1400 Independence Avenue, SW.

Room 3932-S

Washington, D.C. 20250-0201

Commodity Specification

Bottled Fruit Juices

APRIL 2012
Commodity Specification Bottled Fruit Juices

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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. Holding Period .................................................................................................................... 5

G. Grade of Canned Fruit Juices: .......................................................................................... 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

 A. Apple Juice...................................................................................................................... 8

 B. Grapefruit Juice ............................................................................................................... 9

 C. Orange Juice.................................................................................................................... 9

 D. Grape Juice...................................................................................................................... 9

 E. Pineapple Juice ............................................................................................................. 10

 F. Tomato Juice................................................................................................................. 10

 G. Grape Juice Concentrate 1+4 ........................................................................................ 10

 H. Reconstituted Juice .................................................................................................. 10-11

 I. Cranberry Apple Juice...........................................................................11 

 J. Cranberry Juice Concentrate (3+1) ............................................................................... 12

 K. Cranberry Juice Concentrate (55 Gl Drum)............................................................. 12-13

 L. Apple Cherry Juice ................................................................................................... 13-14

III. INSPECTION AND CHECKLOADING........................................................................... 14

A. Requirements................................................................................................................ 14

B. Certification.................................................................................................................. 14

C. Procedures.................................................................................................................... 15

D. Laboratory Tests........................................................................................................... 15
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IV. FAILURE TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................... 15

V. EXHIBITS ............................................................................................................................ 15

Label for Apple Juice.......................................................................................................... 15

Label for Grapefruit Juice................................................................................................... 16

Label for Orasnge Juice ...................................................................................................... 16

Label for Grape Juice ......................................................................................................... 17

Label for Pineapple Juice.................................................................................................... 17

Label for Tomato Juice ....................................................................................................... 18

Label for Cranberry- Apple Juice ....................................................................................... 18

Label for Cranberry Juice Concentrate ............................................................................... 19

Label for Cherry Apple Juice.............................................................................................. 19

Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers......................................... 20

Alternative Label for Shipping Containers......................................................................... 21

Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers............................................................ 22

Universal Product Codes..................................................................................................... 23

“Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement............................................................................ 24

“Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement .................................................................. 25

USDA Symbol .................................................................................................................... 26
Commodity Specification Bottled Fruit Juices

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I. General

A. U.S. Standards

Bottled fruit juice (product/commodity) produced under this Commodity Specification 

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

of Canned Fruit Juice (U.S. Standards) and/or Commercial Item Description (CID) of 

Canned Juices effective on the date of the Solicitation/Invitation for Bid/(IFB). The U.S. 

Standards CIDs 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) bottled

fruit juice purchases are found in Section II, Individual Product Specifications, of this 

document. Additional exceptions may be specified in the applicable Solicitation/ Invitation 

IFB. Any exceptions contained in the applicable Invitation shall have precedence over the 

requirements contained herein, for that Solicitation/Invitation for Bid/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 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 Program, 

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

USDA Inspector will select and review at least one code for each purchase order to 

determine compliance with the Agency's domestic origin requirements. 
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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.

D. Kosher Products

Occasionally, purchase units will be identified on Solicitations/IFBs 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 COUNSIL 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 bottled fruit juices must be from the current packing season/crop year, unless otherwise 

specified in the applicable Solicitation/Invitation IFB. 

F. Holding Period

No shipment of bottled fruit juices may be made earlier than 14 days after packing. No 

delivery shall be case stamped prior to the completion of the 14-day holding period. 

G. Grade of Bottled Fruit Juices:

All bottled 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/Invitation IFB.

H. Fill of Container:

1. Contractor must meet the fill of container for the product as specified in the 

applicable U.S. Standards unless otherwise indicated herein. Each container must 

be filled 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. 
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I. Packing, Labels and Packaging

Commercial Labels and Packaging

1. Primary Containers (Bottles and Labels) 

(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. Tray packs are

not acceptable for juices in 64oz. bottles.

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

all Solicitations/Invitation IFBs unless prohibited by the Solicitation/Invitation 

 IFB Distributor’s “brand” labels are not acceptable.

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

 containers (bottles). Bottled fruit juice shall be packed only in the container

size and type specified in the applicable Solicitation/Invitation IFB. The

 bottles must be suitably code marked so that the product can be identified with 

 related inspection certificates.

