U Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Specialty

Crops

Program

Commodity Specification 

for Frozen Fruit Juices

December 2021
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Commodity Specification for Frozen Fruit Juices

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 Fruit Juices........................................................................................................... 3

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

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

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

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

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

UNIVERSAL PRODUCT CODES (UPC).................................................................................. 5

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

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

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

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

Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice in 12/32 fluid oz containers................................................ 5

Orange Juice in Individual Serving Sizes................................................................................... 6

Inspection, CERTIFICATION, AND CHECKLOADING....................................................... 6

Requirements .................................................................................................................................. 6

Certification .................................................................................................................................... 7

Checkloading .................................................................................................................................. 7

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

Laboratory Tests ............................................................................................................................. 8

Failure to Meet Specifications...................................................................................................... 8

REFERENCE LINKS .................................................................................................................. 8

AMS Master Solicitation:............................................................................................................. 8

U.S. Grades and Standards:......................................................................................................... 8

National Science Laboratory:...................................................................................................... 8

FDA Food Labeling Guide ........................................................................................................... 8

Exhibits.......................................................................................................................................... 9

Exhibit 1.1 - Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers................................ 9

Exhibit 1.2 - Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers.............................. 10

Exhibit 2 - Alternative Label for Shipping Containers................................................................. 11

Exhibit 3 - Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers.................................................... 12

Exhibit 4 - Universal Product Codes ............................................................................................ 13

Exhibit 5 - “Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement.................................................................... 14

Exhibit 6 - “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement .......................................................... 15

Exhibit 7 - USDA Symbol ............................................................................................................ 16
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 1 of 16

GENERAL

U.S. Standards

Frozen fruit juices (product/commodity) produced under this Commodity Specification must 

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

fruit juices (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) frozen fruit juices 

purchases are found in Section II, Individual Product Specifications, of this document. 

Additional exceptions may be specified in the applicable Invitation. 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 

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.,
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 2 of 16

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 fruit used to make the frozen fruit juices must be from the current packing season/crop year, 

unless otherwise specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB.

Shipment

Frozen juices 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 Fruit Juices

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 3 of 16

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 Fruit Juices

All frozen fruit juices 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 either the drained weight or the fill weight for the product as 

specified in the applicable U.S. Standards unless otherwise indicated herein. Each 

container must be as full as practicable. The product must occupy at least 90 percent of 

the container.

2. The average fill of container must meet the fill of container as printed on the label and the 

Individual Commodity Specification, Section II.

LABELS AND PACKAGING

Primary Containers (Containers 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. Frozen 

juice 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 containers must be effectively sealed so as not to leak when thawed.

5. All juice container labeling must also meet the following formatting criteria:

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

Effective Date: December 2021 Page 4 of 16

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

on the principal display panel.

c. Suitably code marked so that the product can be identified with related inspection 

certificates. 

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, statements 

and information contained in Exhibits 1.1,1.2, or 2 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 1.1, 1.2, or 2 as 

applicable. 
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Exhibit 2 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 frozen fruit juice 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

Vendors must comply with all applicable state recycling regulations and are responsible for any 

fees to distribute product in that state.

Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice in 12/32 fluid oz containers

1. Grade – The Grade of frozen concentrated orange juice delivered under this 

Announcement shall meet the description and quality requirement of U.S. Grade A, 

unsweetened, frozen concentrated orange juice.
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Exception: The Brix-Acid Ratio shall be not less than 14.0:1 and no greater than 19.5:1. 

Orange Juice in Individual Serving Sizes

Product may be made from concentrate, or pasteurized single strength juice - Not From 

Concentrate (NFC):

1. Grade –

a. From concentrate - U.S. Grade A.

b. Not from concentrate (NFC) - Must be U.S. Grade A for all factors and 

requirements except for color and Brix level. Color may be U.S. Grade B or 

better, with a minimum Color N Value of 33.5 or equivalent to USDA OJ color 

number 6. If using the USDA color number 6, then that must be determined in an 

approved Light Box. If using the Color Value, then it must be determined using a 

calibrated and approved spectrophotometer. The Brix must have minimum brix 

level of 10.5. And, a minimum Brix-Acid Ratio of 15.0 to 1, and a maximum 

Brix-Acid Ratio of 20.5 to 1. 

2. Primary Container Size – 4-fluid ounce individual serving cartons or cups.

3. Count – 70 cartons per case or 96 cups per case.

4. When naturally occurring Vitamin C is at least 30 milligrams per 100 milliliters, no 

Vitamin C fortification is required.

