275/gr-06
Texas Specification No. 275-GR-06
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 31, 1995
SPECIFICATION
for
STAPLE EDIBLE FOODS
1. SCOPE: This specification establishes requirements for the procurement of staple edible food or drink, as regulated by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS: Reference to specifications, standards, test methods and other documents shall be to those issues in effect on the date of the Invitation for Bids. Copies of the referenced documents may be obtained at the address shown. The following documents form a part of this specification to the extent specified herein:
2.1. FEDERAL DOCUMENTS: Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402:
2.1.1. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA);
2.1.2. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) - Title 7: Part 52 - Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of Processed Fruit and Vegetables and Related Products;
2.1.3. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) - Title 9: Chapter 3 - USDA;
2.1.4. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) - Title 21: Chapter 1 - FDA;
2.1.5. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA);
2.1.6. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): USDA/FDA/EPA - Regulatory Activities concerning Residues of Drugs, Pesticides, and Environmental Contaminants in Foods;
2.1.7. The Saccharin Study and Labeling Act; and
2.1.8. The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act.
2.2. FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS: General Services Administration, Specifications Unit, 7th & Streets SW, Washington, DC 20406:
2.2.1. Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions
2.3. STATE OF TEXAS SPECIFICATIONS: Texas Procurement and Support Services, P. O. Box 13186, Austin, TX 78711:
2.3.1. Commodity Book
3. Classification: Items shall be classified according to the class and item numbers assigned in the State of Texas Commodity Book:
3.1. CLASS 275: Edible Foods, Staple;
3.2. ITEM NUMBER: 03 through 99; and
3.3. ATTACHMENT 4 of this specification.
4. DEFINITIONS: Terminology used in this specification is intended to be generic in nature and consistent with the meanings that have been defined through general use, industry standards, and accepted trade practices. Where variant meanings may exist, the applicable interpretation shall be determined by the Texas Procurement and Support Services Purchasing Division:
4.1. ACT: The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act which prohibits the interstate commerce of adulterated and misbranded foods, enacted on September 6, 1958;
4.2. COLOR ADDITIVE: A substance added to food, as regulated for safety, under the provisions of the Color Additive Amendment of the Act, Section 706 (21 CFR Part 70);
4.3. FOOD ADDITIVE: Any substance that results, directly or indirectly, in its becoming a component or affecting the characteristics of any food;
4.4. FOOD STANDARD: A provision of the Act, regulating the identity and quality of food or fill of container, as defined in the Act (21 CFR Part 130);
4.5. PESTICIDE CHEMICAL: Any substance which is an "economic poison" used in the production, storage, or transportation of raw agricultural commodities, as regulated by the Act, and administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
4.6. SACCHARIN: The term includes calcium saccharin, sodium saccharin, and ammonium saccharin, as regulated by FFDCA and the Saccharin Act.
4.7. SAFE: Additives approved by the Act to be harmless as determined by scientific procedures or by general recognition of safety; levels are also set on the radiation used in food processing.
5. REQUIREMENTS: Items furnished under this specification shall meet or exceed the following requirements:
5.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
5.1.1. All food shall meet the requirements of the FFDCA, and other federal regulations cited in the Act.
5.1.2. Food shall meet the requirements of those federal documents cited in Par. 2.1. of this specification.
5.1.3. If a Federal Specification (FS) is cited for a particular Item Number, the item shall meet those requirements.
Reference the Index of Federal Specifications for latest issue, and Attachment 4 for those items which shall meet a FS.
5.2. SEASON PACK: Canned items, for which a grade is assigned, shall be of the latest season's pack; that is, less than one year old at the time of inspection by USDA.
5.3. QUALITY GRADE STANDARDS: Canned and dried items, and sugar products, for which a grade has been assigned by the USDA, shall conform to those requirements. (See Table 1 and Attachment 4.)
5.3.1. FFDCA defined items: The Code of Federal Regulations, 21 CFR, Parts 130 through 168, defines requirements of selected food items, and shall be considered part of this specification as applicable. (See Table 2.)
5.4. FILL/DRAINED WEIGHT: For canned items, the weight designations shall conform to the FDA definitions and procedures in 21 CFR Part 145, and USDA regulations.
