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Commodity Specification 

for Canned Fruit 

June 2023
“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 Canned Fruit

Table of Contents

GENERAL ...................................................................................................................................... 1

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

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

U.S. Product Origin......................................................................................................................... 1

Kosher Products .............................................................................................................................. 3

Packing Season ............................................................................................................................... 3

Holding Period ................................................................................................................................ 3

Grade of Canned Fruit .................................................................................................................... 3

Packing Medium for Canned Fruits ................................................................................................ 3

Peaches or Pears packed in media as specified in the solicitation/IFB, Unlabeled, Bright (Only 

used for peaches and pears intended for furthering processing, not direct delivery) ..................... 4

Fill of Container .............................................................................................................................. 4

LABELS AND PACKAGING ....................................................................................................... 5

Primary Containers (Cans and Labels) ........................................................................................... 5

Primary Containers (Individual Serving Size Cups) ....................................................................... 5

Secondary Containers (tray and case) for Commercial Labels ....................................................... 6

Secondary Containers (case) for Non-Commercial Labels ............................................................ 6

UNIVERSAL PRODUCT CODES (UPC) ..................................................................................... 7

PALLETIZATION REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................................... 7

Pallets .............................................................................................................................................. 7

Unitization....................................................................................................................................... 7

INDIVIDUAL COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................... 7

Applesauce (canned/jarred) ...................................................................................................... 8

Applesauce in Individual Serving Containers (Cups) ................................................................. 9

Apple Slices ................................................................................................................................ 9

Apricots ..................................................................................................................................... 10

Cherries, Red Tart Pitted .......................................................................................................... 10

Cranberry Sauce ........................................................................................................................ 11

Fruit Cocktail ............................................................................................................................ 11

Mixed Fruit ............................................................................................................................... 12

Peaches ...................................................................................................................................... 12

Peaches packed in media as specified in the solicitation/IFB, Unlabeled, Bright ............. 12

Pears 12

Pears packed in media as specified in the solicitation/IFB, Unlabeled, Bright ................. 13

Plums 13

INSPECTION, CERTIFICATION, AND CHECKLOADING.................................................... 14

Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 14

Procedures ..................................................................................................................................... 14

Certification .................................................................................................................................. 14

Laboratory Tests ............................................................................................................................ 14

Checkloading ................................................................................................................................ 15

FAILURE TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................... 15

REFERENCE LINKS ................................................................................................................... 16
ii

EXHIBIT 1 – REQUIRED MARKINGS FOR NON-COMMERCIAL SHIPPING 

CONTAINERS ............................................................................................................................. 17

EXHIBIT 2 – ALTERNATIVE LABEL FOR SHIPPING CONTAINERS ................................ 18

EXHIBIT 3 – SAMPLE ALTERNATIVE LABEL FOR SHIPPING CONTAINERS ............... 19

EXHIBIT 4 - UNIVERSAL PRODUCT CODES ........................................................................ 20

EXHIBIT 5- “PLEASE RECYCLE” SYMBOL AND STATEMENT ........................................ 21

EXHIBIT 6 - “CORRUGATED RECYCLES” SYMBOL AND STATEMENT ........................ 22

EXHIBIT 7 - USDA SYMBOL .................................................................................................... 23

EXHIBIT 8 - SYMBOLS FOR COMMERCIAL KOSHER PRODUCTS.................................. 24
Commodity Specification Choose an item. Canned Fruit 

Effective Date: June 2023 Page 1 of 24 

GENERAL

U.S. Standards

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

requirements specified in the applicable United States Standards for Grades of Canned Fruit

(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 

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

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.

U.S. Product Origin

Contractors must meet all domestic origin requirements in accordance with the latest version of 

the AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurement – Domestic Programs (MSCP-D), 

with further clarifications shown below. 

1. All fruit, vegetable, and nut commodities purchased for the USDA Commodity

Procurement Program must be 100 percent grown in the United States. This means that

products shall have originated entirely from crops 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) in

accordance with responsible commercial practices, during the packing season, and from

the crop year(s) specified in the USDA-AMS Commodity Procurement Program

Commodity Specification, or Solicitation.

2. When requested, contractors will make all paperwork available to USDA that confirms

100% domestic origin traceback from the destination or final package (whichever is

applicable), to the origin orchard/field/vineyard/farm/etc., including all steps in the

process.

