Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Fruit and

Vegetable

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Specialty 

Crops 

Inspection

Division

Commodity Specification 

Shelled Nuts

August 2014
SCI Division Commodity Specifications Shelled Nuts

Effective Date: August 2014 Page 2 of 19

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

F. Grade of Shelled Nuts:.......................................................................................................... 5

G. Packing, Labels and Packaging............................................................................................. 5

H. Tape Sealing or Shipping Containers ................................................................................... 7

I. Labels and Case Markings.................................................................................................... 7

J. Condition of Containers, Labels, and Case Markings .......................................................... 7

K. Additional Markings............................................................................................................. 7

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

M. Palletization Requirements ................................................................................................... 8

N. Sampling ............................................................................................................................... 8

O. Shipment and Delivery ......................................................................................................... 8

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

A. Shelled Almonds................................................................................................................... 8

B. Shelled, Slivered Almonds.................................................................................................... 9

C. Shelled Walnuts.................................................................................................................. 10

III. INSPECTION AND CHECKLOADING........................................................................... 11

A. Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 11

B. Procedures........................................................................................................................... 12

IV. FAILURE TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................... 12
SCI Division Commodity Specifications Shelled Nuts

Effective Date: August 2014 Page 3 of 19

V. EXHIBITS............................................................................................................................. 12

Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers................................................ 12

Alternative Label for Shipping Containers................................................................................ 14

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

Universal Product Codes ........................................................................................................... 16

“Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement................................................................................... 17

“Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement ......................................................................... 18

USDA Symbol........................................................................................................................... 19
SCI Division Commodity Specifications Shelled Nuts

Effective Date: August 2014 Page 4 of 19

I. General

A. U.S. Standards

Shelled nuts (product/commodity) produced under this Commodity Specification must 

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

shelled nuts (U.S. Standards) or 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.. 

B. 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. 

C. Product Origin

1. Commodities delivered pursuant to this Commodity Specification shall have 

originated from crops that have been 100 percent grown, processed, and packed in 

the United States, its territories or possessions, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 

or the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands, (hereinafter referred to as the United 

States). See Section I., F. of the Master Solicitation.

2. If the contractor handles any commodity originating from sources other than the 

United States, the contractor must have a written plan to segregate the commodity. 

This segregation plan will include an identification and record system for all 

commodities to ensure they are completely segregated and cannot be used to fulfill 

purchase orders awarded by USDA. Such segregation plan must be made available, 

within 10 days of purchase order award, to representatives of the Agricultural 

Marketing Service (AMS). 

3. The contractor must maintain positive written documentation records evidencing 

100 percent domestic origin to the grower level. Contractors must also ensure that 

the documentation provided by any subcontractors demonstrates the same level of 

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

Documentation may include load or warehouse storage receipts for raw product 

(i.e., bin tags), product blend (formulation) records, product coding explanations, 

finished product warehousing records, shipping or payment records, or other 

documentation or evidence that clearly establishes the product's domestic origin. 

4. Contractors must provide the domestic origin certification and supporting 

documentation records to representatives of the AMS, Fruit and Vegetable 

Program, Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division (USDA Inspector) when 

requesting inspection service. 
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Effective Date: August 2014 Page 5 of 19

USDA Inspectors will select and review at least one code for each purchase order to 

determine compliance with the Agency's domestic origin requirements. 

5. Such records must be available for review by the Government in accordance with 

FAR 52.214-26. In the event of an audit, AMS auditors will examine as many 

codes as is necessary to verify compliance.

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

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

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

concerning falsification of information.

D. Kosher Products

Occasionally, purchase units will be identified on Solicitation/IFBs as “Kosher Only” and 

will be so identified in the Solicitation/IFB. Offerors must not bid on these purchase 

units unless they are properly certified to produce Kosher products. Vendors must 

comply with the applicable dietary (KOSHER) laws as established by the “613 

COUNCIL OF KASHRUTH.”

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

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

submitting a bid to certify compliance with the applicable dietary (kosher) laws.

A rabbinic supervisor will be sent by the BJENY to certify compliance with the 

applicable dietary (KOSHER) laws.

E. Packing Season 

All shelled nuts must be from the current packing season/crop year, unless otherwise 

specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB. 

