U Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Specialty

Crops

Program

Commodity Specification 

for Frozen Vegetables

March 2022
Non-Discrimination Policy: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program 

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

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

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

information may be made available in languages other than English.

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

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

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

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

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

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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Commodity Specification for Frozen Vegetables

Table of Contents

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

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

Exceptions to U.S. Standards and/or Commercial Item Description (CID) ................................... 1

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

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

Halal Products................................................................................................................................. 3

Packing Season ............................................................................................................................... 3

Shipment ......................................................................................................................................... 3

Grade of Frozen Vegetables ........................................................................................................... 3

Fill of Container.............................................................................................................................. 3

Labels and Packaging................................................................................................................... 4

Primary Containers (Packages and Labeling)................................................................................. 4

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

Secondary Containers (case) for Non-Commercial Labels ............................................................ 5

Universal Product Codes (UPC).................................................................................................. 5

Palletization Requirements.......................................................................................................... 5

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

Unitization....................................................................................................................................... 6

Individual Commodity Specifications......................................................................................... 6

Frozen, Asparagus....................................................................................................................... 6

Frozen, Whole Kernel Corn........................................................................................................ 6

Frozen, Peas................................................................................................................................ 7

Frozen, Green Beans................................................................................................................... 7

Frozen, Mixed Vegetables.......................................................................................................... 8

Frozen, Carrots............................................................................................................................ 8

Frozen, Corn-on-the-Cob ............................................................................................................ 9

Frozen, Mashed Sweet Potatoes.................................................................................................. 9

Frozen, Cut or Chunks Sweet Potatoes....................................................................................... 9

Frozen Broccoli........................................................................................................................... 9

Frozen IQF Spinach .................................................................................................................. 10

Frozen, IQF Mushrooms........................................................................................................... 10

Frozen, Vegetable Blends......................................................................................................... 11

Frozen, Sweet Peppers.............................................................................................................. 12

Frozen, Onions.......................................................................................................................... 12

Frozen, Butternut Squash.......................................................................................................... 13

Frozen Potatoes, Diced ............................................................................................................. 15

Inspection, Certification, and Checkloading............................................................................ 15

Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 15

Certification .................................................................................................................................. 16

Checkloading ................................................................................................................................ 16

Procedures..................................................................................................................................... 16

Laboratory Tests ........................................................................................................................... 16

Failure to Meet Specifications.................................................................................................... 16

Reference Links........................................................................................................................... 18
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Exhibits........................................................................................................................................ 19

Exhibit 1 - Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers................................. 19

Exhibit 2 - Alternative Label for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers.................................... 20

Exhibit 3 - Universal Product Codes ............................................................................................ 21

Exhibit 4 - “Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement.................................................................... 23

Exhibit 5 - “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement .......................................................... 24

Exhibit 6 - USDA Symbol ............................................................................................................ 25

Exhibit 7.1 - Symbols for Kosher Products.................................................................................. 26

Exhibit 7.2 - Symbols for Halal Products..................................................................................... 26
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

Effective Date: March 2022 Page 1 of 26

GENERAL

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.

Exceptions to U.S. Standards and/or Commercial Item Description (CID)

Exceptions to the U.S. Standards for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) frozen

vegetables purchases and/or CID are found in Section II, 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

In accordance with the latest version of the AMS Master Solicitation for 

Commodity Procurement – Domestic Programs (MSCP-D) Sections 4A52.225-

1a,b,c,d,e,f, and 4A52.225-3, contractors must meet all domestic origin 

requirements with further clarifications shown below.

1. Contractors will make all paperwork available to USDA that confirms fruit, 

vegetable, and nut commodities purchased for USDA food assistance outlets 

are 100 percent grown in the United States. This means that products shall 

have originated entirely from crops 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) in accordance with responsible commercial practices, during the 

packing season, and from the crop year(s) specified. 

