual serving cartons.

3. Count – 70 cartons per case.

4. Net weight – 19 pounds per case.

5. Inspection – USDA in-plant inspection of final product required.

6. Shelf Life – No more than 6 months if kept frozen, 10 days after thawing.

E. Pasteurized Apple Juice in Individual Serving Sizes (Not from Concentrate)

1. Quality and Analytical Requirement – Must be equivalent to the analytical and 

quality requirements of U.S. Grade A Canned Apple Juice.

2. Primary Container Size – 4-ounce individual serving cartons.

3. Count – 70 cartons per case.

4. Net Weight – 19 pounds per case.

5. Inspection – USDA in-plant inspection of final product required.

6. Shelf Life – No more than 6 months if kept frozen, 10 days after thawing.

III. Inspection and Checkloading

A. Requirements

NOTE: USDA inspection shall be made during on-line production of the product. 

Representatives of the AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Program, Specialty Crops Inspection 

(SCI) Division (USDA Inspector) must perform the inspection and checkloading. See 

section IX.A of 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.

Inspection of frozen fruit juice products must be performed not more than 60 days prior 

to shipment. Whether each lot offered meets the product and container requirements of 
SCI Division Commodity Specifications Frozen Fruit Juices

Effective Date: June 2014 Page 10 of 19

the contract 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 Canned Fruits and Vegetables and Related Products (7 

C.F.R. Part 52), and United States Standards for Condition of Food Containers (7 C.F.R. 

Part 42.140), effective on the date of the Invitation.

Temperature – All frozen foods shall be held, and stored at an air temperature of 0

degrees F, or lower. The internal product temperature of the frozen fruit juices shall be

maintained at 0 degrees F, and at time of loading may not exceed 10 degrees F. Carrier

temperature shall be determined after the product is loaded.

B. Certification

Subject to (See section IX.A of the Master Solicitation) the acceptability of the quality, 

weight, packaging, and checkloading of the product must be evidenced by certificates 

issued by the USDA Inspector. 

No product shall be shipped unless the USDA Inspector informs the Contractor that a 

designated lot is acceptable. Notice by the USDA Inspector that a designated lot 

scheduled for shipment does not meet requirements of the contract shall constitute 

rejection of such lot.

Contractors may request in writing that the USDA accept delivery of a lot shipped 

without certification. The USDA, at its option, may accept delivery, provided that the lot 

passes inspection by a USDA Inspector at the point of destination. If the USDA exercises 

this option, the contractor will be assessed a 10 percent liquidated damages and cost of 

inspection.

C. Procedures

The Contractor must give the USDA Inspector at least 7 days advance notice when 

scheduling inspection service. Prior to sampling, the Contractor must furnish the USDA 

Inspector with a list of codes and the approximate number of cases per code. 

Contractors are encouraged to submit requests for inspection in writing with verifiable 

receipt notice, such as fax log, to alleviate possible miscommunication.

D. Laboratory Tests

The Contractor must allow 14 days after product sampling for laboratory tests (when 

required) to be completed and returned. 

IV. Failure to Meet Specifications

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

acceptable for delivery. If any lot of frozen fruit juices fails to meet the product or 

packaging requirement, the Contractor may request in writing that USDA accept delivery 

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

the contract price less a discount, to be determined by the Contracting Officer.
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Effective Date: June 2014 Page 11 of 19

V. Exhibits

Exhibit 1

Labeling Requirements for Frozen Fruit Juice Products

The printing on the containers must be arranged substantially as indicated in the exhibit shown 

below. The wording is restricted to that shown in the exhibit. All words must be printed in 

sufficient size to show prominently on the container.

ALL PRINTING TO BE IN BLACK INK

 FRONT PANEL BACK PANEL

 ( PRODUCT NAME) : (PRODUCT NAME)

 (Product style or pack if applicable) : (Product style or pack if applicable)

 : (Packing media if applicable)

 :

 : 

: INGREDIENTS 1/

: 

: KEEP FROZEN AT 0°F OR LOWER

 : 

 : PACKED BY _____________ 3/

 : 4/

 NET WEIGHT ___________ 2/ : :

 5/ :

______________________________________________________________________________

1/ Ingredients must be listed in descending order of predominance.

