U Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Specialty

Crops

Program

Commodity Specification 

for Frozen Potato 

Products

December 2021
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 

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

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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 

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

Commodity Specification for Frozen Potato Products

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade of Frozen Potatoes................................................................................................................ 3

Fill of Container.............................................................................................................................. 3

LABELS AND PACKAGING ..................................................................................................... 3

Primary Containers (Packages and Labeling)................................................................................. 3

Secondary Containers (case) for Commercial Labels..................................................................... 4

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

Palletization Requirements.......................................................................................................... 5

Pallets.............................................................................................................................................. 5

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

INDIVIDUAL COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 5

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

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

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

Frozen Potatoes, Diced ............................................................................................................... 9

Frozen Sweet Potato Strips and Crinkle Cut ............................................................................ 10

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

Frozen Cut or Chunks Sweet Potatoes...................................................................................... 11

INSPECTION, Certification, AND CHECKLOADING ........................................................ 12

Inspection...................................................................................................................................... 12

Temperature .................................................................................................................................. 12

Certification .................................................................................................................................. 12

Checkloading ................................................................................................................................ 12

Procedures..................................................................................................................................... 13

Laboratory Tests ........................................................................................................................... 13

FAILURE TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................. 13

REFERENCE LINKS ................................................................................................................ 14

AMS Master Solicitation:........................................................................................................... 14

U.S. Grades and Standards:....................................................................................................... 14

National Science Laboratory:.................................................................................................... 14

FDA Food Labeling Guide ......................................................................................................... 14

EXHIBITS ................................................................................................................................... 15

Exhibit 1 - Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers................................. 15

Exhibit 2 - Alternative Label for Shipping Containers................................................................. 16

Exhibit 3 - Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers.................................................... 17

Exhibit 4 - Universal Product Codes ............................................................................................ 18

Exhibit 5 - “Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement.................................................................... 19

Exhibit 6 - “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement .......................................................... 20

Exhibit 7 - USDA Symbol ............................................................................................................ 21
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 1 of 21

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

In accordance with the latest version or the AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity 

Procurement – Domestic Programs (MSCP-D) Sections 4A52.225-1a, b, c, d, e, f, and 

4A52.225-3, contractors must meet all domestic origin requirements with further 

clarifications shown below.

1. In accordance with FAR 52.214-26, contractors will make all paperwork available 

to USDA that confirms fruit, vegetable, and nut commodities purchased for USDA 

food assistance outlets are 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. 

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 and ensure that the documentation 

provided by any subcontractors demonstrates the same level of traceability. The 
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 2 of 21

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.

4. Examples of documentation submitted may include but are not limited to load or 

warehouse storage receipts for raw product (i.e., bin tags), product blend 

(formulation) records, product coding explanations, finished product warehousing 

records, shipping or payment records, or other documentation or evidence that 

clearly establishes the product's domestic origin.

5. An acceptable domestic origin verification traceback must include the following:

• Signed Exhibit 1 Domestic Origin Certification

• Table of Contents 

• Narrative or flow chart explaining the documentation provided

• An explanation of the code. (Code Breakdown)

• 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 

being traced

• Trace information submitted must include the physical location of the 

originating field, farm, orchard, or vineyard.

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”. 

6. In the event of an audit, AMS auditors will examine as many codes as is necessary to 

verify compliance.

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

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

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

concerning falsification of information.

Packing Season

All frozen potato products used must be from the current crop year, unless otherwise specified in 

the applicable Solicitation/IFB.

Shipment

Frozen potatoes shall be held, tendered, and transported at a temperature of 0 degrees F or lower. 

Under temporary conditions, such as may occur at the time of loading, the product temperature 
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 3 of 21

may exceed the 0 degrees F requirement. However, any lot exceeding a temperature of 10 

degrees F at the time of loading shall be rejected.

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.

2. 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 (Packages and Labeling)

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

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

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

as specified in the Master Solicitation. 

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

unit (truck load).

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

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

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

(packages). Frozen Potatoes shall be packed only in the container size and type specified 

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

that the product can be identified with related inspection certificates. 

4. Product packed in poly bags or Kraft paper bags must be effectively sealed so as not to 

leak when thawed. 

5. For packages 3 pounds or less, labels must also meet the following formatting criteria:

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

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

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

viewing window.
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 4 of 21

Secondary Containers (case) for Commercial Labels 

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

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

destinations. 

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

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

acceptable. 

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

load). 

Secondary Containers (case) for Non-Commercial Labels 

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

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

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

symbol is optional), statements and information contained in Exhibits 1, 2 or 3 as applicable. 

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

intact. 

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

marked, easily read, and substantially the same as specified in Exhibit 1, 2 or 3 as applicable. 

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.
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Effective Date: December 2021 Page 5 of 21

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 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.

INDIVIDUAL COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS

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 the Nutrition Facts Label.