2. Secondary Containers (case)

(a) Mixing and matching of USDA and commercial labeling methods will not be

acceptable.

(b) Two or more different commercial labels will not be acceptable within a 

shipping unit (truckload).

USDA Label and Packaging

1. Primary Containers (bottle) 

(a) Apple, Grape, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Orange, Tomato and Cranberry/Apple 

Juices must be packed in new, commercially acceptable primary containers (bottle). 

These bottled juices shall be packed only in 64 fluid ounce size bottles, unless 

otherwise specified in the applicable Solicitation/Invitation IFB. The bottles must 

be suitably code-marked so that the product can be identified with related 

inspection certificates. Grape Juice in 46 fluid ounce cartons shall be screw-top and 

can safely be stored stacked in two pallets high.

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

containers (bottles). Bottled fruit juices shall be packed only in the container size 

and type specified in the applicable Solicitation/Invitation IFB. 

(c) The bottles must be suitably code marked so that the product can be identified 

with related inspection certificates. 
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2. Bottle Labels

USDA can labels are shown in Exhibits 1-1 through 1-7. The wording and design 

of the labels is restricted to that shown in the exhibit. The labels must be printed in 

ink of the color specified, on commercially acceptable, white paper stock. All 

printing must be scuff resistant by the application of a varnish, lacquer, or synthetic 

coating applied to the label after printing.

Fortified Juices- Fortification information must be included in the Nutrition 

Information Panel of the primary container label.

Juices from concentrate- The product name for the juice from concentrate shall be 

stated on the primary container label as:

(Applicable Juice Name)

From Concentrate

(Unsweetened)

The words “From Concentrate” shall not be less than 1⁄2 the size of the product 

name.

3. Secondary Container (case) Markings 

Bottles 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 1 inch and must be fully glued or 

sealed with tape. If tape is used in lieu of glue, it must be clear 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. 

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 2.

Exhibit 3 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.
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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 bottled fruit juices 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

All juices in 64 oz bottles shall have a minimum average net content of 64.0 fluid ounces. 

No individual container in the sample shall have a net content less than 63.0 fluid ounces.

A. Apple Juice

1. Grade- U.S. Grade A, canned apple juice, clear.

2. Vitamin C Requirement- 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, see I.1. (b)).
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B. Grapefruit Juice

Grade- U.S. Grade A, unsweetened, single strength grapefruit juice and grapefruit juice 

from concentrate. (Label indications of grapefruit juice from concentrate are required, see 

I.1. (c)).

C. Orange Juice

1. Grade- U.S. Grade A, unsweetened, canned orange juice from concentrate and the 

following special grade requirements.

2. Special Grade Requirements:

(a) Bottled orange juice will require a minimum color equal to USDA OJ 6, a 

minimum Brix-Acid Ratio of 15.0 to 1, a maximum Brix-Acid Ratio of 20.5 to 1, 

and a minimum Brix of 11.0 degrees.

(b) Bottled orange juice from concentrate will require a minimum color equal to 

USDA OJ 5, a minimum Brix-Acid Ratio of 15.0 to 1, a maximum Brix-Acid 

Ratio of 20.5 to 1, and a minimum Brix of 11.8 degrees. (Label indications of 

orange juice from concentrate are required, see I.1.(c)). 

D. Grape Juice

1. Grade- U.S. Grade A, Style I (unsweetened), Type I (Concord) canned grape juice 

or grape juice from concentrate and the following special grade requirements.

2. The grade of grape juice from concentrate shall be equivalent to the analytical and 

quality requirements of U.S. Grade A, Style I (unsweetened), Type I (Concord) 

canned grape juice and the following special grade requirements.

3. Special Grade Requirements:

(a) Bottled grape juice will require a minimum color equal to U.S. Grade B or 

better, a minimum Brix-Acid Ratio of 16 to 1, and a minimum Brix of 15.0 degrees. 

If acid is added to meet the Brix-Acid Ratio of 16 to 1, the acid used must be listed 

on the label.

(b) Bottled grape juice from concentrate will require a minimum color equal to 

U.S. Grade B or better, a minimum Brix-Acid Ratio of 16 to 1, and a minimum 

Brix of 16.0 degrees. (Label indications of grape juice from concentrate are 

required, see I.1(c)). The grape juice shall be free of astringency. The presence of 

crystals in any lot of juice shall be considered a defect and shall result in rejection 

of the lot.

