U Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Specialty

Crops

Program

Specialty 

Crops 

Inspection

Division

Commodity Specification 

for Frozen Potato 

Products

September 2017
“SCI moving forward in the 21st Century using technology, innovation, and old fashioned hard work”

Non-Discrimination Policy: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department 

of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and 

employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited 

from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including 

gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, 

income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for 

prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases 

apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program 

information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact 

the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or 

contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program 

information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination 

Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint

and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the 

information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-

9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
i

Commodity Specification for 

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

Kosher Products.............................................................................................................................. 2

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

Shipment ......................................................................................................................................... 2

Grade of Frozen Potatoes................................................................................................................ 2

Fill of Container.............................................................................................................................. 2

Packing, Labels and Packaging ................................................................................................... 3

Commercial Labels and Packaging................................................................................................. 3

Primary Containers..................................................................................................................... 3

Secondary Containers (Case)...................................................................................................... 3

USDA Labels and Packaging.......................................................................................................... 3

Primary Containers (bags) .......................................................................................................... 3

Secondary Containers (Case)...................................................................................................... 4

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

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

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

Unitization .................................................................................................................................. 5

Shipment and Delivery ................................................................................................................... 5

Quantity Tolerance ..................................................................................................................... 5

Individual Commodity Specifications......................................................................................... 5

Frozen French-Cut Strips................................................................................................................ 5

Preformed Rounds .......................................................................................................................... 6

Additional Quality Factors.............................................................................................................. 7

Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) Frozen Cut Potato Wedges........................................................ 7

TYPE I – Water/oil blanched...................................................................................................... 8

TYPE II – Fat free water blanched – baked, micro waved, or roasted....................................... 8

Frozen Sweet Potato Strips............................................................................................................. 9

Frozen Waffle-Cut Sweet Potatoes............................................................................................... 10

Inspection and Checkloading..................................................................................................... 11

Inspection...................................................................................................................................... 11

Temperature .................................................................................................................................. 11

Certification .................................................................................................................................. 11

Procedures..................................................................................................................................... 11

Laboratory Tests ........................................................................................................................... 12

Failure to Meet Specifications.................................................................................................... 12

Exhibits........................................................................................................................................ 13

Exhibit 1––Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers ................................ 13

Exhibit 2––Alternative Label for Shipping Containers................................................................ 14

Exhibit 3––Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers................................................... 15

Exhibit 4 ––Universal Product Codes........................................................................................... 16

Exhibit 5––“Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement................................................................... 17
ii

Exhibit 6––“Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement.......................................................... 18

Exhibit 7––USDA Symbol ........................................................................................................... 19
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: September 2017 Page 1 of 19

GENERAL

U.S. Standards

Frozen potato products (product/commodity) produced under this Commodity Specification must 

meet the requirements specified in the applicable United States Standards for Grades of Frozen 

French Fried Potatoes or United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Sweet potatoes, (U.S. 

Standards) and/or the Commercial Item Description (CID) effective on the date of the 

Solicitation/Invitation for Bid (IFB). The U.S. Standards and CIDs are published separately and 

are incorporated herein and made a part of this Commodity Specification.

Exceptions to U.S. Standards

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

sweet potato product purchases are found in Section II, Individual Commodity Specifications, of 

this document. 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 Section I., F. of 

the AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurements.

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.

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 Program, Specialty Crops 

Inspection (SCI) Division (USDA Inspector) when requesting inspection service. USDA
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: September 2017 Page 2 of 19

Inspectors will select and review at least one code for each contract to determine

compliance with the Agency's domestic origin requirements.

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, purchase

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

concerning falsification of information.

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.

Packing Season

All frozen potato products must be from the current packing season/crop year, unless otherwise 

specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB.

Shipment

Frozen potatoes must be shipped at 0 degrees F (plus or minus 10 degrees F).

Grade of Frozen Potatoes

All frozen potato products 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.

Fill of Container

1. Contractor must meet the fill weight for the product as specified in the applicable U.S.

Standards unless otherwise indicated herein.
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: September 2017 Page 3 of 19

2. The average net weight must meet the net weight as printed on the label and the

Individual Commodity Specification Section II

PACKING, LABELS AND PACKAGING

Commercial Labels and Packaging

Primary Containers

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 USDA packaging and labeling as 

specified in the AMS Master Solicitation.

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

unless prohibited by the Solicitation. Distributor’s “brand” labels are not acceptable.

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

potato products shall be packed only in the container size and type specified in the 

applicable Solicitation. The packages must be suitably code marked so that the product 

can be identified with related inspection certificates.

Secondary Containers (Case)

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

(cases) acceptable by common or other carriers for safe transportation to destinations.