3. 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).
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Effective Date: June 2023 Page 2 of 24

4. The responsibility for compliance is borne by the contractor, regardless of whether the 

product was processed/packed in their facility or if it originated from other sources (i.e., 

subcontractors and suppliers). If a contractor receives crops or products originating from 

other sources, it is up to the contractor to obtain proof of domestic origin compliance 

from those sources. 

5. Examples of documentation submitted may include but are not limited to harvest 

documentation, receipts for raw product, storage records, production or packing records, 

product blend (formulation) records, product coding explanation (i.e., day code, lot 

number, pack date etc.), finished product warehousing records, shipping records, Bill of 

Lading signed by the recipient, or other documentation or evidence that clearly 

establishes the product's domestic origin from the originating 

orchard/field/vineyard/farm/etc. to its final destination including all steps in the process.

6. An acceptable domestic origin verification traceback must include the following in 

addition to documentation establishing domestic origin:

• Signed Exhibit 1 Domestic Origin Certification

• Table of Contents 

• Narrative or flow chart explaining the documentation, provided that:

o The narrative or flow chart establishes the process from field to 

destination, documentation substantiates that process proving domestic 

origin.

• An explanation of the code/ lot number (Code Breakdown) where applicable

• Each page should be numbered and referenced in Table of Contents

• All pertinent information should be highlighted on each document.

• Documentation must be clear and concise and must relate directly to the code or 

load being traced.

• Trace information submitted must include the physical location of the originating 

field, farm, orchard, or vineyard. P.O. Boxes are NOT acceptable. Physical 

Address or GPS coordinates are required.

NOTE: Failure to comply with the above requirements, or any submittals consisting of mass 

unorganized “data dumps” will not be reviewed by SCI and final statuses will be reported to the 

Commodity Procurement representative as “Incomplete”. 

7. 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.

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

9. 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.
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Effective Date: June 2023 Page 3 of 24 

Kosher Products

Occasionally, USDA solicits offers to sell Kosher products that comply with applicable dietary 

(kosher) laws as established by the “613 Council of Kashruth.” Such products are identified on 

the solicitation with the letter “K” incorporated into the WBSCM material descriptions (see 

Exhibit 4 for specific products.) Manufacturing plants shall be certified for compliance with the 

requirement by contacting the Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York (BJENY) at 

646-472-5368. Additional information regarding practices and protocols required for

kosher certified production for BJENY schools can be found at the following link: BJENY

Kosher Resource (usda.gov).

At no cost to the vendor, a rabbinic supervisor will be sent to certify compliance of the 

manufacturing plant with the dietary (kosher) laws. Vendors must not bid on these purchase units 

unless they can be properly certified. Kosher products purchased solely for the #613 Council of 

Kashruth do not require a symbol on the primary or secondary container.

Other Kosher products identified in this specification are required to have a commercial Kosher 

certification and must bear one of the Kosher certification symbols illustrated in Exhibit 8.

Packing Season

All fresh fruit to be canned must be from the current crop year, unless otherwise specified in the 

applicable Solicitation/IFB. An example would be - If the harvest for fresh apples to be 

canned is August 2023 through October 2023, then any product purchased for delivery 

from August 2023 through July 2024, would have a current crop year of 2023. 

Holding Period

In accordance with the Master Solicitation, all USDA purchased product must be produced, 

packed, stored, and shipped from USDA/SCI approved facilities. These facilities must be on 

record with the Commodity Purchase Program prior to the bid opening. No shipment of canned 

fruit may be made earlier than 14 days after packing. If requested and approved, no delivery 

shall be case stamped, prior to the completion of the 14-day holding period. 

Grade of Canned Fruit

All canned fruit must be U.S. Grade B or better (as defined in the U. S. Standards) unless 

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

Solicitation/IFB.

Packing Medium for Canned Fruits 

1. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB, or Individual Commodity

Specification, the packing media (as defined in the U.S. Standards) may be sucrose or

other FDA approved syrups.

a. extra light syrup
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Effective Date: June 2023 Page 4 of 24 

b. slightly sweetened fruit juice(s) and water*

c. slightly sweetened fruit juice(s)*

d. fruit juice(s)*

(*) If the packing medium is slightly sweetened fruit juice(s) and water, slightly

sweetened fruit juice(s), or fruit juice, then the Brix measurement must not exceed extra

light syrup for the product. 