4. Vitamin C Requirement- The finished product shall be fortified to contain at least

 34 milligrams of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) per 100 milliliters of grape juice/ 

(Label indications of Vitamin C fortification are required, see I.1. (b)). 
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E. Pineapple Juice

 1. Grade- The grade of pineapple juice shall meet the identity and quality 

requirements of U.S. Grade A, unsweetened, single strength pineapple juice or 

pineapple juice from concentrate. (Label indications of pineapple

juice from concentrate are required, see I.1. (c)).

2. Vitamin C Requirement- The finished product shall be fortified to contain at least 

34 milligrams of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) per 100 milliliters of pineapple juice. 

(Label indications of Vitamin C fortification are required, see I.1. (b)). When 

fortification is required and the natural occurring Vitamin C is at least 34 

milligrams per 100 milliliters, no Vitamin C fortification is required.

F. Tomato Juice

1. Grade- The grade of tomato juice delivered under this specification shall meet the 

identity and quality requirements of U.S. Grade A, unsweetened, single strength 

tomato juice or tomato juice from concentrate. (Label indications of tomato juice 

from concentrate are required, see I.1. (c)).

2. Vitamin C Requirement- The finished product shall be fortified to contain at least 

34 milligrams of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) per 100 milliliters of tomato juice. 

(Label Indications of Vitamin C fortification are required, see I.1. (b)).

3. Sodium content-36mg-140 mg per serving (defined as 1 cup)

G. Grape Juice Concentrate (1 + 4)

1. Concentrated grape juice shall be prepared from unfermented, single-strength 

Concord grape juice of domestic origin with no added sweeteners. The 

concentrated grape juice shall be a 1 plus 4 concentrate that will contain grape 

juice produced from the crop year as specified in the announcement; water; grape 

essence; and fortified with Vitamin C. 

2. The concentrate shall be processed in accordance with good commercial practice. 

When reconstituted at one part concentrate to four parts water the product will 

yield 100% grape juice.

3. Concentrated Grape juice shall be packed in #2-1/2 cans (25.6 fluid ounces), 12 

cans per case. Each # 2-1/2 can will yield one gallon of reconstituted grape juice.

 Product shall have an unrefrigerated shelf life of nine (9) months or longer.

H. Reconstituted Juice

1. The reconstituted juice shall have the characteristics as described in the following:

(a) Style- Equivalent to Style I, Unsweetened, as specified in the U.S. Standards 

for Grades of Canned Grape Juice.

(b) Type- Equivalent to Type I, Concord, as specified in the U.S. Standards for 

Grades of Canned Grape Juice.
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(c) Quality- Equivalent to U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy of the U.S. Standards for 

Grades of Canned Grape Juice.

(d) Analytical and quality requirements- The analytical and quality characteristics 

of the reconstituted juice shall be as described below. All analyses shall performed 

on the reconstituted juice for the following as prescribed in the Official Methods of 

Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) or methods 

which will give equivalent results.

(e) Brix- The Brix obtained by reconstituting the juice at four (4) parts water to

one (1) part concentrate shall be a minimum of 16.0 degrees.

(f) Acid- The acid of the reconstituted juice shall not be less than 0.60 grams per

100 milliliters nor more than 1.20 grams per 100 milliliters calculated as tartaric

acid.

(g) Brix-acid ratio: The ratio of Brix to acid of the reconstituted juice is not less 

than 14 to 1 nor more than 28 to 1.

 (h) Quality requirements- The quality requirements (color, defects, and flavor) of 

the properly reconstituted juice shall be consistent with requirements for U.S. Grade 

A in the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Grape Juice.

 (i) Vitamin C requirement- The reconstituted juice shall be fortified to contain at 

least 34 milligrams of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) per 100 milliliters of the 

reconstituted grape juice.

(j) Sulfite requirement- The sulfite level for the reconstituted juice shall contain 

no more than 10 parts per million (ppm). 

I Cranberry-Apple Juice

1. Blended cranberry-apple juice purchased under this specification must meet the 

specifications set forth in the Commercial Item Description (CID) A-A-20327, 

Cranberry Juice Blends, One Hundred Percent, effective at the date of the

Solicitation/Invitation/IFB. Sections 3.3.5, Age requirement; 3.4.4, Analytical 

procedure; and 3.4.5, Preparation of sample, do not apply.