5.5. NON-FOOD SUBSTANCES: Any food or color additive, pesticide, and saccharin shall conform to the applicable Federal regulation (s). (see FFDCA, Sec. 408,409,706 and 21 CFR.)
5.6 TUNA: For 150 cases or more of tuna procured, a U.S. Department of Commerce inspection certificate shall be furnished. Tuna shall meet the requirements of Federal Specification PP-T-771. (See Sec. 702a of the Act and Attachment 3.)
5.7. CERTIFICATION: Requirements shall be as follows:
5.7.1. General: Items requiring grading certification shall be as listed in Attachment 4, unless otherwise specified in the Invitation for Bid.
5.7.2. Quantity: Whenever one item is ordered in quantities less than 150 cases, certificates shall not be required, unless designated in Attachment 4 or in the Invitation for Bid.
5.7.3. Purchase Orders: The Invitation for Bids/Purchase Order shall also designate if a grade certificate must be furnished by the vendor.
5.7.4. Grade Certificates: Grade certificates are not required for TXMHMR quantities where an Approved Sample was called for. Example: 275-86-56-8001, Jalapeno peppers.
The following USDA certificates are required when so designated, dated within six months prior to receipt, and bearing the inspector's stamp:
5.7.4.1. FV-146: Certificate of quality and condition (processed foods), Fig. 1;
5.7.4.2. FV-147: Certificate of quality and condition (processed foods), quality assurance, Fig. 2; and
5.7.4.3. FV-149: Certificate of quality and condition (processed foods), continuous inspection, Fig. 3.
NOTE: IF EVERY CONTAINER LABEL IS MARKED WITH THE SPECIFIED GRADE AND USDA STAMP, THEN NO CERTIFICATE SHALL BE REQUIRED.
5.7.5. Statement: The grade certificate shall state, "Meets State of Texas Specification 275-GR-06 for item."
5.8. Vendor Requirements: The vendor shall be responsible for assuring that the commodities meet the applicable requirements of Par. 5.
5.8.1. Inspection: The vendor shall notify the appropriate US Inspector that the items supplied are to be sold to the State of Texas per this specification.
5.8.2. Certificates: The vendor shall assure that the specified Grading Certificates accompany the shipment.
6. SAMPLES: Unless otherwise specified in the Invitation for Bids, no prepurchase samples will be required. Samples will be selected from the finished product, either at the place of processing or at the destination, by or at the direction of the State Purchasing and Texas Procurement and Support Services and/or the State agency for which the purchase is made.
6.1. CERTIFICATION: Samples shall not be required for items accompanied by a grade certificate unless requested by the agency or the Commission.
7. INSPECTION: Products furnished under this specification shall be inspected by or at the direction of the Texas Procurement and Support Services and/or the ordering State agency.
7.1. FEDERAL OFFICES: USFDA, USDA, and USDOC Inspection branches are listed in Attachments 1, 2, and 3 respectively.
8. PACKAGING/PACKING: Packing for shipment shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's standard practice and in a manner readily acceptable by common carriers engaged in interstate commerce. The product shall be packaged in cases as indicated in Attachment 4, and be of the applicable unit size. Within the shipping cartons, units shall be packed to minimize damage due to improper handling.
8.1. FEDERAL DOCUMENTS: Items shall meet the requirements of the FFDCA and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act.
8.2. SHELF LIFE: Commodities shall have a shelf life of at least six months from date of receipt. The material of the packaging container shall not affect the contents.
9. MARKING AND LABELING:
9.1. MARKING: Each shipping container shall be clearly marked with:
9.1.1. Name of contents,
9.1.2. Identifiable code / lot number,
9.1.3. Name and address of the processor.
The container or shipping documents shall include:
9.1.4. Order number or contract number,
9.1.5. Name and address of ordering agency,
9.1.6. Agency requisition number.
9.2. LABELING: Each product shall bear a securely affixed and durable label showing the processor's name or processor's trademark.
9.2.1. Labels: shall meet the provisions of the FFDCA and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act for standards, identity, quality, and fill.
9.2.2. Grade standards: When so specified in the Invitation for Bids, grade certification identification shall be required. (See Par. 5.7.)
9.2.3. Identification Marks: Documents shall bear the approved federal inspection stamps or statements as outline in 7 CFR 52. (See Figures 1, 2, and 3.)