2. The label must declare the correct packing medium. 

3. Food and Drug Standards of Identity (21 C.F.R. Parts 100-169) allow the optional 

ingredients of vinegar, lemon juice, or organic acids. The optional ingredient(s), if 

present in the product, must be declared on the label. 

4. Natural flavoring may be added to improve or increase the natural flavor of the fruit. 

Components from natural sources may be used in combination to imitate the fruit being 

purchased. 

Peaches or Pears packed in media as specified in the solicitation/IFB, Unlabeled, Bright 

(Only used for peaches and pears intended for furthering processing, not direct delivery) 

1. The fruit source used for canning may be either fresh, frozen, or aseptically 

packaged. 

2. Packing Medium: As specified in the solicitation/IFB. 

3. Natural flavoring may be added to improve or increase the natural flavor of the 

fruit. Components from natural sources may be used in combination to imitate the 

fruit being purchased.

4. Ascorbic acid and/or Citric acid may be added. 

5. Labeling – None - The cans must be unlabeled, blank aluminum/silver cans. 

6. Primary Container Size – #10 cans. 

7. Truckload case count – 912 cases or “case equivalents” (if the cans are only 

palletized and not in cases). A “case equivalent” is 6/#10 cans. 

For further fruit specific information please see Peach & Pear Individual Commodity 

Specifications below.

Fill of Container
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Effective Date: June 2023 Page 5 of 24 

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.

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

Commodity Specification Section II.

LABELS AND PACKAGING 

Primary Containers (Cans and Labels)

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.

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

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

All products must be packed in new, commercially acceptable primary containers (cans). Canned 

fruit shall be packed only in the container size and type specified in the applicable 

Solicitation/IFB. The cans must be suitably code marked so that the product can be identified 

with related inspection certificates.

For 24/#300 or smaller, labels must also meet the following formatting criteria:

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

• Must incorporate a graphic (photo or illustration) depicting the product/contents on the 

principal display panel. 

Primary Containers (Individual Serving Size Cups) 

All individual serving size containers shall be commercially labeled including Nutrition Facts

Label OR vendor contact information to obtain nutrition information (as appropriate per 

FDA regulatory labeling guidance), packaged, and the vendor’s UPC shall be used on the 

secondary containers.

The commercial labels and packages must also meet the following criteria:

A. Cups: 

• Must be labeled with minimum FDA labeling requirements and a Nutrition Facts 

Label. Please see above under Primary Containers (Individual Serving Size 

Cups) for further guidance.

• Must have at least 2 additional colors other than black and/or white and a visual 

representation of the product. 
Commodity Specification Choose an item. Canned Fruit 

Effective Date: June 2023 Page 6 of 24 

• Must be suitably code marked so that the product can be identified with related 

inspection certificates and to insure traceability in the event of a recall.

B. Sleeves: 

• Must be labeled with minimum FDA labeling requirements and a Nutrition Facts 

Label.

• Must have at least 2 additional colors other than black and/or white and a visual 

representation of the product. 

Secondary Containers (tray and case) for Commercial Labels

Commercially acceptable tray packs wrapped in plastic shrink wrap may be used on all 

Solicitations/IFBs for all can sizes. 24/#300 cases may be achieved by shrink wrapping together 

two 12/#300 tray packs. 

Case flaps, gaps, and other openings may not exceed 1 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. 

Alternate packaging for the secondary container - tray(s) or case.

• Cases may have end panel openings that exceed 1 inch if the openings are completely 

stretch- wrapped. The stretch-wrap may also have reasonably sized openings to allow for 

cooling. 

• This alternate packaging requirement must be able to withstand normal handling, 

shipping, and storage and be acceptable to the common carrier. 

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

acceptable.

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

(truckload).

Secondary Containers (case) for Non-Commercial Labels 

Cans 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 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 the required symbols, statements 

and information contained in Exhibits 1, 2, 3, or Exhibit 8 as applicable. 
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Effective Date: June 2023 Page 7 of 24 

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 Exhibits 1, 2 or 3 as applicable.

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; however, broken or damaged 

pallets may be repaired with No.1 hardwood or its equivalent in new softwood. 

 

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 canned 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. 

INDIVIDUAL COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS
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Effective Date: June 2023 Page 8 of 24 

For 24/#300 size cans, the lid may be either a standard sanitary lid or a pop-top lid. Standard lids 

and pop-top lids cannot be commingled within a truckload. 