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 responsibility for compliance is borne by the contractor, regardless of 

whether the product was processed/packed in their facility or if it originated 

from other sources (i.e., subcontractors and suppliers). If a contractor receives 

crops or products originating from other sources, it is up to the contractor to 
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

Effective Date: March 2022 Page 2 of 26

obtain proof of domestic origin compliance from those sources. 

4. Examples of documentation submitted may include, but are not limited to: 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. An acceptable domestic origin verification traceback must include the 

following:

• Signed Exhibit 1 Domestic Origin Certification

• Table of Contents 

• MUST include narrative or flow chart explaining the documentation provided

• An explanation of the code. (Code Breakdown)

• Each page must be numbered and referenced in Table of Contents

• All pertinent information should be highlighted on each document

• Documentation must be clear and concise and must relate directly to the code 

being traced

• Trace information submitted must include the physical location of the 

originating field, farm, orchard, or vineyard.

NOTE: Failure to comply with the above requirements, or any submittals 

consisting of mass unorganized “data dumps” will not be reviewed by SCI and 

final statuses will be reported to the Commodity Procurement representative as 

“Incomplete”. 

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 that comply with applicable dietary

(kosher) laws as established by the “613 Council of Kashruth.” Such products are identified on
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

Effective Date: March 2022 Page 3 of 26

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

Exhibit 3 for specific products.) Manufacturing plants shall be certified for compliance with the

aforementioned requirement by contacting the Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York 

(BJENY) at 646-472-5368. 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.

Kosher products purchased solely for the #613 Council of Kashruth (BJENY) do not 

require a symbol on the primary or secondary container.

Other Kosher products identified in this specification are required to have a commercial 

Kosher certification and must bear one of the Kosher certification symbols illustrated in 

Exhibit 7.1.

Halal Products 

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

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

3 for specific products). Products identified in this specification as requiring a Halal certification 

must bear on of the Halal certification symbols illustrated in Exhibit 7.2.

Packing Season

All vegetables used to pack these commodities must be from the current season/crop year,

unless otherwise specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB.

Shipment

Frozen foods shall be held, tendered, and transported at a temperature of 0 degrees F or 

lower. Under temporary conditions, such as may occur at the time of loading, the product 

temperature may exceed the 0 degrees F requirement. However, any lot exceeding a 

temperature of 10 degrees F. at the time of loading shall not be acceptable.

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.

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. Shipping cases for frozen product shall
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Effective Date: March 2022 Page 4 of 26

contain twelve 1 pound, 2 pound, 2 1⁄2-pounds, six 5-pounds, or 30 and 40-pound bulk 

container.

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

Individual Commodity Specification Section II.

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.

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

Solicitations/IFBs. Distributor’s “brand” labels are not acceptable.

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

(packages). Frozen Vegetables 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 packages 3 pounds or less, labels must also meet the following formatting criteria:

a. Must include, at a minimum, one (1) color, 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 a viewing 

window.

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 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.

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

acceptable.
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Effective Date: March 2022 Page 5 of 26

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

(truck load).

Secondary Containers (case) for Non-Commercial Labels

Packages with non-commercial labels 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 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 the required symbols, statements 

and information contained in Exhibit 1 or 2 as applicable.

Cases may be marked by printing or stenciling or by preprinted, self-adhesive stickers. Selfadhesive 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 or 2 as applicable.

Exhibit 2 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.

Cases must have the recycling statement shown in Exhibit 4, “Please Recycle” Symbol and 

Statement or Exhibit 5, “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement.

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 3 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 
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

Effective Date: March 2022 Page 6 of 26 

softwood. Broken or damaged pallets are unacceptable; however, broken, or damaged 

pallets may be repaired with No.1 hardwood or its equivalent in new softwood. 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 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. 

INDIVIDUAL COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS

Frozen, Asparagus

Cut Spears (Cuts & Tips)

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A.

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

larger but less than 5/8 inch. 

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

4. Net Weight – 

a. 30 pounds per case (6/5-pound bags.)

b. 30 pounds per case (12/2.5-pound bags.)

Whole Spears 

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A.

