Final Commodity Specification for Frozen Black Bean Burgers

The Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has issued a final commodity specification for Frozen Black Bean Burger Patties, targeting the USDA Foods in Schools program for School Year 2025-26. This special notice outlines detailed requirements for a new Type III legume-based meat alternative product intended for procurement and distribution in school nutrition programs. The specification applies to a specific frozen black bean burger patty that must meet precise nutritional, quality, and production standards. The product is designed to be a vegan-friendly, domestically sourced protein alternative for school meal programs. The commodity specification was published on December 5, 2024, with a due date of December 31, 2024.

Contractors interested in providing these black bean burger patties must meet stringent requirements, including producing a 100% domestic origin product that weighs between 2.9-3.5 oz per individually quick frozen patty. The specification mandates specific ingredient compositions, including black beans, brown rice, corn, and soy protein, with strict prohibitions on dairy and egg ingredients. Nutritional and quality requirements include a maximum sodium content of 450mg per 100g, storage at 0F or lower, and maintenance of 85-90% visual integrity after preparation. The procurement involves a total of 1,274 cases, with contractors required to submit a Certificate of Conformance documenting full compliance with all specified standards. Eligible manufacturers in the All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing (NAICS 311999) category can participate, with the product falling under the Fruits and Vegetables product service code (PSC 8915). The specification aims to provide a nutritious, plant-based protein option for school lunch programs, offering 2.00 oz meat/meat alternate credit for Child Nutrition programs.