F. Grade of Shelled Nuts:

All shelled nuts must be U.S. Commercial Grade (as defined in the U. S. Standards) 

unless otherwise specified in Section II, Individual Product Specifications, herein or the 

applicable Solicitation/IFB.

G. Packing, Labels and Packaging

1. Primary Containers

The nuts must be packed to an average net weight of 25 pounds for almonds 

(shelled whole/slivered) and 30 pounds for walnuts in bags made of polyethylene or 

similar material approved by the Food and Drug Administration for contact with 

nuts. 
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Effective Date: August 2014 Page 6 of 19

Roasted almonds shall be vacuum sealed inside corrugated, fiberboard cartons. The 

bags must be commercially acceptable and of such size to allow a complete overlapping closure. The bags must be packed in new, good quality, shipping cases of 

corrugated, fiberboard construction, rated at a minimum of 200 pounds per square 

inch bursting strength. The bags must be suitably code marked so that the product 

can be identified with related inspection certificates. 

2. Secondary Container (case) Markings 

The bags 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 of the symbols, 

statements and information contained in Exhibit 1, “Required Markings for 

Shipping Containers”. Cases may be marked by printing or stenciling or by 

preprinted, self-adhesive stickers. 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. 

Exhibit 2 shows an alternative placard that may be applied to a new, corrugated 

fiberboard case acceptable by common or other carriers for safe transportation to 

destinations. 

Roasted almonds shall be vacuum-sealed inside corrugated, fiberboard cartons.

The cases must be new, of good quality, and of domestic fiber 200 pound test cases, 

using a 33 pound kraft medium (42-33-42) or equivalent, with a 275 pound test 

collar /8 inch greater in height than the inside container depth (69-33-69) or 275 

pound bursting strength (44 edge crush test) so as to ensure acceptance by common 

carrier for safe transportation. Closures should be adequate to ensure sanitary 

storage; or 

Use a 300 pound burst strength cases with no collar or divider in lieu of above, 

providing the cases are constructed using 76/36/76 kraft paper. 

The first three layers of cases on the pallets will be stacked in columns to avoid 

excessive bulging of the cases. All remaining layers will be alternate-interlock 

stacked.

Cases must have the recycling statement shown in Exhibit 5, “Please Recycle” 

Symbol and Statement or Exhibit 6 “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement. 
SCI Division Commodity Specifications Shelled Nuts

Effective Date: August 2014 Page 7 of 19

H. Tape Sealing or Shipping Containers

Shipping cases for shelled nuts may be sealed by plastic tape in lieu of glue. The tape 

must be of sufficient width and strength that is used commercially to be acceptable by 

common carriers for safe transportation to destinations. The tape must extend down the 

sides or ends at least two inches. A tape of the see-through type must be used.

I. Labels and Case Markings

The containers, labels, cases, and case marking shall meet the United States Standards for 

Condition of Food Containers (7 CFR Part 42). Sanitation – All carriers used for 

shipment must be clean, free of infestation, and suitable for loading.

J. Condition of Containers, Labels, and Case Markings

The containers, labels, cases, and case marking shall meet the United States Standards for 

Condition of Food Containers (7 CFR Part 42) except that the Flap (b) section of the 

Table VI Rigid and Semigrid Containers – Defects – Flap (b) is waived provided that the 

flap gap does not exceed 1 inch and the flaps are fully glued.

K. Additional Markings

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

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

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

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. 

Exhibit 2 shows an alternative placard that may be applied to a new, corrugated 

fiberboard case acceptable by common or other carriers for safe transportation to 

destinations.

Cases must have the recycling statement shown in Exhibit 5, “Please Recycle” Symbol 

and Statement or Exhibit 6, “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement Corrugated 

fiberboard (cardboard) boxes Steel (Tin) cans.

L. Universal Product Codes (UPC)

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

listed in Exhibit 4. The Contractor’s UPC is not acceptable. The primary container UPC 

must be positioned on the label. The shipping container UPC must be marked on the case 

as shown in Exhibit 3. 
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Effective Date: August 2014 Page 8 of 19

M. Palletization Requirements

1. Pallets

Products must be on 48 X 40 inch, non-reversible, flush stringer, and partial fourway entry. New pallets must be good quality wood. Used pallets must be No.1 

hardwood or its equivalent in new softwood. Broken or damaged pallets are 

unacceptable. If pallet exchange is desired, the contractor shall arrange for pallet 

exchange with consignees. USDA is in no way responsible for arrangement of 

pallet exchange.