2. Net Weight – 15 pounds per case (6/2.5-pound bags.)

Frozen, Whole Kernel Corn

1. Grade – U.S. Grade B or better.

2. Color Type – Golden (or yellow).
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3. Variety – Frozen Super sweet Whole Kernel Corn may be used as long as it follows the

guidelines – A-493.

4. Net Weight

a. 30 pounds per case

b. 12/2.5-pound containers per case

Frozen, Peas

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

2. Net Weight

a. 1/30 pounds per case

b. 1/30 pounds per case, Kosher

c. 12/2.5-pound containers per case 

d. 12/1-pound containers per case

Frozen, Green Beans

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

vegetable material.

2. Type – Round.

3. Color – Green.

4. Styles – For Material Code 100351 and 111054, product can be only Style a. 

Cut,

Unless specified differently in the Solicitation/IFB.

a. Cut - provided that the cut style units are one inch in length or longer.

b. Sliced lengthwise, or French style. 

c. Whole.

5. Net Weight
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a. 30 pounds per case

b. 12/2-pound containers per case – Material Code: 111054

6. Short piece: a unit in cut style, that is less than 13 mm (0.50 in) in length, as stated 

in the U.S. Standards for Green and Wax Beans.

Frozen, Mixed Vegetables

1. Grade – U.S. Grade B or better.

2. Exceptions to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Frozen Mixed Vegetables

Proportions of Ingredients – 4-way mix (plus or minus 7 percent by weight).

a. 30 percent by weight carrots (diced style 3/8 to 1⁄2 inch cube).

b. 20 percent by weight green peas.

c. 20 percent by weight corn (sweet, golden, or yellow, whole kernel corn).

d. 30 percent by weight cut style green beans (predominantly of 1/2 inch to 1-1/2-

inch cuts).

3. Net Weight –

a. 6/5-pound containers per case (30 pounds per case)

Frozen, Carrots

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A.

2. Style –

a. Sliced (straight cut or crinkle cut), maximum diameter 1 1⁄2 inches. 

b. Diced (3⁄8 inch to 1⁄2 inch cube).

3. Net Weight –

a. 30 pounds.
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b. 12/2-pound containers per case

c. 12/ 1-pound containers per case

Frozen, Corn-on-the-Cob

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

2. Length – Short (3 inches to 31⁄2 inches).

3. Color – Golden (or yellow).

4. Style – Trimmed.

5. Unit Size – 1,320 cases.

6. Pack Size – 96 ears per case.

Frozen, Mashed Sweet Potatoes

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A.

2. Color – Golden, Yellow, or Mixed.

3. Style – Mashed.

4. Net Weight – 30 pounds (6/5-pound bags).

Frozen, Cut or Chunks Sweet Potatoes

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A.

2. Color – Golden, Yellow, or Mixed.

3. Style – Cut or Chunks.

4. Cut Size – 1⁄2 to 1 inch. 

5. Net Weight – 30 pounds (6/5-pound bags).

Frozen Broccoli

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A.
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2. Style – Short Spears or Florets.

3. Each short spear or floret must weigh more than 4 grams.

4. Net Weight – 30 pounds (6/5-pound bags).

Frozen IQF Spinach

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A.

2. Style – Chopped.

3. Package size – 12/2 pounds or 20 pounds.

Frozen, IQF Mushrooms

All vendors and/or suppliers providing fresh mushrooms shall undergo a “Mushroom Good

Agricultural Practices Program” audit, 2010. The audit must be conducted by the United

States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Specialty 

Crops Program (SCP), Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division or licensed Federal-State

auditors providing services under a cooperative agreement with USDA oversight. The audit

conducted must be the USDA, GAP & GHP Audit for mushroom production. The audit must 

cover all parts of the operation which are applicable to the commodity being purchased. 

A copy of the audit standards and checklists are available on the USDA website at

https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing/fruits. or from your local USDA or Federal-State

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

the website listed above.

