UNSPSC 50405916: Wakame

The variety of sea vegetables known as wakame

UNSPSC 50405916 Wakame, a Commodity code, describes seaweed products used in institutional food service, though state and local governments procure more broadly under this code as fresh produce and food products for dining, canteens, and patient care at correctional, mental health, and supported-living facilities. The issuing bodies span state health and human services departments (Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Illinois Department of Mental Health, Illinois Department of Corrections), state correctional agencies (Texas Department of Criminal Justice), school districts (Madison Metropolitan School District, Bartow County Schools, Dougherty County Schools, Early County Schools, Bryan County Schools), county governments (Collier County in Florida), and specialized service entities (Head Start programs, senior centers). Recent solicitations show state health agencies and correctional systems buying prepared foods, frozen vegetables, fresh produce, dairy, proteins, and food service supplies on rolling schedules, while school districts focus on fresh fruits and vegetables sourced within defined geographic radii, often with local-vendor and diversity preferences built into evaluation scoring.

The geographic concentration spans Texas, Illinois, and Georgia, with secondary activity in Florida and Wisconsin. Representative recent opportunities include the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's IFB HHS0018082 (posted October 16, 2026, bids due October 23, 2026) for consumable foods and service supplies at Lufkin State Supported Living Center; the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's RFP IW267376 (posted October 12, 2026, due October 19, 2026) for fresh fruit and vegetable supply to Palestine; Collier County's ITN 258360 (posted October 8, 2026, due March 6, 2025) for food services at North Collier Regional Park with a 10-point local-vendor preference; and Madison Metropolitan School District's RFB 4163 (posted July 8, 2026, due July 29, 2026) for fresh fruit and vegetable snacks sourced within 400 miles and Wisconsin, with a 5 percent diversity-owned business preference. School districts emphasize seasonal local sourcing, traceability documentation, and organic premiums, while institutional buyers stress firm fixed pricing, compliance certifications, delivery windows, and quality guarantees with cost recovery for failed inspections.