U Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Specialty

Crops

Program

Commodity Specification 

for Bulk Products for 

Further Processing

April 2020
Non-Discrimination Policy: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department 

of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and 

employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited 

from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including 

gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, 

income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for 

prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases 

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

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program 

information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact 

the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or 

contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program 

information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination 

Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint

and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the 

information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-

9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

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

Commodity Specification for Bulk Products for Further Processing

Table of Contents

General........................................................................................................................................... 1

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

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

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

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

Containers and Packing................................................................................................................... 2

Palletization Requirements .......................................................................................................... 2

Pallets.............................................................................................................................................. 2

Unitization....................................................................................................................................... 3

Prerequisites.................................................................................................................................... 3

Individual Commodity Specifications......................................................................................... 3

Bulk Apples for Further Processing (sliced apples) ................................................................... 3

Fresh Potatoes for Dehydration .................................................................................................. 7

Potatoes for Processing ............................................................................................................... 8

Sweet Potatoes for Processing .................................................................................................... 9

Tomato Paste for Processing....................................................................................................... 9

Inspection and CheckLoading ................................................................................................... 10

Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 10

Procedures..................................................................................................................................... 10

Failure to Meet Specifications.................................................................................................... 11
Commodity Specification Bulk Products for Further Processing

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 1 of 11

GENERAL

U.S. Standards

All products (product/commodity) produced under this Commodity Specification must meet the 

requirements specified in the applicable United States Standards for Grades (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.

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.

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 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, Specialty Crops Program, 

Specialty Crops Inspection Division (USDA Inspector) when requesting inspection 

service. USDA Inspectors will select and review at least one code for each purchase 
Commodity Specification Bulk Products for Further Processing

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 2 of 11

orderto 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.

Packing Season

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

specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB.

Containers and Packing

1. For products loaded directly onto the conveyance (Bulk): the conveyance must be well 

maintained, clean, and covered.

2. All other products shall be packed in new, good, clean, quality containers (bins, totes, 

cartons, etc.) so constructed as to ensure acceptance by common carrier or other carrier 

for safe transportation for domestic shipment.

3. Vendors have the option to use commercial labeling on the containers; however, they 

must meet all applicable FDA requirements and contain a code which allows traceability 

of the product in the event of a recall. When the containers are labeled: In addition to 

any commercial markings, each container shall show the grower or shipper name and 

address. If a specific variety, color, grade, and/or size are required per the solicitation, 

those factors shall also be listed on the container.

4. Cartons shall be of the same dimensions as those used in normal commercial 

transaction. These packing requirements provide that pack shall be at least fairly well 

filled. The tolerances applicable under such packing requirements shall apply.

5. The containers and case markings shall meet the United States Standards for Condition 

of Food Containers (7 CFR Part 42). 

PALLETIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Pallets

Products must be on 48 X 40-inch, non-reversible, flush stringer, and partial four- way entry. 
Commodity Specification Bulk Products for Further Processing 

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 3 of 11 

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.

Unitization

Each delivery unit 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. 

Prerequisites

All vendors and/or suppliers providing fresh fruit and vegetables shall undergo a good 

agricultural practices and good handling practices audit of their operations. The audit must be 

conducted by the USDA, AMS, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection 

Products Division or licensed Federal-State auditors providing services under a cooperative 

agreement with USDA oversight. The audit conducted may be either the USDA Good 

Agricultural Practices & Good Handling Practices (GAP&GHP) audit, the Produce GAPs 

Harmonized Food Safety Audit, or the Tomato Audit Protocol audit, whichever is applicable 

to the commodity being purchased. 

1. The audit must cover all parts of the operation which are applicable to the commodity 

being purchased. For example, a tomato purchase would require an audit of the fields, 

packing house, and storage facilities.

2. A copy of the three acceptable audit standards is available on the USDA website at 

www.ams.usda.gov/gapghp, or from your local USDA or Federal-State inspection 

office. A listing of USDA and Federal-State inspection offices are also available on

the website listed above. 

INDIVIDUAL COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS

All inspection to be performed at destination unless otherwise specified in the applicable 

Solicitation/IFB. It is the contractor’s responsibility to arrange for the inspection. 

Bulk Apples for Further Processing (sliced apples) 

Part One - General (Universal) requirements applicable to all destinations unless otherwise 

specified. 