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

tape. Tape 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 USDA and commercial labeling methods will not be acceptable.

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

(truckload).

USDA Labels and Packaging

Primary Containers (bags)

1. The product shall be packed in unmarked primary containers of commercially acceptable 

quality containing approximately five pounds of each product as applicable. The primary 

containers shall be completely sealed (tack sealing is not acceptable). Kraft paper 

containers without polyethylene liners are not acceptable. Commercial plastic bags are 

acceptable for primary containers.
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Effective Date: September 2017 Page 4 of 19

2. The bags must be suitably code marked so that the product can be identified with related 

inspection certificates.

Secondary Containers (Case)

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

(cases) acceptable by common or other carriers for safe transportation to destinations. 

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

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

extend at least two inches down the sides or ends.

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

and information contained in Exhibit 1, “Required Markings for Shipping Containers.”

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Exhibit 2 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.

6. 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 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 labeled products are 

listed in Exhibit 4. The contractor’s UPC is not acceptable. The shipping container UPC must be 

marked on the case as shown in Exhibit 2.

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.
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Effective Date: September 2017 Page 5 of 19

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 frozen potatoes 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.

Shipment and Delivery

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.

INDIVIDUAL COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS

The commodity specifications for frozen potatoes - diced, and sweet potatoes – mashed, and cut 

or chunks and can be found in the Commodity Specification for Frozen Vegetables.

Only unsaturated vegetable oils containing “0 grams Trans Fats” as defined by FDA, shall be 

used in the processing of these products. Canola oil may be used. Hydrogenated oils shall not be 

used for the processing of these products.

The vendor is responsible for the product meeting the sodium content requirements for each 

individual commodity. Vendors must make available (when requested), a laboratory analysis 

report to document and verify information provided in a Nutritional Facts Panel.

The vendor is responsible for the product meeting the sodium content requirements for each 

individual commodity. Vendors must make available (when requested), a laboratory analysis 

report to document and verify information provided in a Nutritional Facts Panel.

The requirements for the products must be certified under continual on-line grading by a USDA 

Inspector.

Frozen French-Cut Strips

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A U.S. Standards for Grades of Frozen French Fried Potatoes.

2. Style – Strips, crinkle cut.

3. Cross Sectional Dimension – Not less than 3/8 x 3/8 inch and not more than 1/1/2 x 1/12 

inches.
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Effective Date: September 2017 Page 6 of 19

4. Length – Medium or longer.

5. Free Fatty Acids – To help ensure no off flavors at no time shall the free fatty acid 

content of the processing oil exceed 1.5 percent.

6. Fry Color type – USDA Color Standards for Frozen French Fried Potatoes: 0 to 2. FDA 

approved vegetable or caramel additives for color may be used.

7. Solids Requirement – Product shall contain a minimum solids percentage of 28 percent 

by weight. A minimum of 5 readings per 70,000 pounds of product shall be made.

8. Sodium Content – Not to exceed 100 mg per serving (defined as 1⁄2 cup).

9. Type of Pack – Institutional.

10. Pack Size – 30 pound cases (6/5 pound bags).

11. Net Weight – The average net weight of the cases shall not be less than 30 pounds.

No individual case shall weigh less than 29.4 pounds.

12. Oven Heating – Oven type only –The product shall be so processed as to retain sufficient 

oil to allow proper preparation by oven heating.

Note: Not more than 10 percent by count of units present of Frozen French-Cut Strips, except 

chips, may consist of small pieces, slivers, and/or irregular pieces.

Preformed Rounds

Preformed Rounds shall be in accordance with the Commercial Item Description (CID), A-A20038 - Potato Products, Preformed, Precooked, Frozen, effective at the date of the 

Solicitation/IFB.

1. Type of Pack – Institutional.

2. Style – Round.

3. Size and Count – Cross-sectional dimension: 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter.

4. Length – 1 to 1-1/4 inches.

5. Count – 47-54 units per pound.

6. Seasoning – Unseasoned.

7. Free Fatty Acids – To help ensure no off flavors at no time shall the free fatty acid 

content of the processing oil exceed 1.5 percent.
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Effective Date: September 2017 Page 7 of 19

8. Sodium Content – Not to exceed 140 mg per serving (defined as 1⁄2 cup).

9. Fry Color – USDA Color Standards for Frozen French Fried Potatoes: CID Designation 

2 - Light, to CID Designation 4 - Medium. FDA approved vegetable or caramel additives 

for color may be used.

10. Pack Size – 30 pound cases (6/5 pound bags).

11. Net Weight – The average net weight of the cases shall not be less than 30 pounds. No 

individual case shall weigh less than 29.4 pounds.

