UNSPSC 50604201: Frozen Non GMO curly kale

The variety of Non GMO kale known as Non GMO curly kale that has been frozen 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 50604201 Frozen Non GMO curly kale, a Commodity code, encompasses frozen specialty vegetables procured primarily by school districts and state agencies to support child nutrition programs and institutional food service operations. The work solicited under this code reflects broader frozen produce and grocery procurement across state and local food service operations, with frozen kale appearing as one line item within comprehensive fresh and frozen produce categories spanning vegetable types, pack sizes, and sourcing preferences. School districts dominate the issuing-body mix, including independent school systems in Georgia, Texas, and Missouri, state departments of education or child nutrition services, and multi-district cooperative purchasing entities. Representative recent solicitations include the Douglas County School System's RFP SN 26-004 for fresh produce and eggs serving 30 school districts across Georgia with estimated annual spending of approximately $4.4 million for Area One and $1.1 million for Area Two, due March 4, 2026; the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System's bid for fresh produce encompassing 72 items with annual quantities reaching 21,125 cases for certain staples, due April 23, 2026; Early County Board of Education's line-by-line food bid for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program covering 300+ food items with delivery June 8, 2026; and Dallas Independent School District's RFP for various food products including specialty items not covered by main commodity bids, due April 2, 2026.

The code shows sustained activity concentrated in Georgia, Texas, and Missouri, with Georgia representing the heaviest volume through state-level and multi-county cooperative procurements. Frozen produce falls within larger annual food service contracts that typically run July 1 through June 30 with renewal options, require firm pricing for 12 months or longer with only limited escalation allowances tied to documented cost increases (commonly 3–10% thresholds), and mandate delivery to multiple school sites Monday through Friday during early morning or midday windows. Vendors must maintain HACCP plans, food recall procedures, commercial general liability insurance (typically $1 million per occurrence minimum), E-Verify compliance, Buy American sourcing where applicable, and often demonstrate three to five years of prior experience supplying similar goods to school districts or institutional food service operators. School districts consistently emphasize whole-grain options, low-sodium formulations, non-GMO or domestically sourced products, and compliance with USDA nutritional standards and state legislative requirements prohibiting artificial colors, flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and certain additives. Award typically goes to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with many districts reserving the right to split awards across multiple vendors on a line-item basis.