10. BID EVALUATION: Bids shall be evaluated for those items meeting or exceeding the requirements of this specification and the requirements listed in the Invitation for Bids.
11. COMPLIANCE: In order for consideration to be given to the bid on an item under this specification, the bidder must comply with the following conditions:
11.1. Name of the processor, brand or trade name, etc., as applicable, of the item which the vendor proposes to furnish must be stated as part of the bid;
11.2. Notwithstanding the above, any exception taken by the bidder to the requirements and conditions of this specification must be stated and described in detail as a part of the bid. If no exceptions or deviations are identified in this manner, the items must be furnished exactly as described herein;
11.3. The bidder shall bear the burden of proof of compliance with this specification.
12. ORDERING DATA: When ordering items conforming to this specification, the requisitioning agency must specify the following:
12.1. The number of this specification (275-GR-06.)
12.2. The item number. (See Attachment 4.)
12.3. The grade standard, if required. (See Par. 5.3.)
12.4. Whether a grade certificate is required. (See Par. 5.6. and 5.7.)
12.5. The quantity. (See Attachment 4.)
13. AVAILABILITY OF SPECIFICATIONS: Copies of this specification may be obtained from:
Bid Services
Texas Procurement and Support Services
P. O. Box 13186
Austin, Texas, 78711-3047
(512) 463-3416
TABLE 1
LIST OF U.S.D.A. GRADES ISSUED
(As of August, 1988)
| CANNED (OR OTHER PROCESS) | ||
| Apples | Mushrooms | Tomatoes |
| Apple butter | Okra | Tomatoes and okra |
| Apple juice | Olives, green | |
| Applesauce | Olives, ripe | DRIED |
| Apricots | Onions | Apples |
| Apricots, solid pack | Orange juice | Apples, dehydrated |
| Asparagus | Orange marmalade | Apricots |
| Beans, baked | Peaches, freestone | Apricots, dehydrated |
| Beans, dried | Peaches, cling | Dates |
| Beans, green and wax | Pears | Figs |
| Beans, lima | Peas | Peaches |
| Beets | Peas, field and black-eye | Peaches, dehydrated |
| Blackberries | Peas and carrots | Pears |
| Blueberries | Pickles | Prunes |
| Carrots | Pimientos | Prunes, dehydrated |
| Celery | Pineapple | Raisins, processed |
| Cherries, red tart pitted | Pineapple juice | |
| Cherries, sweet | Plum | SUGAR PRODUCTS |
| Chili sauce | Pork and beans | Honey, comb |
| Corn, cream style | Potatoes, sweet | Honey, extract |
| Corn, whole kernel | Potatoes, white | Maple syrup |
| Cranberry sauce | Prunes, canned, dried | Molasses, sugarcane |
| Figs, Kadota | Pumpkin (squash) | Syrup, refiners' |
| Fruit cocktail | Raspberries | Syrup, sugarcane |
| Fruit jelly | Sauerkraut | |
| Fruit preserves (or jam) | Spinach | MISCELLANEOUS |
| Fruits for salad | Squash, (summer type) | Cherries, sulfured |
| Grapefruit | Succotash | Olive oil |
| Grapefruit and orange juice | Tangerine juice | Peanut Butter |
| Grapefruit and orange | Tangerine juice, concentrate | Potatoes, peeled |
| Grape juice | Tomato catsup | Sauerkraut, bulk |
| Grapes | Tomato juice, from concentrate | |
| Hominy | Tomato juice, concentrate | |
| Leafy greens | Tomato paste | |
| Lemon juice | Tomato puree | |
| Lemon juice, concentrate | Tomato sauce |
TABLE 2
CFR, Title 21
| Part No. | Item |
| 130 | Food standards: general |
| 131 | Milk and cream |
| 133 | Cheeses and related cheese products |
| 135 | Frozen desserts |
| 136 | Bakery products |
| 137 | Cereal flours and related products |
| 139 | Macaroni and noodle products |
| 145 | Canned fruits |
| 146 | Canned fruit juices |
| 150 | Fruit butters, jellies, preserves |
| 152 | Fruit pies |
| 155 | Canned vegetables |
| 156 | Vegetable juices |
| 158 | Frozen vegetables |
| 160 | Eggs and egg products |
| 161 | Fish and shellfish |
| 163 | Cocoa products |
| 164 | Tree nut and peanut products |
| 165 | Nonalcoholic beverages |
| 166 | Margarine |
| 168 | Sweeteners and table syrups |
ATTACHMENT 1
U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
HEADQUARTERS:
5600 Fishers Lane
Parklawn Building # 1471
Rockville, MD 20857
Southwest Region:
Regional Field Office
3032 Brine Street
Dallas, TX 75204
Resident Texas Inspector Districts:
Austin
Brownsville
Dallas
El Paso
Fort Worth
Hidalgo
Houston
Laredo
Lubbock
San Antonio
ATTACHMENT 2
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Inspection and Grading Service:
U.S.D.A. makes available an impartial, official inspection and grading service for processed fruits and vegetables.
