1400 Independence Avenue, SW.

Room 3932-S

Washington, D.C. 20250-0201

Commodity Specification

Frozen Vegetables

February 2012 
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

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Frozen Vegetables February 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 Vegetables:.................................................................................................. 5

H. Fill of Container:..................................................................................................................... 5

I. Packing, Labels and Packaging.......................................................................6-7

J. Universal Product Codes (UPC)........................................................................7

K. Palletization Requirements...........................................................................7-8

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

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

A. Frozen, Asparagus............................................................................................................. 8

B. Frozen, Whole Kernel Corn............................................................................................... 8

C. Frozen, Peas....................................................................................................................... 8

D. Frozen, Green Beans.......................................................................................................... 9

E. Frozen, Mixed Vegetables................................................................................................. 9

F. Frozen, Carrots .................................................................................................................. 9

G. Frozen, Corn-on-the-cob.............................................................................9

H. Frozen, Mashed Sweet Potatoes...............................................................9-10

I. Frozen, Random Cut Sweet Potatoes............................................................................... 10

III. INSPECTION...........................................................................................10

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

B. Certification.................................................................................................................. 10

C. Procedures........................................................................................10

D. Laboratory Tests........................................................................................................... 11
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IV. FAILURE TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................11

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

Exhibit 1 Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers ......................... 12

Exhibit 2 Alternative Label for Shipping Containers......................................................... 13

Exhibit 3 Universal Product Codes..................................................................................... 14

Exhibit 4 “Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement............................................................ 15

Exhibit 5 “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement................................................... 16

Exhibit 6 USDA Symbol .................................................................................................... 17
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

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Frozen Vegetables February 2012

I. General

A. U.S. Standards

Frozen vegetables (product/commodity) produced under this Commodity Specification 

must meet the requirements specified in the applicable United States Standards for 

Grades of Frozen Vegetables (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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) frozen 

vegetables purchases are found in Section II, Individual Product 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. 

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 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 demonstrate 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 
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Frozen Vegetables February 2012

Program, Processed Products Division (USDA Inspector) when requesting 

inspection service. USDA Inspectors will select and review at least one code for

each purchase order or IDIQ contract 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, 

purchase order 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 Solicitations/IFB 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 purchase order 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 vegetables must be from the current packing season/crop year, unless 

otherwise specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB. 

F. Shipment

Shipment of frozen vegetables must be at 0 degrees (plus or minus 10 degrees F).

G. Grade of Frozen Vegetables:

All frozen vegetables 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.

H. Fill of Container:

1. Contractor must meet the net weight for the product as specified in the applicable 

U.S. Standards unless otherwise indicated herein. 

a. Shipping cases for frozen product shall contain twelve 2 1⁄2-pounds, six 5-

pounds, or 30-pound bulk container.

2. The average net weight must meet the net weight as printed on the label. 
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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 Solicitations/IFBs unless prohibited by the Solicitation/IFB. Distributor’s 

“brand” labels are not acceptable.

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

(bags). Frozen vegetables shall be packed only in the container size and type 

specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB. The bags must be suitably code 

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

2. Secondary Containers (case)

Bags shall be further enclosed within new, corrugated fiberboard cartons (cases)

acceptable by common or other carriers for safe transportation to destinations. 

Case flaps, gaps and other openings may not exceed 1 inch and must be fully 

sealed with tape. Tape must be clear and of commercially acceptable width and 

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

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).

USDA Label and Packaging

1. Primary Containers (bags)

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

Frozen vegetables shall be packed only in the container size and type specified in 

the applicable Solicitation/IFB. The bags must be suitably code marked so that 

the product can be identified with related inspection certificates. 

2. Secondary Containers (cases)

The construction of shipping cases shall be adequate to withstand normal

refrigerated shipping and cold storage, and shall meet the following

requirements: 

Corrugated fiberboard construction, rated at a minimum of 275 pounds 

per square inch bursting strength for 30-pound cartons and 40 pound cases and 

225 pounds PSI for 20 and 25 pound cases. 
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Cases must be marked in such a manner that they contain all of the symbols, 

statements and information contained in Exhibit 1, "Required Markings for 

Shipping Containers".

The net weight must be expressed in metric as well as avoirdupois units.

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. 

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. 

Exhibit 2 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 they cannot be removed intact. 

Cases must have the recycling statement shown in Exhibit 4, "Please Recycle" 

Symbol and Statement or Exhibit 5, "Corrugated Recycles" Symbol and 

Statement. 

Case flaps, gaps and other openings may not exceed 1 inch and must be fully 

sealed with tape. Tape must be clear and of commercially acceptable width 

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

Labels and Case Markings

The following statement must be clearly printed on the exterior for all frozen 

cases: “Important – Keep Frozen. – Exposure to air may cause product browning

(oxidation), to minimize product browning, limit thawing time to 3 hours at room 

temperature.”

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 if 

applicable are listed in Exhibit 3. The Contractor’s UPC is not acceptable. The shipping

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

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 not responsible for arrangement of pallet 

exchange.
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2. Unitization

Each delivery unit of frozen vegetables 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.

