U Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Specialty

Crops

Program

Commodity Specification 

for Dehydrated Potato 

Products

May 2019
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i

Commodity Specification for Dehydrated Potato Products

Table of Contents

GENERAL..................................................................................................................................... 1

Quality Requirements...................................................................................................................... 1

Exceptions to Quality Requirements............................................................................................... 1

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

Kosher Products.............................................................................................................................. 2

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

Grade of Dehydrated Products........................................................................................................ 2

Fill of Container.............................................................................................................................. 2

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

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

Secondary Containers (case) for Commercial Labels..................................................................... 3

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

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

PALLETIZATION REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................... 5

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

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

Shipment and Delivery.................................................................................................................... 5

Quantity Tolerance...................................................................................................................... 5

INDIVIDUAL COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 5

Dehydrated Potato Flakes........................................................................................................... 5

INSPECTION AND CHECKLOADING ................................................................................... 6

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

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

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

Laboratory Tests ............................................................................................................................. 7

FAILURE TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................ 7

EXHIBITS ..................................................................................................................................... 8

Exhibit 1 - Non-Commercial Label for Dehydrated Flakes............................................................ 8

Exhibit 2 - Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers................................... 9

Exhibit 3 - Alternative Label for Shipping Containers................................................................. 10

Exhibit 4 - Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers.................................................... 11

Exhibit 5 – Universal Product Codes............................................................................................ 12

Exhibit 6 - “Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement.................................................................... 13

Exhibit 7 - “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement .......................................................... 14

Exhibit 8 - USDA Symbol ............................................................................................................ 15

Exhibit 9 - Symbols for Kosher Products................................................................................... 16
Commodity Specification Dehydrated Potato Products

Effective Date: May 2019 Page 1 of 16

GENERAL

Quality Requirements

Dehydrated products (product/commodity) produced under this Commodity Specification must 

meet the requirements specified in the applicable Commercial Item Description (CID) A-A20032 effective on the date of the Solicitation/Invitation for Bid (IFB). The Quality 

Requirements are published separately and are incorporated herein and made a part of this 

Commodity Specification.

Exceptions to Quality Requirements

Exceptions to the Quality Requirements for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) dehydrated 

products purchases are found in Individual Commodity Specifications, of this document. 

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.

4. 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.

5. Contractors must provide the domestic origin certification and supporting 

documentation records to representatives of the AMS Specialty Crops Program, 

Processed Products Division (USDA Inspector) when requesting inspection service. 

USDA Inspectors will select and review at least one code for each purchase order to 
Commodity Specification Dehydrated Potato Products

Effective Date: May 2019 Page 2 of 16

determine compliance with the Agency's domestic origin requirements.

6. 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.

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.

Kosher Products

Occasionally, USDA solicits offers to sell KOSHER products. Such products are identified on 

the solicitation with the letter “K” incorporated into the WBSCM material descriptions (see 

Exhibit 5 for specific products.) These products shall comply with applicable dietary (kosher) 

laws as established by the “613 Council of Kashruth.” Manufacturing plants shall be certified 

for compliance with the aforementioned requirement by contacting the Board of Jewish 

Education of Greater New York (BJENY) at 646-472-5366. At no cost to the vendor, a rabbinic 

supervisor will be sent to certify compliance of the manufacturing plant with the dietary 

(kosher) laws. Vendors must not bid on these purchase units unless they can be properly 

certified. 

For other products, when commercial Kosher certification is requested in the solicitation, 

products must bear one of the Kosher certification symbols illustrated in Exhibit 9.

Packing Season

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

otherwise specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB.

Grade of Dehydrated Products

All dehydrated products must meet requirements specified. Commercial Item Description 

(CID) A-A-20032 effective on the date of the Solicitation/IFB unless otherwise specified in 

Individual Commodity Specifications, herein or the applicable Solicitation/IFB.

Fill of Container

1. Contractor must meet either the net weight or the fill weight for the product as

specified in Individual Commodity Specification; item 5 – Net Weight Specifications.

2. The average net weight must meet the net weight as printed on the label and as 

indicated above. 
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Effective Date: May 2019 Page 3 of 16

LABELS AND PACKAGING 

Primary Containers (Packages 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. 

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

Solicitations/IFBs unless prohibited by the Solicitation/IFB. Distributor’s “brand” labels 

are not acceptable. 

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

(packages). Dehydrated Potatoes 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. For one-pound packages, labels must also meet the following formatting criteria: 

a. Must include, at a minimum, Two (2) colors, in addition to black and/or white.

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

on the principal display panel if the packages are not clear or contain an adequate 

viewing window. 

c. Contractors are required to print the nutritional labeling information on each bag 

as required by FDA regulations. Contractors are also required to print the 

instruction for use on each bag.

d. 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 sealed with tape. 

The tape 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. 
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Effective Date: May 2019 Page 4 of 16

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

(truck load). 

Secondary Containers (case) for Non-Commercial Labels 

1. Packages with non-commercial labels shall be further enclosed within new, corrugated 

fiberboard cartons (cases) acceptable by common or other carriers for safe storage and 

transportation to destinations. Flaps, gaps and other openings may not exceed 1 inch and 

must be fully sealed with tape. The tape must be clear and of commercially acceptable 

width and strength. The tape must extend at least two inches down the sides or ends.

2. Cases must be marked in such a manner that they contain all the required symbols, 

statements and information contained in Exhibits 2, 3, or 4 as applicable. 

3. 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.