Applicants may make use of this service to obtain inspections and grading certificates. The service is voluntary and self-supporting and is offered on a fee-for-service basis through the Processed Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service.
National Office:
Processed Products Branch
U.S.A.D.
Room 0709 South Building
Washington, DC 20250
Eastern Region Office:
117 South Westgate
Weslaco, TX 78596
ATTACHMENT 3
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
National Office:
National Marine Fisheries Service
Division of Inspection Services, F/TS 4
1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20235
Inspection Program Office:
Brownsville Lot Inspection Office
NMFS
6665 East 14th Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ATTACHMENT 4
| List | Description | Page |
| 3 | Breading | 1 |
| 20 | Fabric Softener and Bleach | 1 |
| 31 | Baby Foods | 1 |
| 32 | Baking Powder | 2 |
| 33 | Beverage Base (Not Fountain) | 2 |
| 34 | Candy and Confectionery | 4 |
| 35 | Cereals, Dry, Ready-to-eat | 4 |
| 1 | Cereals, Uncooked | 7 |
| 37 | Cocoa and Chocolate | 7 |
| 38 | Coconut | 7 |
| 40 | Coffee, Instant | 8 |
| 41 | Coffee, Ground | 8 |
| 42 | Cooking Starches, Edible | 9 |
| 43 | Crackers | 9 |
| 44 | Cream Substitute | 12 |
| 46 | Dessert and Dry Bakery Mixes, Packaged | 12 |
| 47 | Dietetic Foods | 15 |
| 48 | Dressings, Condiments and Sauces | 17 |
| 49 | Eggs | 23 |
| 50 | Extracts, Flavorings and Coloring | 24 |
| 51 | Flour | 24 |
| 53 | Fruits and Vegetables, Dehydrated | 25 |
| 54 | Fruits, Canned | 26 |
| 55 | Fruits, Dried | 29 |
| 56 | Grocers' Miscellaneous Items | 29 |
| 57 | Honey | 29 |
| 59 | Jams and Jellies | 29 |
| 60 | Juices, Fruit and Vegetable (Not Frozen) | 30 |
| 61 | Macaroni, Noodles and Spaghetti | 31 |
| 62 | Meal, Corn | 31 |
| 63 | Meat and Meat Products, Canned | 31 |
| 64 | Milk, Evaporated | 32 |
| 65 | Milk, Nonfat | 33 |
| 66 | Mincemeat | 33 |
| 67 | Peanuts | 33 |
| 68 | Peanut Butter | 33 |
| 69 | Pickles, Relish and Olives | 33 |
| 71 | Popcorn | 34 |
| 72 | Rice | 34 |
| 73 | Salt, Table | 34 |
| 74 | Seafood, Canned | 34 |
| 75 | Shortening and Vegetable Oil | 34 |
| 76 | Soda, Baking | 35 |
| 78 | Soup and Soup Base | 35 |
| 80 | Spices and Seasonings | 36 |
| 81 | Sugar and Sweeteners | 36 |
| 82 | Syrup (Except Fountain) | 37 |
| 84 | Tea, Bulk (Not Instant) | 37 |
| 85 | Tea, Instant | 37 |
| 86 | Vegetables, Canned | 38 |
| 87 | Vegetables, Dried | 41 |
| 88 | Vinegar (Pasteurized) | 42 |
| 90 | Yeast | 42 |
| 99 | Commodities not otherwise classified | |