2. The juice shall be Type 1 (Cranberry-Apple) containing not less than 12 percent 

or more than 20 percent cranberry juice, the balance of the blend being single 

strength apple juice (no apple juice concentrate or other juices permitted).

3. Vitamin C Requirement- The finished product shall be fortified to contain at least 

34 milligrams of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) per 100 milliliters of Cranberry-Apple

juice. (Label indications of Vitamin C fortification are required, see I.1. (b)). 
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J. Cranberry Juice Concentrate (3 + 1)

1. The Cranberry Juice Concentrate shall be prepared by blending cranberry juice or 

cranberry juice concentrate, water, sweeteners and ascorbic acid. The cranberry 

juice or concentrate shall be produced from clean, sound, mature, uniformly 

colored, washed, fresh or frozen cranberries (Vaccinium Macrocarpon). 

Sweetening ingredients used shall be sugar (sucrose), liquid sugar, invert sugar 

syrup or high fructose corn syrup (40 percent or more fructose, by dry weight). 

2. The concentrate shall be processed in accordance with good commercial practice. 

3. When reconstituted at one part concentrate to three parts water the product will 

yield cranberry juice cocktail. The product shall be practically free from defects, 

and free from scorched, green or other undesirable flavor and odors. Product 

shall be fortified with Vitamin C.

4. Brix- 42.9+/- 0.5 for Sucrose; 47.1+/- 0.5 for High Fructose Corn Syrup.

5. Acid-Minimum Titratable Acidity of 1.67% wt/wt measured as citric acid.

6 Color- Product shall be of uniform cranberry color.

7. Cranberries and cranberry concentrate shall be produced from the current crop 

year or later or as specified in the Solicitation/Invitation IFB.

8. The product shall be packed in hermetically sealed containers and shall be 

sufficiently processed by heat to assure adequate sterilization. 

9. Pack Size- 8/64 oz and 12/11.5 oz container (plastic bottles/cans).

 Product shall have an unrefrigerated shelf life of nine (9) months or longer.

 10. As diluted to drinking strength (Three parts water and one part concentrate):

 Minimum of 27% cranberry juice by volume.

 Sweetened with sucrose to 12.2 Bx +/- 0.2.

 Sweetened with high fructose corn syrup to 13.6 Bx +/- 0.2.

 Minimum titratable acidity of 0.47% wt/wt measured as citric acid.

 Delivers 100% of the US DV for vitamin C.

K. Cranberry Juice Concentrate (55 Gal Drum)

 1. The Cranberry Juice Concentrate shall be prepared from depectinized, filtered juice

derived from properly matured, cleaned cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon). No 

other fruit juices, sugar or preservatives added. It is concentrated under low 

temperatures and vacuum and the essence fraction returned. Processing conforms 

to all provisions of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

2. Origin- 100 % grown, processed and pack in the United States from the current 

crop year or later or as specified in the Solicitation/IFB.

(a) Style-Unsweetened

(b) Color-Red - Typical of cranberry juice stock

(c) Flavor/Odor-Clean, tart flavor of cranberry. Free of off-odors or off- flavors.
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 (d) Brix-50°+/-1°

(e)Acid-(Anhydrous Citric)-14%+/-3%w/w 

(f) Temperature- No acceptance above 25°F.

(g) Turbidity- Less than 10 NTU at 2.0° brix.

(h) Unit Size- 55 gallon drum containing 50 gallon fill (approximately 513 pounds 

net).

 3. Insert two polyethylene liners, 2 millimeter thickness. New or reconditioned 

drums and lids required.

Labeling-Drum tag requirements:

1. Name and Address of Company

2. Drum Number

3. Average brix to nearest tenth of degree

4. Grade and Date of Pack

5. Net Weight

6. Tare

7. Gross Weight

 8. Print tag labeled “Cranberry Juice Concentrate”

 9. Copy of drum tag shall be inserted inside drum showing identical information 

 above.

L. Apple-Cherry Juice

1. The apple-cherry juice blend shall be 100 percent juice and shall be prepared by 

blending not less than 20 percent or more than 24 percent cherry juice or cherry 

juice concentrate and filtered water, the balance of the blend being single strength 

apple juice (no apple juice concentrate or other juices permitted). The cherry 

juice or cherry juice concentrate shall be produced from Red Tart Cherries. The 

apple-cherry juice blend shall be produced from clean, sound, and mature fruit.