Inspection of Apples for Further Processing will occur at the destination point by a Federal or 

Federal - State inspector. 
Commodity Specification Bulk Products for Further Processing

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 4 of 11

1. Grade: All apples must meet the U.S. No. 1 standards or better, as defined and graded 

by the United States Standards for Grades of Apples, with the following exceptions 

below as noted.

2. Crop Year - All Apples must be of current crop year and 100% product of the U.S.A.

3. All apples must be free of dirt or other extraneous matter. 

4. Packaging (bulk containers): Standard (36” maximum height) industry bulk fruit bins in 

clean wood, tri-wall corrugated fiber, or plastic. All types of bins must be commercially 

acceptable and in good serviceable condition. The destination (receiver/processor) will 

make all bins available for pick-up by the vendor (supplier/conveyance) within a 

mutually agreeable time frame established between the destination and the supplier to 

not exceed 90 days from delivery to the destination. Please see destination specific 

packaging requirements for further packaging conditions.

5. Container Markings: Each bulk container will be labeled or marked with the following 

minimum information: 

a. Apple Variety 

b. Harvest, Receipt, or Pack Date 

c. Suitable code mark that allows traceability of the product 

d. Net weight of apples - When scales are not available to the shipper or when bins 

are delivered directly to the destination from harvest operations, commercial 

certified scale tickets listing empty and loaded weights of the trailer will be 

accepted in lieu of net weight markings on the bin ticket 

e. Apple Size declaration

f. Grower’s or shipper’s name and address 

g. Country of origin 

Noted Exceptions / Additions to U.S. No. 1 Standards

1. Size - Specified in the destination specific requirements. 

2. Shape - Fairly Well.

3. Defects - Definitions and tolerances will be in accordance with the United States 

Standards for Grades of Apples (U.S. No. 1 or better) unless otherwise specified below.
Commodity Specification Bulk Products for Further Processing

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 5 of 11

4. Russeting - See United States Standards for Grades of Apples, U.S. No. 1 or better for 

definitions and tolerances. 

5. Decay - 1% (2% for destinations Shelby, MI and Richland Center, WI) 

6. Internal Browning - 0% - (2% for destinations Shelby, MI and Richland Center, WI)

7. Internal Water Core - 0% - (2% for destinations Shelby, MI and Richland Center, WI)

8. Damage Defects - 8% 

9. Serious Damage Defects - 5% 

10. Total Defects - Specified in the destination specific requirements. 

11. Varieties - Approved varieties are specified in the destination specific requirements 

below.

12. Maturity/Condition - Representative samples for each lot will be collected and pressure 

tested at destination. Pressure per fruit will be no less than 14 pounds with a minimum 

average of 15 pounds in each sample. Not more than one sample shall contain fruit not 

meeting this requirement. Furthermore, if two or more individual samples fail to meet 

the pressure requirements of the general or destination specific specifications, the entire 

lot will then fail. Flesh cannot be mealy even if meeting pressure requirements. The 

number of samples collected will be determined based on the size of the lot being 

inspected. Each lot will be sampled separately. 

13. See specifications for the destination Dauberville, PA and Hartford, MI for alternate 

pressure testing requirements.

14. Taste - The taste must have no foreign taste or odors that would indicate contamination.

15. Transportation - The apples will be transported to destination in compliance with FDA’s 

FSMA Final Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food (current 

edition), and, the USDA, AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurements –

Domestic Programs (MSCP-D) (current edition). When the FSMA rule requires 

refrigerated shipment the Federal or Federal-State inspector will record temperatures 

during destination inspection and will fail any loads not meeting the temperature 

requirements.

16. The Federal or Federal–State inspector will fail any load that does not meet these 

requirements.

Part Two - Destination Specific Requirements

Destination - Dauberville, PA –
Commodity Specification Bulk Products for Further Processing

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 6 of 11

1. Varieties - Gala, Jonagold, Pink Lady, Empire.

2. Size range - 88 to 113 count.

3. Total Defects - 8%.

4. Maturity/Condition - Pressure per fruit will be no less than 13 pounds with a minimum 

average of 14 pounds in each sample.

5. Packaging - Standard (36” maximum height) industry bins in clean wood, cardboard or 

plastic in good condition. Plastic bin liners cannot be used in bins.