1. Color – White or Cream; or Brown. Fairly good color may possess a grayish cast that

does not seriously affect the overall color or appearance. The color of the gills of the

diced units is not darker than tannish gray for white or cream and may be dark brownish

gray for brown. The contrast in color between the gills and surface of the diced units 

shall not seriously affect the overall color appearance of the product.

2. Style – Diced.

3. Size – 3/8 inch. Fairly uniform in size and shape, not more than 15 percent by weight of

the units may be more than 3/8 inch.

4. Defects – Fairly free from defects. Not more than 10 percent by weight may contain

discoloration due to brown spot or rust spots that extend into the flesh, or mechanical

damage causing a ragged appearance. Mushrooms shall contain no more than an

average of 1 piece per 100 ounces of harmless extraneous material (HEM) not limited
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Effective Date: March 2022 Page 11 of 26

to loose root material or small pieces of straw no longer than 1 inch in length. Shall

contain no foreign material such as: grit, soil, or compost; wood splinters; rot or decay;

insects or insect fragments; or maggots. Foreign material may be detected upon visual

examination during the regular grading process. An exception would be the presence of

maggots, and then microscopic examination would be required.

5. Character – Fairly good character. Units shall be tender; may be slightly soft; with no

more than 10 percent by weight excessively soft; fibrous, or rubbery. Mushrooms shall

be free flowing and not have more than 10 percent by weight frozen clumps greater than

1 inch in size.

6. Flavor and Odor – Normal flavor and odor. Mushrooms shall have the odor of fresh,

clean mushrooms free from objectionable flavors and objectionable odors of any kind.

7. Hydration – Mushrooms shall not be hydrated.

8. Net Weight –

a. 40 pounds per case.

b. 12/2.5-pound containers per case – Material Code 110920.

Frozen, Vegetable Blends 

Vegetable blends shall meet the salient characteristics specified in CID A-A-20294A, effective 

on the date of the Solicitation/IFB with the following exception:

Analytical requirements in Section 6.1 of CID A-A-20294A for this commodity are not required.

1. Sweet Peppers and Onion Blend –

a. Blend I – Two or more vegetable(s) packaged together.

b. Vegetable 24, Sweet pepper, green; Designation d – sliced.

c. Vegetable 25, Sweet pepper, red; Designation d – sliced.

d. Vegetable 14, Onion; Designation c – strips.

2. Additional Quality Factors

a. Proportion of ingredients: 34% Green Peppers, 33% Red Peppers, 33% Onions.

b. Tolerance of proportions: (+ or –) 10%.
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

Effective Date: March 2022 Page 12 of 26

c. The final product blend is reasonably free flowing, reasonably bright, and 

possesses reasonably uniform units.

Frozen, Sweet Peppers

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A.

2. Types of frozen sweet peppers.

a. Type: I, green.

b. Type: II, red.

3. Style: Sliced (strips).

4. Note from U.S. Standard - Uniformity: The units are practically uniform in size and the 

aggregate weight of all strips less than 1-1/4 inches in length does not exceed 30 percent, 

by weight, of all the units.

5. Additional Quality Factors

a. Strip size: Width, approximately 3/8 inch; for length, see uniformity above. 

Frozen, Onions

1. Style – Strips (width, approximately 3/8 inch, for length see uniformity below)

2. Additional Quality Factors

a. Color: Good color. The onions have a good characteristic bright color typical of 

the varieties.

b. Appearance: The product is reasonably free flowing, reasonably bright, and has 

reasonably uniform units. The overall appearance or edibility of the frozen onions 

is slightly but not seriously affected by markedly variable units, small specks, or 

other factors.

c. Uniformity: The aggregate weight of all strips less than 1-1/4 inches in length 

does not exceed 30 percent, by weight, of all the units.

d. Defects: The onions are practically free of defects such as but not limited to, dark 

green units, blemishes, peel, mechanical damage, sprouts, root crown, and core 

material.
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e. Character: Good character. The onions are uniformly firm and tender, and 

practically free of soft and spongy units.

f. Flavor and odor: the frozen onions, before and after cooking, have a flavor and 

odor that is normal and typical for the variety and is free from objectionable 

flavors and odors.