2. Unitization

Each delivery unit of 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. 

N. Sampling

Samples to determine grade, size, and microbiological examination will be drawn by the 

Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service prior to roasting. Microbiological 

examination will be performed by the laboratory designated by the Federal or FederalState Inspection Service.

O. Shipment and Delivery

1. Quantity Tolerance

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.

II. Individual Commodity Specifications

Whole Natural Shelled Almonds: All natural almonds are required to be treated with a 

technology to achieve a minimum of 4 – Log reduction of Salmonella bacteria, pursuant 

to a letter of determination issued by FDA, or acceptance by a scientific review panel 

known as the technical expert review panel, or TERP.

A. Shelled Almonds

1. Grade: U.S. No. 1 Grade prior to roasting, which includes a chip and scratch 

allowance of 10 percent.
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Effective Date: August 2014 Page 9 of 19

a. Mission variety must meet all the requirements of U.S. No. 1 grade with the 

exception of an additional 10 percent chip and scratch allowance (20% total) 

prior to roasting.

2. Types:

a. Whole Natural and Whole Roasted

b. U.S. No. 1 pieces, as contained the United States Standards for Grades of 

Shelled Almonds of March 24, 1997 

3. Group: Nonpareil, California, Neplus, or Mission

4. Size: 30 –32 

5. Pack Size: 25 lb. and 12/2 lb.

6. Chemical: 

a. Moisture: 3.5 percent maximum (Roasted)

6.5 percent maximum (Natural)

b. Aflaxtoxin: 10 ppb or less 

7. Roasted can be nitrogen flushed or vacuum packed.

8. Inspection must be done before roasting.

Samples for chemical and biological specifications will be drawn by the Federal or 

Federal-State Inspection Service and certified by the Dried Fruit Association of 

California (CDFA). (Moisture analysis may be certified by the Inspection Service). 

There are at least 12 USDA approved labs for aflaxtoxin testing in California you may 

want to consider one of those labs.

B. Shelled, Slivered Almonds

2. Group: Nonpareil, California, or Neplus

3. Prior to being slivered, must be of U.S. Standard Sheller Run

4. Size: not less than 1/8” in thickness and will pass over an 8/64 inch round hole 

screen with not more than 5 percent fall through by weight.

5. The slivered almonds must be inspected and certified prior to being sliver for grade 

and after being slivered for size by the Federal or Federal – State Inspection 

Service. Samples for chemical and biological specifications will be drawn by the 

Federal or Federal – State Inspection Service and certified by DFA*.

5. May be antioxidant coated

6. Chemical – before slicing

a. Moisture: 4.3 percent maximum

b. Aflaxtoxin: 10 ppb or less
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Effective Date: August 2014 Page 10 of 19

7. Microbiological: after slicing

a. Total Plate Count: 10,000/gram or less

b. E. coli: Negative

9. The shelled nuts must be packed to average net weight 25-pounds for almonds

(shelled slivered)

A certificate issued by the Dried Fruit Association for conformance with the above 

chemical and microbiological specifications is required. (See invoices and payment)

C. Shelled Walnuts

1. Grade: U.S. Commercial Grade or better

2. Variety: English or Persian (Juglans regia)

3. Size: small pieces

a. 24/1-pounds

b. 30-pound

4. Color: light amber or better

5. Naturally derived and may be antioxidant coated

6. Chemical 

7. Moisture: 4.3 percent maximum

8. Microbiological

a. Total Plate Count: 50,000/gram maximum

b. E. coli: Negative

c. Shelled walnuts shall be treated with Propylene Oxide (PPO) or other FDA 

approved method to achieve a minimum of 4 log reduction of Salmonella 

bacteria. Verification that such treatment has been performed must be provided 

to the USDA inspector.

10. Must be packed to an average net weight of 30-pounds for walnuts in bags made of 

polyethylene or similar material approved by the Food and Drug Administration for 

contact with nuts.