Destination - Shelby, MI –

1. Varieties - Empire, Jonagold, Romes (Non-Bleeding). The variety Law Romes is 100% 

prohibited and not acceptable. 

2. Sizing - 80% will be between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches for Jonagolds and Romes (nonBleeding) and 70% minimum will be between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches for Empires.

3. Total Defects - 12%. 

4. Packaging - Apple industry standard stackable (minimum 18 bushel, 36” maximum height) 

bins in clean wood, or plastic bins of good condition with no broken sections allowable. 

Corrugate tote bins are not acceptable. Plastic bin liners cannot be used.

Destination - Richland Center, WI -

1. Varieties - Empire, Jonagold, Gala.

2. Sizing - 80% will be between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches.

3. Total Defects - 12%.

4. Packaging - Standard (36” maximum height) industry bins in clean wood or plastic. 

Plastic bin liners can be used but must be left open, they cannot be closed or sealed at 

the top.

Destination - Hartford, MI -

1. Varieties - Empire, Jonagold, Rome’s (non-law, non-bleeding), Ida Red, Granny 

Smith, Golden Delicious, Gala, and Jonathan.

2. Sizing - Minimum size = 2.5 inches, no more than 10% undersize for Golden 

Delicious, Gala and Jonathon. 80% between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches for 

Jonagold’s, Romes, and Ida Reds.
Commodity Specification Bulk Products for Further Processing

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 7 of 11

3. Total Defects - 8%.

4. Maturity/Condition - Representative samples for each lot will be collected and pressure 

tested at destination. Pressure per fruit will be no less than 12 pounds with a minimum 

average of 13 pounds in each sample.

5. Packaging - Standard (36”maximum height) industry bins in clean wood or plastic. 

Plastic bin liners cannot be used. Plywood bins will not be accepted. Acceptable 

bins will be available for return pickup within 180 days of delivery to destination.

Destination - Stockton, CA –

1. Varieties - Gala, Pink Lady, Lady Alice, Pacific Rose. 

2. Size range - 88 to 125 count.

3. Total Defects - 8%.

4. Packaging - Standard (36” maximum height) industry bins in clean & in good repair 

plastic bins or corrugated in good condition (No Wood Bins or Crushed Corrugated 

Bins). Corrugated bins must have a corrugated top. Approximately 800lbs. of fruit per 

bin.

Fresh Potatoes for Dehydration

1. Grade- U.S. No. 2 or better.

2. Pack – Bulk

3. Crop Year - The potatoes shall be from the current packing season/crop year.

4. Size – Whole potatoes shall be specified not less than 1 1⁄2 inches in diameter in 

accordance with the U.S Standards for Grades of Potatoes for Processing (usable pieces 

not less than 4 ounces in weight).

5. Varieties - Shepody, Ranger, Umatilla, Alturas, Norkotah, Atlantic, Goldrush, Snowden, 

Pike, Reba, Marcy, Millenium, Superior, Freedom, and Russet Burbank. Varieties cannot 

be mixed.

6. Specific Gravity Specification - All varieties 1.0723 (19.1% solids) or higher.

7. Defects, Serious Damage and Foreign Material:

a. No lot should be less than 40% bruise-free.

b. The method of calculating the term “bruise-free” shall be evaluated for bruising 

by the Federal or Federal-State Inspector.
Commodity Specification Bulk Products for Further Processing

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 8 of 11

i. The 'Steam Rolling/Bruise' testing is not a requirement for deliveries

into Lewisville, ID.

c. Any load of potatoes found to contain broken glass or foreign substance, which 

may be harmful to health or adulterates the finished product, will be rejected.

d. Any load of potatoes will be rejected if potatoes have more than 10% dry rot.

Potatoes for Processing

1. Grade- U.S. No. 2 or better.

2. Pack – Bulk

3. Crop Year - The potatoes shall be from the current packing season/crop year.

4. Size - Whole potatoes shall be specified not less than 1 1/2 inches in diameter (usable 

pieces not less than 4 ounces in weight). There will be a 3% tolerance for potatoes less 

than 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Lots shall not contain less than 42% over 6 ounces.

5. Varieties - Shepody, Ranger, Umatilla, Alturas and Russet Burbank, Prospect, and 

Caribou. Varieties cannot be mixed.

