Specialty Specialty Crops 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.

Crops Inspection Room 1536-S, STOP 0240

Program Division Washington, DC 20250-0240

April 8, 2016 

 

AMENDMENT NO. 2

COMMODITY SPECIFICATION

DRIED FRUIT – AUGUST 2014

The purpose of this amendment is to make the following additions in the Commodity 

Specification:

 Add a link for the FDA Food Labeling Guidance and Regulations

 Add minimum labeling requirements

 Add primary container labeling/packaging color requirements 

 Added an optional packaging type for the new size 1.16 oz. Dried Cranberries

 Add pictorial requirement when using opaque packaging for 1.16 oz. Dried Cranberries,

 Added new package size for Dried Cranberries 

 Add a standard composition for Dried Fruit and Nut Mix and Dried Fruit Mix

 Add a new individual commodity for Dried (evaporated) Apples 

The additions are shown in blue:

I. General

H. Packing, Labels and Packaging

1. Commercial Labels and Packaging

a. Primary Containers

(1) Vendors have the option to use commercial/retail labeling and packaging 

which meets all applicable FDA requirements (link to: FDA Food 

Labeling Regulations) and contains a code which allows traceability of 

the product in the event of a recall or they may use USDA packaging and 

labeling as specified in the Master Solicitation.

2. USDA Label and Packaging

a. Primary Containers

(1) All products must be packed in new, commercially acceptable primary 

containers which meets all applicable FDA packaging and labeling 

requirements (link to: FDA Food Labeling Regulations). Product 
labeling/packaging shall also have at least 2 colors other than black 

and/or white. 

(2) Minimum labeling requirements are:

 Statement of identity, or name of the food

 Net quantity statement

 Ingredient statement

 Manufacturer or distributer location statement

 Allergen declaration (if product contains a major allergen).

 7. Dried Cranberries

 c. 1.16 ounce bags. 

Opaque metallized film (PET or PP) may also be used. Product labels shall 

include a picture representation or photo of the product.

II. Individual Commodity Specifications

N. Dried Cranberries

 

2. Sizes:

c. 300/1.16 ounce bags.

O. Dried Fruit and Nut Mix and Dried Fruit Mix

 

1. Ingredients: All the ingredients contained in the Dried Fruit and Nut Mix or Dried 

Fruit Mix shall meet the requirements contained in the Commodity Specification for 

Dried Fruit and the ingredients shall also meet the requirements in the Commodity 

Specification for Shelled Nuts. The composition will be specified in the 

Solicitation/IFB as follows:
Description Composition WBSCM Material 

Number

Dried Fruit Mix

Up to 5 dried fruits from 

a-h, shown below in 

equal percentage.

24/1-lb.: 110160

Dried Fruit Mix

25% each dried apples, 

dried cherries, dried 

cranberries, and raisins.

5/5-lb.: 110161

Dried Fruit Nut Mix

Up to 4 dried fruits from 

a-h shown below and 

one of the nuts i or j, 

shown below.

24/1-lb.: 100297

5/5-lb.: 100296

 

Ingredients that may be used in the mixes are:

a. Dried (evaporated) apples

b. Dried cherries

c. Dried cranberries

d. Natural (sun-dried) seedless raisins (must be coated with vegetable oil)

e. Dried apricot pieces (diced/pieces)

f. Dried date pieces, diced, chopped/extruded

g. Dried fig pieces

h. Dried plum pieces

i. Dried natural almond pieces (splits and/or doubles)

j. Shelled walnut pieces

 R. Dried (evaporated) Apples

1. Grade: U.S. Grade B or Better.

2. Exceptions to the U.S. standard:

a. Size – approximately 1/2 x 3/8 x 1/4 or 3/4 x 1/2 x 1/4 inch dices. 

b. Moisture content – not more than 26% by weight when tested with the DFA 

moisture meter.

c. Sodium Sulfite or Potassium Metabisulfite– no more than 1500 ppm.

d. Alternative (antioxidant) abscorbic acid, citric acid.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.