UNSPSC 50522603: Non GMO fo shoukan citrons

The variety of non GMO citrons known as non GMO fo shoukan citrons. 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 50522603 Non GMO fo shoukan citrons is a Commodity code that state and local governments use to procure fresh citrus fruits and other produce items for institutional food service — though the recent solicitations tagged under this code show that it actually covers a much broader range of fresh fruits and vegetables than the code name suggests. The solicitations reveal work spanning petite bananas, apples, berries, cruciferous vegetables, root crops, melons, and leafy greens sourced for school nutrition programs, county parks concessions, healthcare facilities, and other public institutions. Issuing bodies include school districts (Madison Metropolitan School District, Hancock County Board of Education, Bartow County School System, Early County Board of Education), county governments (Collier County Board of County Commissioners), healthcare-affiliated entities (Marion Health Care Coalition), and state procurement offices (State of Georgia). School districts appear as the dominant repeat buyer, with multiple recent RFBs for fresh produce covering both specific items and comprehensive seasonal produce requirements tied to USDA meal programs.

Geographic activity centers on the Southeast and Midwest, with recent solicitations from Georgia (Hancock County, Bartow County, Early County, and the State of Georgia), Wisconsin (Madison Metropolitan School District), and Florida (Collier County). Representative recent opportunities include Madison Metropolitan School District's RFB 4162 requesting 70–90 cases weekly of petite bananas in specific ripeness stages at an estimated contract value of $78,000 (bids due July 29, 2026), and Hancock County Board of Education's IFB #SN002-2027 for over 200 line items of fresh produce spanning multiple apple varieties, berries, cruciferous and root vegetables, and specialty items for the 2026–27 school year (bids due June 26, 2026). Several solicitations impose geographic sourcing preferences or requirements — Bartow County's RFP mandates produce sourced within 400 miles and within Wisconsin, while Madison Metropolitan's Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Snacks RFB requires Wisconsin sourcing within 400 miles and offers a 5% diverse-owned business preference. School nutrition contracts typically run from July through June aligned to the academic year, require HACCP plans and E-Verify compliance, mandate delivery to specific sites during early-morning windows, and apply Buy American provisions to processed items. Most award based on lowest responsive and responsible bid with evaluation weighted toward cost (40%), vendor qualifications and experience (15–20%), references (10–15%), and compliance certifications (food safety, debarment, insurance). Set-asides for diverse-owned businesses appear infrequently; local-vendor preferences or geographic sourcing tiers are more common.