U Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Specialty

Crops

Program

Commodity Specification 

for Fresh Fruit

July 2019
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Commodity Specification for Fresh Fruit

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

Containers and Packing ............................................................................................................... 2

Primary Containers (Cartons) ......................................................................................................... 2

Palletization Requirements.......................................................................................................... 2

Pallets.............................................................................................................................................. 2

Unitization....................................................................................................................................... 3

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................... 3

Shipment and Delivery ................................................................................................................... 3

Individual Commodity Specifications........................................................................................... 3

Fresh Apples................................................................................................................................ 3

Pears............................................................................................................................................ 4

Pears (in poly film bags) ............................................................................................................. 5

Cantaloupes................................................................................................................................. 6

Inspection ....................................................................................................................................... 6

Requirements (Apples).................................................................................................................... 6

Requirements (Cantaloupes andPears)............................................................................................ 7

Procedures....................................................................................................................................... 7

Failure to Meet Specifications....................................................................................................... 7
Commodity Specification Fresh Fruit

Effective Date: July 2019 Page 1 of 7

GENERAL

U.S. Standards

Fresh fruit (product/commodity) produced under this Commodity Specification must meet the 

requirements specified in the applicable United States Standards for Grades 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 packedin 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 

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 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 Grader) when requesting inspection

service. USDA graders will select and review at least one code for each purchase 

order to determine compliance with the Agency's domestic origin requirements.
Commodity Specification Fresh Fruit

Effective Date: July 2019 Page 2 of 7

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 ordebarment, purchase 

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

falsification of information.

Packing Season

All fresh fruit must be from the current packing season/crop year, unless otherwise 

specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB.

CONTAINERS AND PACKING

Primary Containers (Cartons)

The containers shall be constructed as to ensure acceptance by common carrier or other carrier 

for safe transportation for domestic shipment.

All products shall be packed in new, good, clean, commercially labeled primary containers

which meet all applicable FDA requirements and contain a code which allows traceability of the 

product in the event of a recall (this code may be added to the Positive Lot Identification 

(PLI) imprinting method used). In addition to this code, a Pre-stamped Identification Tag 

which contains the Purchase Order Number and the commodity material code will be 

affixed to each pallet or printed on each carton or bag.

In addition to any commercial markings, each primary container shall show the grower or 

shipper name(s) and address. In the case of apples and pears: the variety, size by count or in 

inches in diameter, and grade (state grade may be shown if in compliance with Section II) shall 

be shown on the primary container.

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.
Commodity Specification Fresh Fruit

Effective Date: July 2019 Page 3 of 7

Unitization

Each delivery unit of fresh fruit 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.

Prerequisites

Vendors and /or suppliers providing fresh fruit shall participate in and pass an Agricultural 

Marketing Service, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) 

Verification Audit. Verification Audits shall be performed by the United States Department 

of Agriculture (USDA),Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Specialty Crops Program 

(SCP), Specialty Crops Inspection Division (SCI).

All scopes of the audit applicable to the operation must be completed. For instance, if a 

grower has a storage facility on their farm where apples are stored prior to sending them to 

the sliced apple vendor, then the appropriate section of the audit must be completed.

A copy of the GAP&GHP Audit Verification checklist is available on the USDA website at 

www.ams.usda.gov/gapghp, or from your local USDA or Federal-State inspection office.

Shipment and Delivery

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

from each shipping point named in the purchase order.

INDIVIDUAL COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS

All requirements including inspection point location, varieties, and sizes shown 

below may be revised if specified otherwise in the Solicitation/IFB.

Fresh Apples

1. Grade - U.S. Fancy. (State grades will be acceptable provided the apples meet the 

requirements of the U.S. FancyGrade).

2. Types of Pack and Size Requirement:

a. Tray pack - minimum size 150; maximum size- 100

b.Cell pack - minimum size 140; maximum size – 96

c.Consumer units packed within master containers - minimum size 2 1/8 inches in 
Commodity Specification Fresh Fruit

Effective Date: July 2019 Page 4 of 7

diameter, maximum size 3 inches in diameter. Consumer units shall be 12/3-pound

poly film bags. Varieties: Empire, Fuji, Gala, Red Delicious and Granny Smith. 

Apples, when Tray or Cell packed, in each offer unit ordered delivered by USDA 

shall contain product of not more than three (3) adjacent sizes nor be in more than 

three locations at the time of inspection. Each size shall be segregated in the

shipment with a minimum of intermingling of the sizes. If shipment is by truck, the 

location and count of each size in the truck (front, center, and tail) shall be noted on 

the shipping manifest by the contractor.

3. Apples shall also meet the United States Condition Standards forExport.

4. Tenderness and Maturity – not more than an average of five percent in any lot and ten

percent in individual containers may be further advanced in maturity than firm ripe.

5. Intermingling of the varieties in the truckload is permitted but not on the pallet.

6. Must be loaded into a refrigerated trailer capable of holding air temperature not to exceed 

40° F.

