UNSPSC 50522900: Non GMO dates

The type of non GMO fruit known as non GMO dates. 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 50522900 Non GMO dates is a Class code representing fresh produce supply for institutional food service operations, including schools, parks, and healthcare facilities. State and local governments buying under this code procure fresh fruits and vegetables—and in this case, specialty items such as petite bananas, mixed fresh produce, and local-sourced seasonal vegetables—for school nutrition programs, regional parks concessions, and healthcare provider networks. Issuing bodies include school districts (Madison Metropolitan School District, Hancock County Board of Education, Early County Board of Education, Bartow County School System), county parks and recreation departments (Collier County), healthcare coalition entities (Marion Health Care Coalition), and state procurement offices (State of Georgia). Recent opportunities show school districts as the dominant buyer segment, with multiple simultaneous competitive bids for fresh-produce supply under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Collier County Board of Commissioners, Marion Health Care Coalition, and several Georgia school systems also participate in the market. Geographic concentration appears strongest in Georgia, which accounts for at least four of the seven recent solicitations (Hancock County, Bartow County, Early County Board of Education, and the State of Georgia). Wisconsin and Florida represent secondary activity through Madison Metropolitan School District and Collier County respectively.

Representative recent opportunities include Hancock County Board of Education's IFB for fresh produce covering over 200 line items (apples, berries, root vegetables, citrus, specialty fruits, leafy greens, and peppers) with sealed bids due June 26, 2026 and delivery to three school locations from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027; Bartow County School System's RFP for local fresh fruits and vegetables sourced within 400 miles and delivered to a central warehouse, with proposals due June 22, 2026 and contract award anticipated July 20, 2026; Madison Metropolitan School District's RFB for petite bananas (70–90 cases weekly, $78,000 estimated annual value) with specific color-stage and temperature requirements, bids due July 29, 2026; and Collier County's ITN for food services at North Collier Regional Park including concession facilities, due March 6, 2025 (note: this record appears to contain a date inconsistency—posted October 8, 2026 with a due date in 2025—and should be verified). Buy American provisions, HACCP plan requirements, E-Verify compliance, $500,000–$1,000,000 liability insurance minimums, and affirmative action documentation are standard contract conditions across jurisdictions. Local-vendor and diverse-owned business preferences (5–10 evaluation points) and geographic sourcing mandates (400-mile radius) appear frequently in Georgia and Wisconsin school procurements.