Applesauce (canned/jarred)

Commercial Kosher Canned Applesauce packed in 6/#10 cans (110541) and 24/#300 cans 

(100207) must be produced and packed in a Kosher certified facility and must contain one of the 

Kosher Symbols in Exhibit 8. 

BJENY Kosher Canned Applesauce packed in 6/#10 cans (110053 Kosher) must be produced 

and packed in a “613 Council of Kashruth” Kosher certified facility but does not require a 

Kosher Symbol. 

See Kosher Products section for further information.

1. Grade: U.S. Grade A as specified in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned 

Applesauce with the following exceptions: 

a. Color: Must be bright, practically uniform, color typical of variety or blend of 

varieties used. May be slightly green, slightly pink, with no grey or other 

discoloration due to oxidation or scorching. 

2. Color Type: Natural

3. Flavor Type: Natural flavor

4. Type of Pack: Unsweetened

5. Style: Regular (comminuted)

6. Net Weight: 

a. No. 300 size cans must average not less than 15.0 ounces, provided no individual 

sample has a net weight less than 14.5 ounces. 

b. 23 to 24-ounce plastic jars: 

i. The plastic jars must average declared label net weight of 23.0 ounces to 

24 ounces. 

ii. No individual sample will have a net weight less than 0.5 ounces below 

the declared label weight. 

iii. 12 plastic jars/case. 
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Effective Date: June 2023 Page 9 of 24 

c. No. 10 size cans must average not less than 106.0 ounces, provided no individual 

sample has a net weight less than 104.0 ounces. 

7. De-tinning: The canned applesauce must be packed in a manner to minimize de-tinning. 

This must be accomplished either by high vacuum or other means to minimize oxygen 

content. 

Applesauce in Individual Serving Containers (Cups)

1. Grade: U.S. Grade A as specified in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned 

Applesauce with the following exceptions: 

a. Color: Must be bright, practically uniform, color typical of variety or blend of 

varieties used. May be slightly green, slightly pink, with no grey or other 

discoloration due to oxidation or scorching. 

2. Color Type: Natural

3. Flavor Type: Natural flavor

4. Type of Pack: Unsweetened

5. Style: Regular (comminuted)

6. Individual Net Weight 

a. 4.5 ounces per cup, No Sleeve, 96 cups per case. 

b. 4.0 ounces per cup, 12 Sleeves per case, 6 cups per sleeve, 72 cups per case. 

i. Sleeves will be labeled in accordance with the requirements outlined 

in the Primary Containers (Individual Serving Size Cups) section.

7. 96/4.5-ounce cup cases may be achieved by shrink wrapping together two 48/4.5-ounce 

cup cases.

Apple Slices

1. Grade: U.S. Grade A as specified in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Apples. 

2. Style: Sliced.

3. Fill of Container: Must meet the recommended fill except that number 10 cans shall have 

a minimum drained weight of not less than 92 ounces. 

4. Packing Medium: Packed in water without salt (including calcium chloride or sodium 

chloride), or nutritive and/or non-nutritive sweeteners.
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Apricots

1. Grade: U.S. Grade B or better (or equivalent to U.S. Grade B for Diced style) as 

specified in the U.S. Standard for Grades of Canned Apricots and Canned Solid Pack 

Apricots.

2. Type of Pack: Regular. 

3. Style: 

a. Peeled or unpeeled halves: 

i. Count: Not more than 135 unpeeled halves per No. 10 size can. 

b. Peeled or unpeeled diced: 

i. Fill Weight: The fill weight must average not less than 72.5 ounces 

provided no individual can contains 68.6 ounces or less. 

ii. Drained weight: The drained weight must average 64.0 ounces provided 

no individual can contains less than 61.7 ounces. 

iii. Varietal Characteristics: Must have similar varietal characteristics.

iv. Flavor and Odor: Must have normal flavor and odor. 

v. Color: Reasonably good color. 

vi. Size: Fairly uniform size. Diced – Not more than 15 percent, by weight of 

the drained apricots may be units that are more than 1 inch in their greatest 

edge dimension or of such size as to pass through 5/16-inch square 

opening. 

vii. Defects: Reasonably free. 

viii. Peel: Not more than 1 3/8 square inch per 30-ounce sample if specified as 

peeled.