2. The 100 percent apple-cherry juice shall contain no artificial colors, artificial 

 flavors, sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, or acids. The juice blend may be 

fortified with other vitamins and minerals with established Reference Daily 

Intakes (RDIs) and shall be packed in hermetically sealed containers and shall be 

sufficiently processed by heat to assure adequate sterilization. 

 3. Vitamin C Requirement- The finished product shall be fortified to contain at least 

34 milligrams of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) per 100 milliliters of apple-cherry 

juice. Label indications of Vitamin C fortification are required. Must be of Food 

Chemicals Codex purity.

 4. Flavor and Odor- The 100 percent apple-cherry juice blend shall possess a 

 distinctive flavor and odor of the particular blend.
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 5. Color- The 100 percent apple-cherry juice blend shall possess a bright 

 characteristic color typical of the particular blend and shall be light to dark red.

 6. Defects- The product shall contain no coagulation of pulp, shall be free of 

seed particles and rag, and shall contain no peel or other extraneous plant 

material.

 7. Foreign Material- All ingredients shall be clean, sound, wholesome, and free 

 from glass, dirt, insect parts, burnt, scorched, stale, sour, rancid, musty, and 

evidence of rodent or insect infestation.

 8. Soluble solids- The soluble solids (°Brix) shall be between 12.5° and 17.9° Brix.

 9. Acidity- The acidity (Anhydrous citric) shall be not less than 0.40 grams per

 100 milliliters.

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 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 bottled products must be performed not more than 90 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 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 Solicitation/Invitation 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. 

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.
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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.

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 canned fruit juice 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.

V. Exhibits

 

Exhibit 1-1

Label for Apple Juice
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Exhibit 1-2

Label for Grapefruit Juice

Exhibit 1-3

Label for Orange Juice
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Exhibit 1-4

Label for Grape Juice

Exhibit 1-5

Label for Pineapple Juice
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Exhibit 1-6

Label for Tomato Juice

Exhibit 1-7

Label for Cranberry–Apple Juice 
Commodity Specification Bottled Fruit Juices

19

April 2012

Exhibit 1-8

Label for Cranberry Juice Concentrate

Exhibit 1-9

Label for Cherry Apple Juice
Commodity Specification Bottled Fruit Juices

20

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/

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 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; 

(i.e. Apple, Grape, etc.).

2/ Insert the size and number of packages per case, i.e. 12/46 oz. ctns, 6/5 pound bags, 8/64

ounce bottles, 1/25 pound bag.

3/ 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 Bottled Fruit Juices

21

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

STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE

1234567891012345678910
Commodity Specification Bottled Fruit Juices

22

April 2012

Exhibit 4

Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

Bottled Apple 

Juice

Packed in xxx xxx

8/64 oz. bottles

Purchase Order Number 25111

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999

STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE

1 11 07 15001 01434 1
Commodity Specification Bottled Fruit Juices

23

April 2012

Exhibit 5

Universal Product Codes

 WBSCM

Fruit Juice Materials Primary Container Secondary Container

Grape Juice Conc. PLST BTL-8/64 oz 100268 7 15001 00268 1 1 07 15001 00268 3

Cranberry Juice Conc. PLST BTL-8/64 oz 100274 7 15001 00274 7 1 07 15001 00274 4

Apple Juice PLST BTL-8/64 FL oz 100893 7 15001 00893 0 1 07 15001 00893 7

Cherry Apple Juice PLST BTL-8/64 FL oz 100894 7 15001 00894 7 1 07 15001 00894 4

Grape Conc. Juice PLST BTL-8/64 FL oz 100895 7 15001 00895 4 1 07 15001 00895 1

Orange Juice PLST BTL-8/64 FL oz 100897 7 15001 00897 8 1 07 15001 00897 5

Tomato Juice PLST BTL-8/64 FL oz 100898 7 15001 00898 5 1 07 15001 00898 2

Cranberry Apple Juice PLST BTL- 8/64 FL oz 100899 7 15001 00899 2 1 07 15001 00899 2
Commodity Specification Bottled Fruit Juices

24

April 2012

Exhibit 6

“Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement

 PLEASE

 RECYCLE
Commodity Specification Bottled Fruit Juices

25

April 2012

Exhibit 7

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

26

April 2012

Exhibit 8

USDA Symbol