3. The frozen onions have no grit or dirt present that affects the appearance or edibility of 

the product.

4. Net weight –

a. 30 pounds per case (1/30-pound case).

b. 30 pounds per case (6/5-pound bags).

c. 30 pounds per case (12/2.5-pound bags).

Frozen, Butternut Squash - 6/5-pound containers per case.

 

1. Product description – The frozen diced butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) shall be 

prepared from squash that is clean, sound, and properly matured. The squash must then 

be further prepared by washing, stemming, cutting, and cleaning, including removing 

peel, seed, and fiber. The product is then blanched and frozen in accordance with good 

commercial practice.

2. Style – Diced (approximately 3/4 x 3/4-inch cube shaped units).

3. The frozen diced butternut squash will be evaluated on the following individual quality 

factors and tolerances outlined below:

• Color

• Uniformity of size

• Absence of defects

• Character

• Flavor and Odor

• Appearance 

Individual sample size – 16 ounces or increments of 16 ounces.

4. Color – possesses a practically uniform, bright color typical of well matured frozen 

butternut squash and is free from discoloration due to oxidation, or other causes.
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5. Uniformity of size – A maximum of 10% by weight of the units may be smaller than 

one-half the volume of the predominant size unit.

6. Absence of defects – The diced butternut squash shall contain no grit, sand, or silt that 

affects the appearance or eating quality of the frozen squash; and that for each 16 ounces 

of product:

• Not more than one piece of harmless extraneous vegetable material (leaves, detached 

stems, or portions thereof, or other similar harmless vegetable material)

• Seeds – Not more than 2

• Tough fibrous strings or strands from the seed cavity –not more than an aggregate 

total length of 6 inches (measure/score only pieces over 1⁄2” long)

• Total blemishes – not more than 8 percent by weight of the units of which only 2 

percent may be major blemishes.

• Blemishes – peel or other blemishes that detract from the appearance or eating quality 

• Major blemishes – blemishes (excluding peel) greater than 1/4 inch or blemishes that 

seriously detract from the appearance or eating quality

7. Character – The character after cooking will be fleshy, tender, and not fibrous with no

more than 5% by weight of the units being of reasonably good character.

8. Flavor and Odor – Must possess good typical flavor and odor with no off flavors or

odors.

9. Appearance - The expected end item will appear as good as, or better than what is 

depicted below.
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Frozen Potatoes, Diced

1. Grade – U.S. Grade A based on U.S. Standards for Grades of Frozen Hash Brown 

Potatoes.

2. The potatoes will be blanched but will not be fried.

3. Style – Diced approximately 1⁄2 x 1⁄2 inch cubes and which contain not more than 90 

grams, per sample unit, of units smaller than one - half the volume of the predominant 

size unit.

4. Net Weight – 6/5-pound containers per case.

INSPECTION, CERTIFICATION, AND CHECKLOADING

Requirements

Representatives of the AMS, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) 

Division (USDA Inspector) must perform the inspection and checkloading (if requested). 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 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.
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Effective Date: March 2022 Page 16 of 26

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.

Certification

Subject to (see the Master Solicitation) the acceptability of the quality, weight, and packaging

of the product must be evidenced by SCI Certificates of Quality and Condition 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.

Checkloading

As a result of the Mandatory Checkloading Phase Out Program, the requirements for 

checkloading Frozen Vegetables, by USDA inspectors, will be eliminated for contracts 

announced on or after April 1, 2021. Note: Checkloading may still be performed on all, 

or part of the deliveries at the request and expense of the contractor. Also, SCI may 

conduct periodic verifications of the vendors’ commercial practices to ensure they meet 

the contractual requirements.

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.

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
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

Effective Date: March 2022 Page 17 of 26

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.
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

Effective Date: March 2022 Page 18 of 26

REFERENCE LINKS

The product must comply with the below references/requirements that are effective on the date 

of the Solicitation/IFB announcement (published separately). 