4. Exhibit 4 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.

5. Cases must have the recycling statement shown in Exhibit 6, “Please Recycle” Symbol 

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

6. The shipping cases for flakes packaged in polybags shall be constructed of corrugated 

fiberboard that is rated at a minimum of 175 pounds per square inch bursting strength, B 

flute, with a full winged "U" divider constructed of the same type of corrugated 

fiberboard as the shipping case. The winged "U" divider shall cover 2/3 of the length of 

the case on one side and 1/3 of the length of the other side, shall divide the case into 

equal compartments, and shall be of the same height as the shipping case. “H” dividers 

will be acceptable. No divider in the shipping case is required for flakes packed in 

chipboard carton containers, or with corrugated fiberboard that is rated at a minimum of 

275 pounds per square inch bursting strength, C flute. Sheets of craft paper shall be 

placed, top and bottom, inside the shipping cases. However, the craft paper sheets may be 

omitted for products packed in chipboard cartons, or if longitudinal flaps of shipping 

cases are sealed with 2-inch-wide sealing tape. Tack sealing is not acceptable.

7. Mixing and matching of commercial and non-commercial labeling methods will not be 

acceptable. 

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

(truck load). 
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Effective Date: May 2019 Page 5 of 16

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 5 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. 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 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.

Shipment and Delivery

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.

INDIVIDUAL COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS

Dehydrated Potato Flakes

The dehydrated potatoes shall meet the salient characteristics specified in CID A-A-20032 

effective on the date of the Solicitation/IFB for:

1. Type II, Style B – Flakes without Peel.

2. Additives or optional ingredients –
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Effective Date: May 2019 Page 6 of 16

a. Sodium sulfite or sodium acid sulfite or other approved sulfating agents 

– up to 500 parts per million (ppm) (Calculated as sulfur dioxide).

b. Any safe and suitable emulsifiers and/or antioxidants as permitted by 

provisions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

3. Moisture – Not more than 9.0 percent.

4. Reducing sugars – Not more than 4.0 percent.

5. Net Weight Specifications:

Package Weights

Container Minimum Sample 

Average

Lower Individual Limit

16-ounce (1 pound) 

container

16 ounces (1 pound) No less than 15.7 ounces

12/1-pound case 12 pounds No less than 11 pounds, 12 

ounces

6. Test Procedures – Test procedures shall be in accordance with the procedures 

outlined in CID A-A-20032 effective on the date of the Solicitation/IFB for vendors 

to sell.

INSPECTION AND CHECKLOADING

Requirements

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.

Inspection of dehydrated products must be performed not more than 12 months prior to 

shipment. 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 Dehydrated Products 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 Solicitation/IFB.

Case stamping in lieu of checkloading is acceptable, at the USDA Inspector’s discretion and 

may be performed at any time up to 28 calendar days prior to shipment of the product. 

Contractors must be aware that if this option is exercised, and an AMS Inspector does not 

perform checkloading, the contractor assumes all risk for these shipments and deliveries.
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Certification

Subject to (See 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 s purchase order hall constitute rejection of 

such lot.

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 email, to alleviate possible miscommunication.

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 dehydrated products 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.
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Effective Date: May 2019 Page 8 of 16

EXHIBITS

Exhibit 1 - Non-Commercial Label for Dehydrated Flakes

12/1 lb Pkg.

Front Panel 

INSTANT

MASHED POTATOES 

GRANULES

INGREDIENTS: 1/

NET WEIGHT 2/ 

PURCHASE ORDER NO. 3/ 

STORE IN COOL, DRY PLACE 

PACKED BY 4/

5/

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

2/ Net weight shall be expressed in metric as well as avoirdupois units. 

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. 

5/ Insert Universal Product Code (see Exhibit 5).

Recycle symbols and statements can be placed on bottom panels (Exhibit “6” and “7”).
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Effective Date: May 2019 Page 9 of 16

Exhibit 2 - Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers

BOTH SIDE PANELS BOTH END PANELS

PRODUCT NAME PRODUCT NAME

1/ PURCHASE ORDER NO. 3/

2/ 4/

USDA SYMBOL - USDA Symbol is optional. 5/

STORE IN COOL, DRY PLACE

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 (optional) may 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. Dehydrated Potato etc.).

2/ Insert the size and number of packages per case, i.e.12/1 pound packages 

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 5).

Recycle symbols and statements can be placed on bottom panels (Exhibit “6” and “7”)
Commodity Specification Dehydrated Potato Products

Effective Date: May 2019 Page 10 of 16

Exhibit 3 - Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

(Includes all Required Information)

Product Name

Style

Size/Number per case 

Purchase order Numberxxxxx

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999

 USDA Symbol is Optional

STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE

1234567891012345678910
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Exhibit 4 - Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

Dehydrated Potato 

Flakes

12/1 lb. pkg.

Purchase Order Number xxxxx 

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999

 

USDA Symbol is Optional

STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE

1 11 07 15001 01196 8
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Effective Date: May 2019 Page 12 of 16

Exhibit 5 – Universal Product Codes

Dehydrated Potatoes WBSCM

Material Primary Container Secondary Container

Dehydrated Flakes 

(12/1 lb.) 100337 7 15001 10337 6 1 07 15001 10337 3
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Exhibit 6 - “Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement

PLEASE 

RECYCLE
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Exhibit 7 - “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement
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Exhibit 8 - USDA Symbol

USDA Symbol is Optional
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Exhibit 9 - Symbols for Kosher Products