1400 Independence Avenue, SW.

 Room 3932-S

 Washington, D.C. 20250-0201 

Commodity Specification

Frozen Fruit Juices

April 2012

 

 

 

 
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

2 April 2012

Table of Contents

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

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

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

C. Product Origin.......................................................................................4-5

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

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

F. Shipment ............................................................................................................................... 5

G. Grade of Frozen Fruit Juices................................................................................................. 5

H.. Fill of Container.................................................................................................................... 6

I. Packing, Labels and Packaging....................................................................6-8

J. Universal Product Codes (UPC)........................................................................................... 8

K. Palletization Requirements................................................................................................... 8

L. Shipment and Delivery................................................................................8

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

A. Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice.................................................................................... 9

B. Orange Juice from Concentrate in Individual Serving Sizes............................................. 9

C. Pasteurized Orange Juice in Individual Serving Sizes ...................................................... 9

D. Apple Juice from concentrate in Individual Serving Sizes................................................ 9

E. Pasteurized Apple Juice in Individual Serving Sizes ...................................................... 10

III. INSPECTION AND CHECKLOADING.....................................................10-11

A. Requirements................................................................................................................ 10

B. Certification.................................................................................................................. 11

C. Procedures.................................................................................................................... 11

D. Laboratory Tests........................................................................................................... 11

IV. FAILURE TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................... 11

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

Exhibit 1 Label for Frozen Fruit Juice Products................................................................. 12

Exhibit 2 Label for Frozen Fruit Juice in Single Seving .................................................... 13
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

3 April 2012

Exhibit 3 Required Markings for Non Shipping Containers .............................................. 14

Exhibit 4 Alternative Label for Shipping Containers......................................................... 15

Exhibit 5 Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers............................................ 16

Exhibit 6 Universal Product Codes..................................................................................... 17

Exhibit 7 “Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement............................................................ 18

Exhibit 8 “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement................................................... 19

Exhibit 9 USDA Symbol .................................................................................................... 20
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

4 April 2012

I. General

A. 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. 

B. 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. 

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.E. 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 contracts awarded by USDA. Such segregation plan must be 

made available, within 10 days of contract 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 sub-contractors 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 

Programs Processed Products Division (USDA Inspector) when requesting 

inspection service. USDA Inspector will select and review at least one code for 
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

5 April 2012

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 sub-contractors will not be accepted.

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

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 Invitations 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 contract 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 frozen fruit juices must be from the current packing season/crop year, unless 

otherwise specified in the applicable Invitation. 

F. Shipment

Shipment of frozen fruit juice must be at 0 degrees (+ or – 10 degrees).

G. 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 Product Specifications, herein or the 

applicable Solicitation/IFB.
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

6 April 2012

H. 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. 

I. Packing, Labels and Packaging

Commercial Labels and Packaging

1. Primary Containers 

a. 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 USDA 

packaging and labeling as specified in the Master Solicitation.

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

all invitations unless prohibited by the Invitation. Distributor’s “brand” labels 

are not acceptable.

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

(cans/cartons). Frozen fruit juices shall be packed only in the container size and 

type specified in the applicable Invitation. The containers must be suitably code 

marked so that the product can be identified with related inspection certificates.

2. Secondary Containers (tray and case)

Mixing and matching of USDA and commercial labeling methods will not be 

acceptable.

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

unit (truck load).
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

7 April 2012

USDA Label and Packaging

1. Primary Containers 

Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice - The product shall be packed in containers of 

12/32 fluid ounce size, commercially acceptable for the product, and have a 

minimum average net content of 32 fluid ounces, provided, no individual sample 

unit has a net content less than 31.5 fluid ounces.

The containers must be suitably code-marked so that the product can be identified 

with related inspection certificates.

Orange Juice from Concentrate, Pasteurized Orange Juice, Apple Juice from 

Concentrate, and Pasteurized Apple Juice, all in individual serving sizes, must be 

packed in “milk carton type” primary containers of food grade quality in 

accordance with the federal Food and Drug Administration’s Food Additives 

Regulations for commercial retail use containers, and have a minimum average 

net content.

See Exhibits 1 and 1-1 for can/carton labels for concentrated orange juice and 

juices in individual servings.

2. Secondary Container (case) Markings 

The primary containers 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 one 

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 2, “Required Markings for 

Shipping Containers”. 

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

stickers. Self-adhesive stickers must be affixed to the case in such a manner that 

they cannot be removed intact. 

The case markings must be clearly marked, easily read, and substantially the same 

as specified in Exhibit 3. 

Exhibit 4 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. 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 6, “Please Recycle” 

Symbol and Statement or Exhibit 7, “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and 

Statement. 
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

8 April 2012

Shipping cases for juices in individual serving sizes shall contain the statement 

“KEEP FROZEN AT 0°F OR LOWER UNTIL THAWED FOR USE”, printed, 

stamped, or labeled on each case in nominal size lettering. Identity coding must

be on the shipping cases which shall be commercial grade with commercial 

markings as required by the Federal Food and Drug Administration.

J. Universal Product Codes (UPC)

Contractor UPC’s are acceptable for primary containers of product shipped utilizing 

commercial labels and/or secondary fiberboard cases enclosing commercially labeled 

product. 

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

listed in Exhibit 5. The Contractor’s UPC is not acceptable. The primary container UPC 

must be positioned on the can label as shown in Exhibit 1. The shipping container UPC 

must be marked on the case as shown in Exhibit 2. 

UPC’s are not required for commercial labeling with tray pack shipping containers.

