UNSPSC 50521574: Non GMO red rome apples

The variety of non GMO apples known as non GMO red rome apples. This means that they are produced without the use of methods that genetically modify organisms by means that are not possible under natural conditions. Such methods include cell fusion, microencapsulation and macro-encapsulation, and recombinant DNA technology (including gene deletion, gene doubling, introducing a foreign gene, and changing the positions of genes when achieved by recombinant DNA technology).

Traditional methods of breeding, conjugation, fermentation, hybridization, in vitro fertilization, or tissue culture are considered to be non-GMO.

UNSPSC 50521574 Non-GMO red rome apples is a Commodity code that does not align with the state and local procurement activity currently being solicited. Recent opportunities posted under this code describe fresh produce procurement across a spectrum of fruits and vegetables—bananas, mixed fresh fruits and vegetables, apples of multiple varieties, berries, root vegetables, citrus, melons, leafy greens, and prepared produce items—rather than non-GMO red rome apples specifically. The code appears to have been applied to broader fresh-produce food service contracts where individual commodity codes do not match the actual items being bought. Issuing bodies include school districts (Madison Metropolitan, Hancock County, Bartow County, Early County, Bulloch County, Liberty County, Muscogee County, Savannah-Chatham, Glynn County, McAllen Independent, Austin Independent, and Douglas County systems across Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Wisconsin) and a state procurement office (Georgia Department of Administrative Services). These jurisdictions are soliciting fresh produce for their National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and Farm to School initiatives.

Recent activity concentrates in Georgia school districts, with solicitations spanning February through July 2026. Representative opportunities include Madison Metropolitan School District requesting petite bananas under RFB 4162 (due July 29, 2026) and fresh fruit and vegetable snacks under RFB 4163 (due July 29, 2026) with contract values of $78,000 and contingent on federal grant funding; Hancock County Board of Education issuing IFB SN002-2027 for over 200 line items of fresh produce across multiple apple varieties, berries, cruciferous vegetables, and specialty items (bids due June 26, 2026); and Douglas County School System procuring fresh produce and eggs for 30 school districts through a cooperative buying arrangement with estimated annual spending of approximately $4.4 million for Area One and $1.1 million for Area Two (proposals due March 4, 2026). Most jurisdictions use IFB or RFP formats with competitive sealed-bid evaluation on a line-item basis, firm fixed pricing, HACCP and food safety documentation requirements, Buy American compliance, and preference for domestic sourcing and organic products where quality and cost are comparable.