6. Sugar or sugar end content Criteria - No more than 15 % of the potatoes (plugs or slices 

taken from the sample) are Color or darker in the USDA Color Chart or comparable scale 

when fried in 375 degree (Fahrenheit) oil for 2 minutes 30 seconds or in 350 degree 

(Fahrenheit) oil for 3 minutes. The sample for frying to determine color may be prepared 

by one of the following methods:

a. 3/8” X 3/8” center cut strip

b. 3⁄4 inch diameter area in the center of the cut face of a 1⁄4 inch slice made by a 

transverse cut through the tuber at 1⁄2 inch from the stem

c. 2 1⁄2 inch disc cut from a 5/16-inch slice taken from the middle of 10 potatoes.

Lots delivered directly from the field may have the color testing requirements 

waived at the discretion of the receiver.

7. Specific Gravity Specification: - All varieties 1.075 or higher

8. Defects, Serious Damage and Foreign Material:
Commodity Specification Bulk Products for Further Processing

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 9 of 11

a. No lot should be less than 40% bruise-free. The method of calculating the term 

“bruise-free” shall be evaluated for bruising by the Federal or Federal-State 

Inspector.

b. Any load of potatoes found to contain broken glass or foreign substance, which 

may be harmful to health or adulterates the finish product, will be rejected.

c. Any load of potatoes showing evidence of field frost or freeze will be rejected.

d. Any load, lot or portion of lot of potatoes delivered may be rejected if potatoes 

have any combination of insects and nematode cullage that exceeds 10%.

Sweet Potatoes for Processing

1. Grade - U.S. No. 2 or better (Sweet Potatoes for Dicing or Pulping.)

2. Cured – Applicant warrants sweet potatoes are cured according to standard curing 

procedures.

3. Pack – Bulk

4. Crop Year – The sweet potatoes shall be from the current packing season/crop year.

5. Size – Whole sweet potatoes shall be specified not less than 1 3/4 inches to 6 inches in 

diameter. Maximum diameter tuber must pass freely through a 6 inch diameter tube.

6. Varieties – Beauregard or Covington. Varieties cannot be mixed.

7. Defects, Serious Damage, and Foreign Material:

a. Sweet potatoes should be run on sizing and dirt removal belt prior to loading.

b. Any load of sweet potatoes found to contain broken glass or foreign substance, 

which may be harmful to health or adulterates the finished product, will be 

rejected.

Tomato Paste for Processing

Checkloading for this product is optional

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A. 

2. Type of Pack – Totes/Bins. 

3. Net Weight – The totes/bins shall be filled to a net weight of 2,850 pounds, plus or minus 

2%. Maximum shipping unit (truckload) net weight shall equal 39,900 pounds, within a 
Commodity Specification Bulk Products for Further Processing

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 10 of 11

tolerance of minus one percent (1%). Vendors will not be credited for shipments 

weighing over 39,900 pounds. Shipping weights of over 39,900 will be considered as 

“donated” product.

4. No added sodium. 

5. Each lot of tomato paste in totes/bins shall average 31 percent natural total soluble solids 

(TSS) plus or minus 1% TSS. 

a. Exception for Destinations Fremont, OH or Los Banos, CA

Each lot of tomato paste in totes/bins shall not be lower than 26 percent 

natural total soluble solids (TSS).

6. Finish – Screen size shall be .045 or .060.

INSPECTION AND CHECKLOADING

Requirements 

1. Representatives of the AMS, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Division (USDA 

Inspector) must perform the inspection (see the Master Solicitation). The cost of 

inspection, samples taken for inspection, mailing of review samples submitted for 

evaluation, and any chemical analysis required for testing shall be for the account of the

Contractor.

2. USDA inspection of fresh fruit and vegetables must be performed at destination unless 

otherwise specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB. The count (number) of packages 

shall be certified by Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service (see the Master 

Solicitation). The acceptability of the quality and packing of the product must be 

evidenced by certificates issued by the USDA Inspector.

3. Representative sample units will be graded according to the Regulations Governing 

Inspection and Certification of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Other 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.

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 via form FV-237 (Record 

of Request for Inspection or Re-inspection of Food Products) with verifiable receipt notice, such 

as email, to alleviate possible miscommunication. Requests can also be made electronically using 

the following link: http://eforms.ams.usda.gov/#CustomersFV
Commodity Specification Bulk Products for Further Processing

Effective Date: April 2020 Page 11 of 11

FAILURE TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS

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

for delivery. If any lot 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.