UNSPSC 50405616: Cascabel peppers

The variety of peppers known as cascabel peppers

UNSPSC 50405616 Cascabel peppers, a Commodity code, represents fresh produce procurement by state and local governments—specifically individual pepper varieties supplied to institutional food service operations including correctional facilities, mental health centers, state supported living centers, school districts, and regional parks. State and local buyers use this code to procure fresh produce items for cafeteria, canteen, and institutional meal programs, typically in case quantities with defined quality, packaging, and delivery specifications. The code sits within a broader fresh-produce purchasing pattern: recent opportunities show states and localities buying peppers alongside carrots, potatoes, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and other fresh vegetables through sealed bids, RFPs, and RFQs. Issuing bodies include state health and human services agencies (Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Department of Criminal Justice), state departments of corrections and mental health (Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois Department of Mental Health), school districts (Madison Metropolitan School District, Bartow County Schools, Dougherty County Board of Education, Early County Board of Education, Bryan County Schools), and county parks and recreation departments (Collier County Board of County Commissioners). Texas dominates the recent activity, with the TDCJ and HHSC posting multiple fresh-produce solicitations; Illinois and Georgia school districts and state agencies also show consistent procurement volume. Most opportunities require bidders to meet USDA grade standards, provide F.O.B. Destination pricing with freight prepaid, maintain commercial liability insurance (typically $500,000 to $1 million per occurrence), comply with prevailing wage and E-Verify requirements where applicable, and deliver on tight schedules—often weekly or bi-weekly with same-day or next-day notification.

Recent representative solicitations include the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's IFB HHS0018082 (Lufkin State Supported Living Center consumables, posted October 16, 2026, due October 23, 2026), which bundles fresh peppers with prepared foods and food service supplies across 22 line items; the Illinois Department of Corrections' RFQ 27426DOCJOLIEB53849 (Joliet Treatment Center fresh produce, posted August 27, 2026, due September 3, 2026), specifying green bell peppers at 35–45 pounds per case with bi-weekly deliveries and small business set-aside; and the Bartow County School System's RFP 10-2026-019 (local fresh fruits and vegetables, posted May 21, 2026, due June 22, 2026), requiring produce sourced within 400 miles with weighted evaluation on cost, seasonal variety, product quality, and delivery performance. Texas and Georgia school districts and state agencies (particularly TDCJ and HHSC) post regularly; pricing is typically quoted per unit or per case on firm-fixed bases for 30 to 120 days, and contracts run 12 months with renewal options. Opportunities note quality standards including USDA Grade A or B certification, firm texture, freedom from blemishes or mold, and specified pack sizes; delivery windows are narrow (7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or similar), and late or non-conforming shipments trigger investigation costs and replacement liability assessed to the vendor.