7. Refrigerated shipment at 32° to 38° F air temperature.

8. Material codes -

Pears

1. Grade - U.S. No. 2. Provided that the pears do not contain more than five percent 

condition defects, including not more than a total of two percent decay and/or internal 

breakdown. State Grades will be acceptable provided that the pears meet the minimum 

requirements of U.S. No. 2 Grade (i.e., Oregon/Washington Fancy). Varieties: Anjou and

Bartlett

2. Tenderness and Maturity - not more than an average of 10 percent of the pears in any lot

Material 

Code Variety Container size/Type

100514 Red Delicious 40-pound carton

100517 Empire 40-pound cartons

100521 Gala 40-pound carton

100522 Fuji 40-pound carton

110151 Various varieties, specified in 

the solicitation/IFB

37 to 40-pound carton

110543 Granny Smith 40-pound carton

110561 Various varieties, specified 

in the solicitation/IFB

12/3-pound bag
Commodity Specification Fresh Fruit

Effective Date: July 2019 Page 5 of 7

or more than 15 percent in any container, may be further advanced in stages of ripeness 

than firm.

3. Pack and Size Requirement:

a. Tray pack - minimum size 165; maximum size 90.

b.Wrapped pack - minimum size 165; maximum size 90.

4. Pears in each offer unit ordered delivered by USDA shall contain product of not more 

than three (3) adjacent sizes nor originate from more than three locations. Each size shall

be segregated in the shipment with a minimum of intermingling of the sizes. If shipment 

is by truck, the location and count of each size in the truck (front, center, and tail) shall 

be noted on the shipping manifest by thecontractor.

5. The grade, quality, condition, count, size pack, and the stage of firmness requirements 

referred to herein are defined in United States Standards forGrades of Summer and 

Fall Pears, and the United States Standards for Grades of Winter Pears.

6. Intermingling of the varieties in the truckload is permitted but not on the pallet.

7. Must be loaded into a refrigerated trailer capable of holding air temperature not to exceed 

40° F.

8. Refrigerated shipment at 34° to 40° F air temperature.

Pears (in poly film bags)

1. Grade – U.S. No. 1. Provided that the pears do not contain more than five percent 

condition defects. State Grades will be acceptable provided that the pears meet the 

minimum requirements of the U.S. No. 1 Grade (i.e., Oregon/Washington Extra 

Fancy). Varieties: Anjou and Bartlett.

2. Tenderness and Maturity - not more than an average of 10 percent of the pears in any

lot or more than 15 percent in any container, may be further advanced in stages of 

ripeness than firm.

3. Pack and Size Requirement:

a. Pack - Consumer units packed within master containers – 12/3 lb. poly film 

bags and master containers meeting the specification.

b. Size - Pears should be packed to a minimum size of 2 1/8 inches in diameter 

and a maximum size of 2 3/4 inches in diameter.

4. The grade, quality, condition, count, size pack, and the stage of firmness requirements 
Commodity Specification Fresh Fruit

Effective Date: July 2019 Page 6 of 7

referred to herein are defined in United States Standards forGrades of Summer 

and Fall Pears, and the United States Standards for Grades of Winter Pears.

5. Intermingling of the varieties in the truckload is permitted but not on the pallet or in 

the bag.

6. Must be loaded into a refrigerated trailer capable of holding air temperature not to 

exceed 40° F.

7. Refrigerated shipment at 34° to 40° F air temperature.

Cantaloupes 

1. Grade – U.S. No.1 or better (en route or at destination tolerances apply). 

2. Types of pack and size requirements – Cartons – 9, 12, or 15 count only. 

3. Cantaloupes in each offer unit ordered delivered by USDA shall not originate from more 

than three locations. Each size shall be segregated in the shipment with a minimum of 

intermingling of the sizes. If shipment is by truck, the contractor shall note the location 

and count of each size in the truck (front, center and tail) on the shipping manifest. 

4. Shall be no further advanced in firmness than ripe and firm. 

5. Must be loaded into a refrigerated trailer capable of holding air temperature not to exceed 

40° F. 

6. Refrigerated shipment at 34° to 40° F air temperature. 

INSPECTION

Requirements (Apples)

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

perform the inspection. See the Master Solicitation.

Inspection of fresh apples must be performed at shipping point within 48 hours prior to 

shipment. 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 Fresh Fruit 

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.

The fresh apples shall be inspected, certified, count (number) of packages verified, and Positive 

Lot Identified by the Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service in accordance with the 
Commodity Specification Fresh Fruit

Effective Date: July 2019 Page 7 of 7

Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (see the Master Solicitation). The acceptability of the quality 

and packaging of the product must be evidenced by certificates issued by the USDA Grader.

No product shall be shipped unless the USDA Grader informs the Contractor that a designated lot 

is acceptable. Notice by the USDA Grader that a designated lot scheduled for shipment does not 

meet requirements of the purchase order shall constitute rejection of such lot.

Requirements (Cantaloupes andPears)

Inspection of fresh cantaloupes, and pears must be performed at destination (unless otherwise 

specified in the Solicitation/IFB) in accordance with the same requirements stated in paragraph 

“A” of this section with the exception of Positive Lot Identification. USDA, AMS, Specialty 

Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division (USDA Grader) must perform the 

inspection required see the Master Solicitation. The count (number) of packages shall be 

certified by Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service (see the Master Solicitation). The 

acceptability of the quality and packaging of the product must be evidenced by certificates 

issued by the USDA Grader. Representative sample units will be graded according to the 

Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of Fresh Fruit 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 via form FV-237 (Record 

of Request for Inspection or Re-inspection of Food Products) with verifiable receipt notice, such 

as fax log, to alleviate possible miscommunication. Requests can also be made electronically 

using the following link: http://eforms.ams.usda.gov/#CustomersFV.

FAILURE TO MEETSPECIFICATIONS

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

for delivery. If any lot of fresh fruit 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 purchase order price less a 

discount, to be determined by the Contracting Officer.