Cherries, Red Tart Pitted 

1. Grade: U.S. Grade B or better as specified in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned 

Red Tart Pitted Cherries with the following exception: 

a. Freedom from pits: U.S. Grade A 

2. Packing Medium: Packed in Water
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3. Drained Weight: 

a. No. 10 cans: The drained weight must average not less than 72.0 ounces and shall 

not be less than 71.2 ounces. 

b. No. 300 size cans packed in juice: The drained weight must average not less than 

9.9 ounces, provided no individual can contains less than 9.7 ounces. 

c. No. 300 size cans packed in water: The drained weight must average not less than 

9.2 ounces, provided no individual can contains less than 8.9 ounces. 

Cranberry Sauce 

The canned cranberry sauce may be jellied, or semi-jellied product prepared from clean, sound, 

matured, or fairly matured cranberries, a sweetening ingredient or sweetening ingredients, and 

water.

1. Style 1: Jellied or strained (typical of a jellied product prepared from strained 

cranberries).

2. Grade: U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy as specified in the U.S. Standards for Grades of 

Canned Cranberry Sauce. 

3. Fill of Container: Each container must be filled as full as practicable so that the product 

occupies not less than 90 percent of the volume of the container.

4. Color: Bright, dark red color typical of canned cranberries which color is free from any 

dullness. 

5. Consistency and Texture: The gel is tender to slightly firm and there may be evidence of 

a reasonable separation of free liquid.

6. Absence of Defects: Practically free. 

7. Flavor and Odor: The product possesses a good characteristic, slightly tart flavor typical 

of cooked cranberries and that the product is free from any trace of a caramelized flavor 

or odor of any kind. 

8. Soluble Solid: 35 to 45 percent. 

9. Pack Size: 24/#300 can. 

Fruit Cocktail

1. Grade: U.S. Grade B or better as specified in the U.S. Standards for Grades of 

Canned Fruit Cocktail.
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Mixed Fruit 

1. Grade: The canned mixed fruit must be equivalent to U.S. Grade B or better for the three 

fruit ingredients (see below), as defined in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Fruit 

Cocktail.

2. Drained Weight: As specified in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Fruit Cocktail. 

Proportion of Fruit Ingredients

Fruit Ingredient Style Proportion (by weight)

Peaches (any yellow variety) Diced 40 to 60 percent of drained fruit

Pears (any variety) Diced 20 to 45 percent of drained fruit

Grapes (any seedless variety) Whole 15 to 25 percent of drained fruit

Peaches

1. Grade: U.S. Grade B or better as specified in the U.S. Standards for Grades of 

Canned Clingstone or Freestone Peaches as applicable.

2. Varietal type: Yellow Freestone (Lovell and Kim Elberta varieties excluded) or Yellow 

Clingstone. 

3. Styles: Halved, quartered, sliced, and diced (approximate cubes from 3/8 inch to 5/8

inch). Canned peaches must be peeled.

Peaches packed in media as specified in the solicitation/IFB, Unlabeled, Bright

1. Inspection will occur on finished product after packing and processing in a sealed 

unlabeled (bright) can.

2. Grade: U.S. Grade B or better as specified in the U.S. Standards for Grades of 

Canned Clingstone or Freestone Peaches as applicable. 

3. Varietal Type: Yellow Freestone (Lovell and Kim Elberta varieties excluded) or 

Yellow Clingstone. 

4. Style: Diced (approximate cubes from 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch). 

Pears

Commercial Kosher Canned Diced Pears packed in 6/#10 cans (100225) and 24/#300 cans 

(100223), must be produced and packed in a Kosher certified facility and must contain one of the 

Kosher Symbols in Exhibit 8. 

 
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Effective Date: June 2023 Page 13 of 24

BJENY Kosher Canned Diced Pears packed in 6/#10 cans (110055 Kosher) must be produced 

and packed in a “613 Council of Kashruth” certified facility but do not require a Kosher Symbol. 

See Kosher Product section above on page 2 for further information. 

1. Grade: U.S. Grade B or better as specified in the U.S. Standards for Grades of 

Canned Pears with the following exception: 

a. Diced Pears: U.S. Grade A for absence of defects.