12. Cooking/heating method – Oven-baked. The product shall be so processed as to retain 

sufficient oil to allow proper preparation by oven heating.

Preservatives or flavor enhancers such as monosodium glutamate are not permitted.

Not more than 15 percent by count of units present, excluding chips, may consist of irregular 

shaped units, small pieces, and small clusters. Clusters and chips shall be evaluated on an 

overall appearance basis and may no more than slightly detract from the appearance of the 

product.

Additional Quality Factors

Definitions of these terms are contained in CID A-A- 20038, Potato Products, Preformed, 

Precooked, Frozen, effective at the date of the Solicitation/IFB.

1. Defects – The product shall be U.S. Grade A in accordance with the United States 

Standards for Grades of Frozen French Fried Potatoes, except that, in addition, any 

mechanically damaged unit with its interior portion exposed is scored as a major defect. 

The allowance for defectives is contained in the United States Standards for Grades of 

Frozen French Fried Potatoes, Table 1, Institutional Type.

2. Texture – The product shall be U.S. Grade A in accordance with the United States 

Standards for Grades of Frozen French Fried Potatoes, except that the product may 

contain slightly more moisture. After preparation, the product shall have an internal 

appearance of having individual bits and pieces of properly blanched potatoes.

3. Flavor – The product shall be U.S. Grade A in accordance with the United States 

Standards for Grades of Frozen French Fried Potatoes.

Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) Frozen Cut Potato Wedges

IQF Frozen Cut Potato Wedges shall be prepared from mature, sound, russet potatoes which 

have been washed, sorted, and trimmed as necessary to assure a clean and wholesome product. 

The potatoes shall be cut into wedges on the lengthwise axis.
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: September 2017 Page 8 of 19

TYPE I – Water/oil blanched

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A.

2. Variety – Russet type such as, but not limited to: Burbank, Shepody, Norkotah or other 

mealy type potatoes which meet the solids requirement.

3. Length – Medium or longer.

4. Unit size – 8 or 10 cuts per whole potato.

5. Fry Color – USDA Color Standards for Frozen French Fried Potatoes: 0 to 2. FDA 

approved vegetable or caramel additives for color may be used.

6. Cooking Method – Oven baked.

7. Optional Coating – The product may contain a coating of ingredients approved by FDA 

as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances but must not contain spices, 

seasoning, or MSG.

8. Sodium Content – Not to exceed 100 mg per serving (defined as 1⁄2 cup).

9. Free Fatty Acids – To help ensure no off flavors at no time shall the free fatty acid 

content of the processing oil exceed 1.5 percent.

10. Solids Requirement – Product shall contain a minimum solid percentage of 28 percent by 

weight. A minimum of 5 readings per 70,000 pounds of product shall be made.

11. Type of Pack – Institutional.

12. Pack Size – 30 pound cases (6/5 pound bags).

13. Net Weight – The average net weight of the cases shall not be less than 30 pounds. No 

individual case shall weigh less than 29.4 pounds.

TYPE II – Fat free water blanched – baked, micro waved, or roasted

1. Grade – Equivalent to U.S. Grade A.

2. Variety – Russet type such as, but not limited to: Burbank, Shepody, Norkotah or other 

mealy type potatoes which meet the solids requirement.

3. Length – Medium or longer.

4. Unit size – 8 or 10 cuts per whole potato.

5. Fat Free – The product shall not contain oil.
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6. Fry Color – USDA Color Standards for Frozen French Fried Potatoes: Fry Color 0 to 2. 

FDA approved vegetable or caramel additives for color may be used. There may be 

variations in surface color due to the method of cooking.

7. Optional coating – The product may contain a coating of ingredients approved by FDA as 

generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances but must not contain spices, seasoning, 

or MSG.

8. Sodium Content – Not to exceed 100 mg per serving (defined as 1⁄2 cup).

9. Cooking Method – Oven baked.

10. Solids Requirement – Product shall contain a minimum solids percentage of 19 percent 

by weight. A minimum of 5 readings per 70,000 pounds of product shall be made.

11. Type of Pack – Institutional.

12. Pack Size – 30 pound cases (6/5 pound bags).

13. Net Weight – The average net weight of the cases shall not be less than 30 pounds. No 

individual case shall weigh less than 29.4 pounds.

Frozen Sweet Potato Strips

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A in accordance with the United States Standards for Grades of 

Frozen Sweet Potatoes.

2. Variety – Any Golden variety.

3. Style – Strips

a. Straight cut, (WBSCM Material 101013).

b. Crinkle cut (or corrugated) surfaces, (WBSCM Material 110721).

4. Cross Sectional Dimension – Not less than 3/8 x 3/8 inch and not more than 1/2 inch x 

1/2 inch.