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

Inspector (except for Diced Potatoes and Sweet Potato Cuts or Chunks).

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.

4. Length – Medium or longer.
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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 140 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: December 2021 Page 7 of 21

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.

Type I – Water/oil blanched
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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. The product shall be so processed as to retain sufficient 

oil to allow proper preparation by oven heating.

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 140 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.
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 9 of 21

5. Fat Free – The product shall not contain oil.

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 140 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 Potatoes, Diced

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A based on U.S. Standards for Grades of Frozen Hash Brown 

Potatoes.

2. The potatoes must be blanched but not fried.

3. Style – Diced approximately 1⁄2 x 1⁄2 inch cubes and which contain not more than 90 

grams, per sample unit, of units smaller than one - half the volume of the predominant 

size unit.

4. Flavorings/Seasonings – No added flavoring or seasonings are permitted.

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

6. Type of Pack – Institutional.

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

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

pounds.
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Frozen Sweet Potato Strips and Crinkle Cut

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 1/4 x 1/4 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 orlonger.

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.

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
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Effective Date: December 2021 Page 11 of 21

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

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 

crisscross 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

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.

Frozen Cut or Chunks Sweet Potatoes

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A.

2. Color – Golden, Yellow, or Mixed.

3. Style – Cut or Chunks.

4. Cut Size – 1⁄2 to 1 inch.

5. Net Weight – 30 pounds (6/5 pound bags).
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Effective Date: December 2021 Page 12 of 21

INSPECTION, CERTIFICATION, AND CHECKLOADING

Inspection

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

for Diced Potatoes and Sweet Potato Cuts or Chunks).

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

Division (USDA Inspector) must perform the inspection (See Section 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 (See the AMS Master Solicitation) the acceptability of the quality, weight, and

packaging, of the product must be evidenced by 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 purchase order shall constitute rejection of such lot.

Checkloading

As a result of the Mandatory Checkloading Phase Out Program, the requirements for 

checkloading Frozen Potato Products, by USDA inspectors, will be eliminated for contracts 

announced after July 1, 2021. Note: Checkloading may still be performed on all, or part of 

the deliveries at the request and expense of the contractor. Also, SCI may conduct periodic 

verifications of the vendors’ commercial practices to ensure they meet the contractual 

requirements.
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Procedures

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

inspection service. This product must be graded online (except for Diced Potatoes and Sweet 

Potato Cuts or Chunks). Contractors are encouraged to submit requests for inspection in writing 

with verifiable receipt notice, such as email, 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: December 2021 Page 14 of 21

REFERENCE LINKS

The product must comply with the below references/requirements that are effective on the date 

of the Solicitation/IFB announcement (published separately.)

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 Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 15 of 21

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 (USDA Symbol is Optional) 

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 three- eighths inch high. The USDA Food Symbol (optional) 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”).
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 16 of 21

Exhibit 2 - Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

(Includes all Required Information)

Product Name

Style

Size/Number per case

Purchase Order Number xxxxx

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999

KEEP FROZEN 

 

 

 USDA Symbol is optional

1234567891012345678910
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 17 of 21

Exhibit 3 - Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

(Includes all Required Information)

Frozen Potato

Diced

6/5 lb bags

Purchase Order Number xxxxx

Packed by: ABC Growers 

Any Town, CA 99999

 USDA Symbol is Optional 

 KEEP FROZEN

1234567891012345678910
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 18 of 21

Exhibit 4 - Universal Product Codes

Frozen Potatoes WBSCM

Material

Primary Container Secondary 

Container

Potatoes, Wedge, 6/5 lb. 100355 7 15001 00355 3 1 07 15001 00355 0

Potatoes, Wedge, Fat-Free, 

6/5 lb. 

100356 7 15001 00356 0 1 07 15001 00356 7

Potatoes, Oven-Fry, 6/5 lb. 100357 7 15001 00357 7 1 07 15001 00357 4

Potatoes, Rounds, 6/5 lb. 100358 7 15001 00358 4 1 07 15001 00358 1

Sweet Potato, Strips, 6/5 lb. 101013 7 15001 01013 1 1 07 15001 01013 8

Sweet Potato, Waffle Cut, 6/5 

lb.

110571 7 15001 10571 4 1 07 15001 10571 1

Sweet Potato, Crinkle Cut, 

6/5 lb.

110721 7 15001 10721 3 1 07 15001 10721 0

Sweet Potato, Cut or Chunks, 

6/5 lb.

110562 7 15001 10562 2 1 07 15001 10562 9

Potatoes, Diced, 6/5 lb. 110844 7 15001 10844 9 1 07 15001 10844 6
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 19 of 21

Exhibit 5 - “Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement

PLEASE 

RECYCLE
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 20 of 21

Exhibit 6 - “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement
Commodity Specification Frozen Potato Products

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 21 of 21

Exhibit 7 - USDA Symbol

(USDA Symbol is Optional)