5. Net Weight – 19 pounds per case (70 count cartons), 25 pounds per case (96 count cups).

6. Inspection – USDA in-plant inspection required.

7. Shelf Life – No more than 6 months if kept frozen at zero degrees F., ten days after

thawing.

INSPECTION, CERTIFICATION, AND CHECKLOADING

Requirements

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

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

Division (USDA Inspector) must perform the inspection and checkloading. 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.
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Effective Date: December 2021 Page 7 of 16

Inspection of frozen fruit juice 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 

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 invitation

Temperature – All frozen foods shall be held, stored, and transported at an air temperature of 0 

degrees F, or lower. The internal product temperature of the frozen fruit juices 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 Master Solicitation) the acceptability of the quality, weight, packaging, and 

checkloading (if requested) 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 contract shall constitute rejection of such lot.

Contractors may request in writing that the USDA accept delivery of a lot shipped without 

certification. The USDA, at its option, may accept delivery, provided that the lot passes 

inspection by a USDA Inspector at the point of destination. If the USDA exercises this option, 

the contractor will be assessed a 10 percent liquidated damages and cost of inspection.

Checkloading

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

checkloading Frozen Fruit Juice Products, by USDA inspectors, will be eliminated for 

contracts announced after January 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.

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 fax log, to alleviate possible miscommunication.
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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 fruit juices 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 price less a discount, to 

be determined by the Contracting Officer.

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
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Effective Date: December 2021 Page 9 of 16

EXHIBITS

Exhibit 1.1 - Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers

The printing on the containers must be arranged substantially as indicated in the exhibit 

shown below. The wording is restricted to that shown in the exhibit. All words must be 

printed in sufficient size to show prominently on the container.

ALL PRINTING TO BE IN BLACK INK

FRONT PANEL BACK PANEL

( PRODUCT NAME) (PRODUCT NAME)

(Product style or pack if applicable) (Product style or pack if applicable)

(Packing media if applicable)

INGREDIENTS 1/

KEEP FROZEN AT 0°F OR LOWER

PACKED BY _ 3/

4/

NET WEIGHT 2/

5/

1/ Ingredients must be listed in descending order of predominance.

2/ Insert the net weight (net weight must be expressed in metric as well as avoirdupois

units).

3/ Insert month and year packed (the first month of packing season is acceptable).

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 “5”).
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Effective Date: December 2021 Page 10 of 16

Exhibit 1.2 - Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers

(Individual Serving Sizes)

The printing on the containers must be arranged substantially as indicated in the exhibit 

shown below. The wording is restricted to that shown in the exhibit. All words must be 

printed in sufficient size to show prominently on the container.

______________________________________________________________________________

(PRODUCT NAME) 

(Product style or pack if applicable) 

(Packing media if applicable) 

INGREDIENTS 1/ 

KEEP FROZEN AT 0°F OR LOWER 3/ 

PACKED BY _____________ 4/ 

NET WEIGHT ___________ 2/ 

5/ 

6/

1/ Ingredients must be listed in descending order of predominance.

2/ Insert the net weight (net weight must be expressed in metric as well as avoirdupois

units).

3/ Insert the statement “CHILLED”, “KEEP CHILLED” or “KEEPFROZEN”.

4/ Insert month and year packed (the first month of packing season is acceptable).

5/ 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.

6/ Insert Universal Product Code (see Exhibit “4”).
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Effective Date: December 2021 Page 11 of 16

Exhibit 2 - Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

(Includes all Required Information)

Product Name

Size/Number per case 

Purchase Order Number xxxxx

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999 

USDA Symbol is Optional

KEEP FROZEN AT 0° OR LOWER

1234567891012345678910
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Exhibit 3 - Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

FROZEN 

CONCENTRATED 

ORANGE JUICE

12/32 oz. cans

Purchase Order Number xxxxx

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999

USDA Symbol is Optional

KEEP FROZEN AT 0° OR LOWER

1 11 07 15001 01434 1
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Effective Date: December 2021 Page 13 of 16

Exhibit 4 - Universal Product Codes

Frozen Fruit Juice WBSCM 

Code

Primary 

Container

Secondary 

Container

Orange Juice Conc. FRZ Can – 12/32 oz 100276 7 15001 00276 9 1 07 15001 00276 2

Orange Juice Single FRZ Carton – 70/4 oz 100277 7 15001 00277 2 1 07 15001 00277 5

Orange Juice Single FRZ Cup – 96/4 fl. oz 110651 7 15001 10651 3 1 07 15001 10651 0
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Effective Date: December 2021 Page 14 of 16

Exhibit 5 - “Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement

PLEASE 

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

USDA Symbol is Optional