II. Individual Commodity Specifications

A. Frozen, Asparagus

1. Cut Spears (Cuts & Tips)

a. Grade - U.S. Grade A.

b. Sizes (Diameter) of spears and tips – medium size or No. 2 classification 3/8 inch 

or larger but less than 5/8 inch.

c. Length of cut – 1 inch, plus or minus 1⁄4 inch.

d. Net Weight: i. 30 pounds per case (6/5).

ii. 30 pounds per case (12/2.5 lb.).

2. Whole Spears

a. Grade - U.S. Grade A.

b. Whole Spears.

c. Net Weight: 15 pounds per case (6/2.5 lb.).

B. Frozen, Whole Kernel Corn

2. Grade: U.S. Grade B or better.

3. Color Type: Golden.

4. Variety: Frozen Super sweet Whole Kernel Corn may be used as long as it 

follows the guidelines – A-493. 

C. Frozen, Peas

1. Grade: U.S. Grade B or better, with no additives except salt acquired during 

processing.
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D. Frozen, Green Beans

1. Grade: U.S. Grade B or better, except shall be U.S. Grade A for extraneous 

vegetable material.

a. Type: Round.

b. Color: Green.

c. Styles: Whole, cut (sliced lengthwise, or French style), provided that the cut 

 style units are one inch in length or longer.

NOTE: Compliance with “cut” style one inch or longer provisions will be determined 

using the criteria in the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Green and Wax 

Beans”, except to change the definition of a minor defect in Table I for “cut” style to 

read: “Piece shorter than 3⁄4 inch in length.”

E. Frozen, Mixed Vegetables

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

2. Proportions of Ingredients:

(a) Not more than 40 percent by weight carrots (diced style 3/8 to 1⁄2 inch cube).

(b) Not more than 40 percent by weight corn (sweet, golden or yellow, 

 whole kernel corn).

(c) Not more than 40 percent by weight green peas.

F. Frozen, Carrots

1. Grade: U.S. Grade A. 

2. Style: Sliced (straight cut or crinkle cut). 

G. Frozen, Corn-on-the-Cob

1. Grade: U.S. Grade A (or U.S. Fancy).

2. Length: Short.

3. Color: Golden (or yellow).

4. Style: Trimmed.

5. Flavor and Odor: Good flavor and odor.

6. Pack Size: 96 ears per case.

H. Frozen, Mashed Sweet Potatoes

1. Grade: U.S. Grade A.

2. Color – Golden, Yellow, or Mixed.
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3. Style: Mashed.

4. Net Weight: 30 pounds (6/5 lb. bags).

I. Frozen, Cut or Chunks Sweet Potatoes

1. Grade: U.S. Grade A.

2. Color – Golden, Yellow, or Mixed.

3. Style: Cut or Chunks.

4. Net Weight: 30 pounds (6/5 lb. bags).

III. Inspection 

A. Requirements

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

(USDA specification) must perform the inspection and checkloading. See section X 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 products must be performed not more than 60 days 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 Frozen 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 Solicitation/IFB.

Case stamping is not acceptable for frozen vegetables.

B. Certification

Subject to (See section X 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 purchase order shall constitute 

rejection of such lot.

C. 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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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 vegetables 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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V. Exhibits

Exhibit 1

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

 

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. 6 /No. 10 cans, 6/5 pound bags, 12/46 

ounce cans, 1/25 pound bag.

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 "3").

 Recycle symbols and statements can be placed on bottom panels (Exhibit “4” and “5”).
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Exhibit 2

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

1234567891012345678910
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Exhibit 3

Universal Product Codes

 WBSCM

Frozen Vegetables Material Primary Container Secondary Container

Asparagus, Whole Spears (6/2.5 lb.) 100304 7 15001 00304 1 1 07 15001 00304 8

Asparagus (12/2.5 lb.) 100346 1 07 15001 00346 8

Carrots (30 lb.) 100352 1 07 15001 00352 9

Carrots (30 lb.), Kosher 110064 1 07 15001 10064 8

Corn (30 lb.) 100348 1 07 15001 00348 2

Corn-on-the-cob (96 ears per case) 100349 1 07 15001 00349 9

Corn-on-the-cob (96 ears per case), Kosher 110061 1 07 15001 10061 7

Green Beans (30 lb.) 100351 1 07 15001 00351 2

Green Beans (30 lb.), Kosher 110063 1 07 15001 10063 1

Peas (30 lb.) 100350 1 07 15001 00350 5

Peas (30 lb.), Kosher 110062 1 07 15001 10062 4

Mashed Sweet Potatoes 6/5 100354 7 15001 00354 6 1 07 15001 00354 3

Random Cut Sweet Potatoes 6/5 100353 7 15001 00353 9 1 07 15001 00353 6
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Exhibit 4

“Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement

PLEASE

RECYCLE
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Exhibit 5

“Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement
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Exhibit 6

USDA Symbol