2. Varietal type: Bartlett.

3. Type of pack: Natural (no added spices or flavoring). 

4. Styles: Halved, quartered, sliced, and diced (approximate cubes from 3/8 inch to 5/8

inch). Canned pears must be peeled.

a. Pear Halves:

i. Count: The count of the halves must be no less than 26 nor more than 54 

per No. 10 size can, not less than 4 or more than 10 per No. 300 size can, 

and not less than 6 or more than 12 per No. 2-1/2 size can.

ii. Drained Weight: The drained weight for No. 10 size cans of pear halves 

must average not less than 62.6 ounces, provided no individual can 

contains less than 60.7 ounces. 

Pears packed in media as specified in the solicitation/IFB, Unlabeled, Bright

1. Inspection will occur on finished product after packing and processing in a sealed 

unlabeled (bright) can.

2. Grade: U.S. Grade B or better as specified in the U.S. Standards for Grades of 

Canned Pears. 

3. Varietal Type: Bartlett

4. Style: Diced (approximate cubes from 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch). 

Plums

1. Grade: U.S. Grade B or better as specified in the U.S. Standards for Grades of 

Canned Plums.

2. Varietal type: Purple 

3. Styles: Whole, unpeeled, unpitted (with pits). 
Commodity Specification Choose an item. Canned Fruit 

Effective Date: June 2023 Page 14 of 24

INSPECTION, CERTIFICATION, AND CHECKLOADING

Requirements

Representatives of the AMS, Specialty Crop Program, Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division 

(USDA Inspector) must perform the inspection (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/Vendor. 

Inspection of canned products must be performed not more than 12 months prior to shipment. 

Whether each lot offered meets the product and container requirements of 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 

Solicitation/IFB.

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 email, to alleviate possible miscommunication.

Certification

Subject to (See the Master Solicitation) the acceptability of the quality, weight, packaging, and 

condition of the product must be evidenced by SCI Certificates of Quality and Condition 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.

Laboratory Tests

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

required) to be completed and returned.
Commodity Specification Choose an item. Canned Fruit 

Effective Date: June 2023 Page 15 of 24

Checkloading

Voluntary checkloading may be performed on all, or part of the deliveries at the request and 

expense of the contractor. 

SCI may conduct periodic verifications of the vendors’ commercial practices to ensure they meet 

the contractual requirements. 

FAILURE TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS

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

for delivery. If any lot of canned fruit fails to meet the product or packaging requirement, the 

Contractor may request in writing that USDA, CPP 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.
Commodity Specification Choose an item. Canned Fruit 

Effective Date: June 2023 Page 16 of 24

REFERENCE LINKS

AMS Master Solicitation: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/MSCP.pdf 

U.S. Grades and Standards: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards 

Commercial Item Descriptions: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/cids 

 

National Science Laboratory: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/lab-testing/nsl 

FDA Food Labeling Guide: 

https://www.fda.gov/media/81606/download 
Commodity Specification Choose an item. Canned Fruit 

Effective Date: June 2023 Page 17 of 24

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 - Optional 

STORE IN COOL, DRY PLACE

5/ 

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 (optional) may 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., Apple, Grape, etc.).

2/ Insert the size and number of packages per case, i.e., 24/#300, 6/#10 cans.

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 Choose an item. Canned Fruit 

Effective Date: June 2023 Page 18 of 24

EXHIBIT 2 – 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

USDA Symbol - Optional

STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE
Commodity Specification Choose an item. Canned Fruit 

Effective Date: June 2023 Page 19 of 24

EXHIBIT 3 – SAMPLE ALTERNATIVE LABEL FOR SHIPPING CONTAINERS

Canned Pears Sliced

Packed in Unsweetened Pear Juice

6/No. 10 cans

Purchase Order Number xxxxx

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999

USDA Symbol - Optional

STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE

 1 11 07 15001 01434 1 
Commodity Specification Choose an item. Canned Fruit 

Effective Date: June 2023 Page 20 of 24

EXHIBIT 4 - UNIVERSAL PRODUCT CODES

Canned Fruit WBSCM

Material

Primary Container Secondary 

Container

APPLESAUCE CUP-96/4.5 (WITHOUT

SLEEVE)