11. Samples to determine grade and size will be drawn and examined by the Federal or 

Federal-State Inspection Service. Samples to determine biological and moisture 

specifications may be drawn and/or examined by the Federal or Federal-State 

Inspection Service.

D. Roasted Pistachios

1. Pistachio Nuts in the Shell:
SCI Division Commodity Specifications Shelled Nuts

Effective Date: August 2014 Page 11 of 19

a. Grade: Prior to roasting the pistachios must be U.S. Extra No. 1 as defined in 

the U.S. Standards for Grades of Pistachio Nuts in the Shell.

b. Size: Large – 21 to 25 average number of nuts per ounce.

2. Shelled Pistachio Nuts (Kernels):

a. Grade: Prior to roasting the pistachios must be U.S. Extra No.1 as defined in 

the U.S. Standards for Grades of Shelled Pistachio Nuts.

b. Size: Jumbo Whole Kernels, or Large Whole Kernels.

3. Moisture: average must not exceed 7 percent.

4. Seasoning: Shall contain no salt or other seasonings. 

5. Microbiological: prior to roasting. 

a. Aflaxtoxin: 15ppb or less.

b. Total Aerobic Plate Count: 10,000/gram or less.

c. E. coli: Negative.

III.Inspection and Checkloading

A. Requirements

Representatives of the AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Program, SCI Division (USDA

Inspector) must perform the inspection and checkloading. See section X of the Master 

Solicitation. The cost of inspection, samples taken for inspection, mailing of review 

samples submitted for evaluation, and any chemical analysis required for testing 

shall be for the account of the Contractor.

The shelled nuts and shelled, slivered almonds shall be inspected, certified, and Positive 

Lot Identification made by the Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service in 

accordance with the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. Subject to See section X of the 

Master Solicitation, the 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.

Inspection for grade will have been performed within 30 days prior to shipment for 

Shelled Nuts, with the exception of roasted almonds. Inspection for grade will have been 

performed within 60 days prior to shipment for roasted almonds.

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 Shelled Nuts and Vegetables 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.
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Effective Date: August 2014 Page 12 of 19

Slivered Almonds must be inspected and certified prior to being slivered for grade and 

after being slivered for size, by the Federal or Federal State Inspection Service and 

samples drawn for chemical and biological specification certifications by DFA.

B. 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 with verifiable receipt notice, such as fax log, to alleviate possible 

miscommunication.

IV. Failure to Meet Specifications

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

acceptable for delivery. If any lot of shelled nuts 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.

V. 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/

USDA SYMBOL 4/

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 

three-eighths inch high. The USDA Food Symbol must be printed, stamped, or labeled and 

be of sufficient size to stand out prominently. Case markings must be limited to case codes 

and those contained in this Exhibit.

1/ Insert any additional product style, pack, packing media, or further definition as 

applicable; (i.e. Sliced, Cut, Chopped, etc.).
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Effective Date: August 2014 Page 13 of 19

2/ Insert the size and number of packages per case, i.e. 24/1, 30 pound.

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”).
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Effective Date: August 2014 Page 14 of 19

Exhibit 2

Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

(Includes all Required Information)

Product Name

Style

Packing Media

Size/Number per case

 Purchase Order # xxxxx

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999

STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE

1234567891012345678910
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Effective Date: August 2014 Page 15 of 19

Exhibit 3

Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

Shelled 

Walnuts

30-pounds

Purchase Order Number 25111

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999

STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE

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

Exhibit 4

Universal Product Codes

Shelled Nuts WBSCM 

Material

Primary 

Container

Secondary 

Container

ALMONDS ROASTED WHOLE 

SHELL CTN-25 LB

100394 1 07 15001 00394 9

WALNUT ENG PCS CTN-30 LB 100909 1 07 15001 00909 5

PISTACHIO ROASTED IN 

SHELL PKG-25/1 LB 110178 1 07 15001 10178 2
SCI Division Commodity Specifications Shelled Nuts

Effective Date: August 2014 Page 17 of 19

Exhibit 5

“Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement

PLEASE

RECYCLE
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Effective Date: August 2014 Page 18 of 19

Exhibit 6

“Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement
SCI Division Commodity Specifications Shelled Nuts

Effective Date: August 2014 Page 19 of 19

Exhibit 7

USDA Symbol