2/ Insert the net weight (net weight must be expressed in metric as well as avoirdupois units).

3/ Insert month and year packed (the first month of packing season is acceptable).

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”).

 

 
SCI Division Commodity Specifications Frozen Fruit Juices

Effective Date: June 2014 Page 12 of 19

Exhibit 1-1

Labeling Requirements for Frozen Fruit Juice Products

(Individual Serving Sizes)

The printing on the containers must be arranged substantially as indicated in the exhibit shown 

below. The wording is restricted to that shown in the exhibit. All words must be printed in 

sufficient size to show prominently on the container.

ALL PRINTING TO BE IN BLACK INK

 FRONT PANEL BACK PANEL

 ( PRODUCT NAME) : (PRODUCT NAME)

 (Product style or pack if applicable) : (Product style or pack if applicable)

 : (Packing media if applicable)

 :

 : INGREDIENTS 1/

 : 

 : KEEP FROZEN AT 0°F OR LOWER 3/ 

 : 

: PACKED BY _____________ 4/ 

 NET WEIGHT ___________ 2/ : 5/

 :

 6/ : 

______________________________________________________________________________

1/ Ingredients must be listed in descending order of predominance.

2/ Insert the net weight (net weight must be expressed in metric as well as avoirdupois units).

3/ Insert the statement “CHILLED”, “KEEP CHILLED” or “KEEP FROZEN”.

4/ Insert month and year packed (the first month of packing season is acceptable).

5/ 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.

6/ Insert Universal Product Code (see Exhibit “4”).

 

 
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Effective Date: June 2014 Page 13 of 19

 Exhibit 2

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/

4/

USDA SYMBOL 5/

KEEP FROZEN AT 0° OR LOWER 

 

Product name must be printed or stenciled on a separate line in letters at least three-fourths inch 

high, and all other information must be in letters less than three-fourths inch but at least threeeighths 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

2/ Insert the size and number of packages per case, i.e. 12/32 ounce can, 6/5 pound bags, 12/46 

ounce can, 1/25 pound bag.

3/ Insert the last five digits of 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 “5”).

 Recycle symbols and statements can be placed on bottom panels (Exhibit “6” and “7”)

 
SCI Division Commodity Specifications Frozen Fruit Juices

Effective Date: June 2014 Page 14 of 19

Exhibit 3

Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

(Includes all Required Information)

Product Name

Style

Packing Media

Size/Number per case

 Purchase Order Number xxxxx

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999

KEEP FROZEN AT 0° OR LOWER 

1234567891012345678910
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Effective Date: June 2014 Page 15 of 19

Exhibit 4

Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

FROZEN 

CONCENTRATED 

ORANGE JUICE

12/32 oz. cans

Purchase Order Number xxxxx

 

 Packed by: ABC Growers

 Any Town, CA 99999

KEEP FROZEN AT 0° OR LOWER 

 

 1 11 07 15001 01434 1
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Effective Date: June 2014 Page 16 of 19

Exhibit 5

Universal Product Codes

 WBSCM

Fruit Juice Materials Primary Container Secondary Container

Frozen Conc. Orange Juice – 12/32 oz 100276 7 15001 00276 9 1 07 15001 00276 2

Pasteurized Single Strength – 70/4 oz 100277 7 15001 00277 2 1 07 15001 00277 5

K Orange Juice Conc. FRZ Can – 12/32 oz 110057 7 15001 10057 7 1 07 15001 10057 0
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Effective Date: June 2014 Page 17 of 19

Exhibit 6

“Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement

PLEASE

RECYCLE
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Effective Date: June 2014 Page 18 of 19

Exhibit 7

“Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement
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Exhibit 8

USDA Symbol