5. Length – Medium or longer - fifty (50) percent or more are 2 inches in length or longer.

6. Optional Coating – The product may contain a coating of ingredients approved by FDA 

as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances but must not contain spices, 

seasoning, or MSG.

7. Free Fatty Acids – To help ensure no off flavors at no time shall the free fatty acid 

content of the processing oil exceed 1.5 percent.
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8. Sodium Content – Not to exceed 140 mg per serving (defined as 1⁄2 cup).

9. Color – Typical golden fried sweet potato color which may vary with coatings. FDA 

approved vegetable or caramel additives for color may be used.

10. Small Units – Composite weight does not exceed 5 percent (5%) by weight of all units.

11. Solids Requirements – The product shall contain a minimum percentage of 25 percent 

solids by weight. A minimum of 5 readings per 70,000 pounds of product shall be made.

12. Type of Pack – Institutional.

13. Pack Size – 30 pound cases (6/5 pound bags or 12/2.5 pound bags or 10/3 pound bags).

14. Net Weight – The average net weight of the cases shall not be less than 30 pounds. No 

individual case shall weigh less than 29.4 pounds.

15. Oven Heating – Oven-type only. The product shall be so processed as to retain sufficient 

oil to allow proper preparation by oven heating.

Frozen Waffle-Cut Sweet Potatoes

1. Grade – Equivalent to U.S. Grade A in accordance with the United States Standards for 

Grades of Frozen Sweet Potatoes based on the quality factors for sliced style.

2. Variety – Any Golden variety.

3. Style – Waffle-cut, which is thick slices of potato that have corrugated surfaces cut into a 

criss-cross pattern by quarter turning the potato before each slide over a grater/cutter.

4. Optional Coating – The product may contain a coating of ingredients approved by FDA 

as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances but must not contain spices, 

seasoning, or MSG.

5. Free Fatty Acids – To help ensure no off flavors at no time shall the free fatty acid 

content of the processing oil exceed 1.5 percent.

6. Sodium Content – Not to exceed 140 mg per serving (defined as 1⁄2 cup).

7. Color – Typical golden fried sweet potato color which may vary with coatings. FDA 

approved vegetable or caramel additives for color may be used.

8. Small Units – Composite weight does not exceed 5 percent (5%) by weight of all units.

9. Solids Requirements – The product shall contain a minimum percentage of 25 percent 

solids by weight. A minimum of 5 readings per 70,000 pounds of product shall be made.

10. Type of Pack – Institutional.
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Effective Date: September 2017 Page 11 of 19

11. Pack Size – 15 pound cases (6/2.5 or 5/3 pound bags).

12. Net Weight – The average net weight of the cases shall not be less than 15 pounds. No 

individual case shall weigh less than 14.7 pounds.

13. Oven Heating – Oven-type only. The product shall be so processed as to retain sufficient 

oil to allow proper preparation by oven heating.

INSPECTION AND CHECKLOADING

Inspection

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

A representative of the AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) 

Division (USDA Inspector) must perform the inspection and checkloading (See Section X.A of 

the AMS 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 products must be performed not more than 60 days prior to shipment. 

Whether each lot offered meets the product and container requirements of the contract/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 

Processed Products 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 Solicitation.

Temperature

All frozen foods shall be held, and stored at an air temperature of 0 degrees F, or lower. The 

internal product temperature 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.

Certification

Subject to (Section IX.A of the AMS 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 purchase order shall constitute rejection of such lot.

Procedures

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

inspection service. This product must be graded online. Contractors are encouraged to submit 
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: September 2017 Page 12 of 19

requests for inspection in writing with verifiable receipt notice, such as fax log, to alleviate 

possible miscommunication.

Laboratory Tests

The contractor must allow 14 days after product sampling for laboratory tests (when required) to 

be completed and returned.

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 potato products 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/purchase order 

price less a discount, to be determined by the Contracting Officer.
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Effective Date: September 2017 Page 13 of 19

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/

4/

USDA SYMBOL 5/

KEEP FROZEN

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-fourth’s 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; (i.e. Rounds, Wedges, etc.).

2/ Insert the size and number of packages per case, i.e. 6/5 pound bags, 30 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 “4”).

Recycle symbols and statements can be placed on bottom panels (Exhibit “5” and “6”).
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Exhibit 2––Alternative Label for Shipping Containers 

(Includes all Required Information)
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Exhibit 3––Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers 

(Includes all Required Information)
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Exhibit 4––Universal Product Codes
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Exhibit 5––“Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement

PLEASE 

RECYCLE
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Exhibit 6––“Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement
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Exhibit 7––USDA Symbol