110361 7 15001 10361 1 1 07 15001 10361 8

APPLESAUCE CUP-72/4.0 (WITH 6-CUP 

SLEEVE) 110890 7 15001 10890 6 1 07 15001 10890 3

APPLESAUCE CAN-24/300 100207 7 15001 00207 5 1 07 15001 00207 2

APPLESAUCE UNSWEETENED CAN6/10 110541 7 15001 10541 7 1 07 15001 10541 4

APPLESAUCE JAR-12/23 111073 7 15001 11073 2 1 07 15001 11073 9 

K APPLESAUCE CAN-6/10 (KOSHER) 110053 7 15001 10053 5 1 07 15001 10053 2

APPLE SLICES CAN-6/10 100206 7 15001 00206 8 1 07 15001 00206 5

APRICOT HALVES CAN-24/300 100210 7 15001 00210 5 1 07 15001 00210 2

APRICOTS CAN-6/10 100209 7 15001 00209 9 1 07 15001 00209 6

K APRICOTS CAN-6/10 (KOSHER) 110111 7 15001 10111 2 1 07 15001 10111 9

APRICOTS DICED PEELED CAN-6/10 100216 7 15001 00216 7 1 07 15001 00216 4

CHERRIES RED TART PITTED CAN24/300 100227 7 15001 00227 3 1 07 15001 00227 0

CHERRIES RED TART PITTED CAN-6/10 100228 7 15001 00228 0 1 07 15001 00228 7

CRANBERRY SAUCE CAN 24/300 100213 7 15001 00213 6 1 07 15001 00213 3

FRUIT COCKTAIL CAN-24/300 100215 7 15001 00215 0 1 07 15001 00215 7

MIXED FRUIT CAN-24/300 100211 7 15001 00211 2 1 07 15001 00211 9

MIXED FRUIT CAN-6/10 100212 7 15001 00212 9 1 07 15001 00212 6

MIXED FRUIT CAN-12/2.5 111253 7 15001 11253 8 1 07 15001 11253 5

PEACHES CLING SLICES CAN-24/300 100218 7 15001 00218 1 1 07 15001 00218 8

PEACHES CLING SLICES CAN-12/2.5 111244 7 15001 11244 6 1 07 15001 11244 3

PEACHES CLING CAN-6/10 100219 7 15001 00219 8 1 07 15001 00219 5

K PEACHES CLING CAN-6/10 (KOSHER) 110054 7 15001 10054 2 1 07 15001 10054 9

PEACHES CLING DICED CAN-6/10 100220 7 15001 00220 4 1 07 15001 00220 1

PEACHES CLING HALVES CAN-12/2.5 111245 7 15001 11245 3 1 07 15001 11245 0

PEACHES FREESTONE CAN-24/#2.5 100221 7 15001 00221 1 1 07 15001 00221 8

PEACHES FREESTONE CAN-24/300 100222 7 15001 00222 8 1 07 15001 00222 5

PEARS CAN-24/300 100223 7 15001 00223 5 1 07 15001 00223 2

PEARS HALVES CAN 12/2.5 111246 7 15001 11246 0 1 07 15001 11246 7

PEARS HALVES CAN-6/10 100226 7 15001 00226 6 1 07 15001 00226 3

PEARS SLICES CAN-6/10 100224 7 15001 00224 2 1 07 15001 00224 9

K PEARS SLICES CAN-6/10 (KOSHER) 110055 7 15001 10055 9 1 07 15001 10055 6

PEARS DICED CAN-6/10 100225 7 15001 00225 9 1 07 15001 00225 6

PLUMS PURPLE CAN-24/300 100233 7 15001 00233 4 1 07 15001 00233 1
Commodity Specification Choose an item. Canned Fruit 

Effective Date: June 2023 Page 21 of 24

EXHIBIT 5- “PLEASE RECYCLE” SYMBOL AND STATEMENT

PLEASE RECYCLE
Commodity Specification Choose an item. Canned Fruit 

Effective Date: June 2023 Page 22 of 24

EXHIBIT 6 - “CORRUGATED RECYCLES” SYMBOL AND STATEMENT
Commodity Specification Choose an item. Canned Fruit 

Effective Date: June 2023 Page 23 of 24

EXHIBIT 7 - USDA SYMBOL

USDA Symbol - Optional
Commodity Specification Choose an item. Canned Fruit 

Effective Date: June 2023 Page 24 of 24

EXHIBIT 8 - SYMBOLS FOR COMMERCIAL KOSHER PRODUCTS

http://oukosher.org/ http://www.star-k.org/ http://www.ok.org/ 

http://www.kof-k.org/ http://www.crcweb.org/

 

 

https://trianglek.org/