K. 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 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. 

L. Shipment and Delivery

1. Quantity Tolerance

Contractor will be allowed a tolerance on the final delivery of plus or minus 50 

cases of each product, from each shipping point named in the purchase order.
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

9 April 2012

II. Individual Commodity Specifications

A. FROZEN CONCENTRATED ORANGE JUICE – U.S. Grade A

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. Exception: The Brix 

Value/Acid Ratio shall be not less than 14.0:1 and no greater than 19.5:1.

B. ORANGE JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE IN INDIVIDUAL SERVING 

 SIZES

1. Grade: U.S. Grade A

2. Primary Container Size: 4-ounce individual serving cartons.

3. Count: 70 cartons per case.

4. Net Weight: 19 pounds per case.

5. Inspection: USDA in-plant inspection required.

6. Shelf Life: No more than 6 months if kept frozen, ten 

days after thawing. 

C. PASTEURIZED ORANGE JUICE IN INDIVIDUAL SERVING SIZES 

(Not from Concentrate)

1. Grade: U.S. Grade A

2. Primary Container Size: 4-ounce individual serving cartons.

3. Count: 70 cartons per case.

4. Net Weight: 19 pounds per case.

5. Inspection: USDA in-plant inspection required.

6. Shelf Life: No more than 6 months if kept frozen, ten 

days after thawing. 

D. APPLE JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE IN INDIVIDUAL SERVING 

 SIZES

1. Quality and Analytical Must be equivalent to the analytical and 

 Requirement: quality requirements of U.S. Grade A Canned 

Apple Juice. The finished product shall be 

fortified to contain at least 34 milligrams of 

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) per 100 milliliters 

of apple juice. (Label indications of Vitamin 

C fortification are required).
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

10 April 2012

2. Primary Container Size: 4-ounce individual serving cartons.

3. Count: 70 cartons per case.

4. Net Weight: 19 pounds per case.

5. Inspection: USDA in-plant inspection of final product 

required.

6. Shelf Life: No more than 6 months if kept frozen, ten 

days after thawing. 

E. PASTEURIZED APPLE JUICE IN INDIVIDUAL SERVING SIZES (Not

From Concentrate)

1. Quality and Analytical Must be equivalent to the analytical and 

 Requirement: quality requirements of U.S. Grade A Canned 

Apple Juice. 

2. Primary Container Size: 4-ounce individual serving cartons.

3. Count: 70 cartons per case.

4. Net Weight: 19 pounds per case.

5. Inspection: USDA in-plant inspection of final product 

required.

6. Shelf Life: No more than 6 months if kept frozen, ten 

days after thawing. 

III. Inspection and Checkloading

A. Requirements

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

Representatives of the AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Program, Processed Products Division 

(USDA Inspector) must perform the inspection and checkloading. See section IX. A 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.

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, and stored 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.
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

11 April 2012

B. Certification

Subject to (See section IX.A of the Master Solicitation) the acceptability of the quality, 

weight, packaging, and checkloading of the product must be evidenced by certificates 

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 Grader 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.

C. Procedures

The Contractor must give the USDA Grader at least 7 days advance notice when 

scheduling inspection service. Prior to sampling, the Contractor must furnish the USDA 

Grader 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 mis-communication.

D. Laboratory Tests

The Contractor must allow 14 calendar days after product sampling for laboratory tests 

(when required) to be completed and returned. 

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 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.
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

12 April 2012

V. Exhibits

Exhibit 1

Labeling Requirements for Frozen Fruit Juice Products

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 "4").

 

 
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

13 April 2012

Exhibit 1-1

Labeling Requirements for Frozen Fruit Juice Products

(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.

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 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 “KEEP FROZEN”.

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").

 

 

 
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

14 April 2012

Exhibit 2

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 5/

KEEP FROZEN AT 0° OR LOWER 

 

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 threeeighths 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

2/ Insert the size and number of packages per case, i.e. 12/32 ounce can, 6/5 pound bags, 12/46 

ounce can, 1/25 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 "5").

 Recycle symbols and statements can be placed on bottom panels (Exhibit “6” and “7”)

 
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

15 April 2012

Exhibit 3

Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

(Includes all Required Information)

Product Name

Style

Packing Media

Size/Number per case

Purchase Order Number xxxxx

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999

KEEP FROZEN AT 0° OR LOWER 

1234567891012345678910
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

16 April 2012

Exhibit 4

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

KEEP FROZEN AT 0° OR LOWER 

 1 11 07 15001 01434 1
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

17 April 2012

Exhibit 5

Universal Product Codes

 WBSCM

 Frozen Fruit Juices Material Primary Container Secondary Container

GRAPE JUICE CONCORD PLST BTL-8/64 OZ 100268 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 2 6 8 6 1 0 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 2 6 8 3

CRANBERRY JUICE CONC PLST BTL-8/64 OZ 100274 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 2 7 4 7 1 0 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 2 7 4 4

APPLE JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ 100893 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 8 9 3 0 1 0 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 8 9 3 7

CHERRY APPLE JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ 100894 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 8 9 4 7 1 0 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 8 9 4 4

GRAPE CONCORD JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ 100895 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 8 9 5 4 1 0 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 8 9 5 1

ORANGE JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ 100897 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 8 9 7 8 1 0 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 8 9 7 5

TOMATO JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ 100898 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 8 9 8 5 1 0 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 8 9 8 2

CRANBERRYAPPLE JUICE PLST BTL-8/64 FL OZ 100899 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 8 9 9 2 1 0 7 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 8 9 9 9
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

18 April 2012

Exhibit 6

“Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement

PLEASE

RECYCLE
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

19 April 2012

Exhibit 7

“Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement
Commodity Specification Frozen Fruit Juices

20 April 2012

Exhibit 8

USDA Symbol