UNSPSC 50594110: Dried Non GMO epazote

The variety of Non GMO herbs known as Non GMO epazote that has been dried for preservation. 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 50594110 Dried Non GMO epazote, a Commodity code, does not reflect the actual scope of work being solicited under this code in recent state and local opportunities. The recent opportunities posted under this code are for broad grocery and food supply contracts—fresh produce, eggs, cafeteria items, child nutrition supplies, and general food service products—rather than dried specialty herbs or epazote specifically. State and local issuing bodies using this code include school districts (Fairfax County Public Schools, Rockwood R-VI School District, Douglas County School System), state health and human services agencies (Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Illinois Department of Public Health), and state departments of criminal justice (Texas Department of Criminal Justice). The mismatch between the code's nominal scope and the actual procurement activity suggests either tagging inconsistency or that the code is being used as a catch-all for broader food-supply line items. Recent opportunities show substantial volumes: the Douglas County School System's food supply and distribution RFP covers approximately 32,000 meals daily with an estimated annual expenditure of $9 million; Texas HHSC's supplemental food and consumables contracts have a maximum potential value of $4.5 million over three years; and Rockwood R-VI School District's grocery items solicitation encompasses over 900 line items across multiple product categories.

Activity is concentrated in the Southeast and South, with recent solicitations from Georgia (Douglas County School System), Missouri (Rockwood R-VI School District), Texas (HHSC, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Comptroller), Virginia (Fairfax County Public Schools), and Illinois (State of Illinois IVHQ). Representative recent opportunities include Fairfax County Public Schools' Master Grocery K-12 term contract (IFB 2000004323, sealed bids due April 27, 2026) to supply 45 schools and seven distribution kitchens with weekly grocery deliveries; Texas HHSC's supplemental food and consumables IFB (HHS0017449, proposals due July 13, 2026) to supply the El Paso State Supported Living Center and related DSHS facilities with estimated historical spending of $1.5 million over twelve months; and Douglas County School System's fresh produce and eggs RFP (SN26-004, proposals due March 4, 2026) covering 30 districts with estimated annual spending of $5.5 million combined across two geographic areas. Contracts generally run one to two years with renewal options; pricing is firm and fixed for the initial term with adjustments permitted only at renewal periods, often capped at 5–10 percent increases. Bidders must meet standard commercial general liability insurance ($1–2 million), demonstrate multi-year food service experience, comply with USDA and FDA standards, and provide firm unit pricing with all-inclusive delivery to point of consumption.