AMS Master Solicitation: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/MSCP.pdf

U.S. Grades and Standards: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards

Commercial Item Descriptions: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/cids

National Science Laboratory: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/lab-testing/nsl

FDA Food Labeling Guide 

https://www.fda.gov/media/81606/download
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

Effective Date: March 2022 Page 19 of 26 

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 - Optional

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”).
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

Effective Date: March 2022 Page 20 of 26 

Exhibit 2 - Alternative Label for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers

(Includes all Required Information)

Product Name

Style

Purchase Order Number xxxxx

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999

 (USDA Symbol is optional) KEEP FROZEN

1234567891012345678910
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

Effective Date: March 2022 Page 21 of 26 

Exhibit 3 - Universal Product Codes

Frozen Vegetables WBSCM

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

Broccoli (6/5 lb.) 110282 7 15001 10282 9 1 07 15001 10282 6

Broccoli (30 lb.) 110473 1 07 15001 10473 2

Butternut Squash Diced 

(6/5 lb.)

110861 7 15001 10861 6 1 07 15001 10861 3

Carrots Diced (12/1 lb.) 111460 7 15001 11460 0 1 07 15001 11460 7

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

Carrots Sliced (30 lb.),

Kosher

110064 1 07 15001 10064 8

Carrots Diced (30 lb.) 110480 1 07 15001 10480 4

Carrots Diced (12/2 lb.) 111052 7 15001 11052 7 1 07 15001 11052 4

Corn (12/2.5 lb.) 111053 7 15001 11053 4 1 07 15001 11053 1

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 (Cut Style

12/2 lb.)

111054 7 15001 11054 1 1 07 15001 11054 8

Green Beans (Cut Style, 

30 lb.)

100351 1 07 15001 00351 2

Green Beans (Cut Style, 

30 lb.), Kosher

110063 1 07 15001 10063 1

Mixed Vegetables (4-

way mix, 6/5 pound)

11230 7 15001 11230 9 1 07 15001 11230 6

Potatoes (Diced, 6/5 lb.) 110844 7 15001 10844 9 1 07 15001 10844 6

Sweet Potatoes Mashed 

(6/5 lb.)

100354 7 15001 00354 6 1 07 15001 00354 3

Sweet Potatoes Chunks 

(6/5 lb.)

110562 7 15001 10562 2 1 07 15001 10562 9

Mushrooms Diced IQFCTN (40lb.)

110421 1 07 15001 10421 8

Mushrooms Diced

(12/2.5 pound)

110920 7 15001 10920 0 1 07 15001 10920 7

Peas (12/1 lb.) 111461 7 15001 11461 7 1 07 1500 11461 4

Peas (12/2.5) 110763 7 15001 10763 3 1 07 15001 10763 0

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

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

Random Cut Sweet

Potatoes (6/5 lb.)

100353 7 15001 00353 9 1 07 15001 00353 6

Spinach Chopped IQFPKG (12/2 lb.)

110391 7 15001 10391 2 1 07 15001 10391 5
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

Effective Date: March 2022 Page 22 of 26 

Spinach Chopped IQFCTN (20 lb.)

110392 7 15001 10392 5 1 07 15001 10392 8
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

Effective Date: March 2022 Page 23 of 26 

Exhibit 4 - “Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement 

PLEASE

RECYCLE 

 
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

Effective Date: March 2022 Page 24 of 26 

Exhibit 5 - “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement

 
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Effective Date: March 2022 Page 25 of 26

Exhibit 6 - USDA Symbol

(USDA Symbol is optional)
Commodity Specification Frozen Vegetables

Effective Date: March 2022 Page 26 of 26

Exhibit 7.1 - Symbols for Kosher Products

http://oukosher.org/ http://www.star-k.org/ http://www.ok.org/

http://www.kof-k.org/ http://www.crcweb.org/

 

 

https://trianglek.org/

Exhibit 7.2 - Symbols for Halal Products