Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. Product Quality: Product is to be U.S. grown and U.S. No. 1 grade or better. Vendor must have in place a system of tracking product from origin. All pre-pack salads and like items must be brand name, with a minimum of 7-days shelf life from day of delivery to school (example: if prepacks are delivered on Monday, date and product must be good through the following Monday). All pre-pack items must be delivered to the District at 35 - 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If this produce is not delivered at the proper temperature, vendor is required to redeliver the product the same day or early the next morning, based on the customers needs. This is mandatory and must be adhered to. In the event any of the items listed in this bid are not available domestically, the vendor shall submit complete information, including product origin with this bid. Unless otherwise indicated, all fruits and vegetables must have less than 2% decay at point of acceptance. All produce shall be fully mature and in good commercial condition with regard to texture, juiciness, firmness and temperature in accordance with its type and variety. B. Product Availability: If, for any reason item(s) ordered by a cafeteria can not be delivered when requested, because of unavailability, the appropriate cafeteria manager should be notified at least one day prior to scheduled delivery date and vendor should offer substitution options. C. Rejection Procedures: The School District and Cafeteria staff has the right to reject any product that does not meet the proper standards as detailed in this bid. Failure by the cafeteria staff to promptly inspect or accept supplies shall not relieve the vendor from responsibility, nor impose liability on the customer for nonconforming produce. The following list is cause for rejection of produce, but is not limited to said list: 1. Insect infestation 2. Mold 3. Cuts 4. Wilting and mushiness 5. Discoloration and dull appearance 6. Unpleasant odors and tastes 7. Produce has passed the expiration date 8. Bruised produce can provide a potential entry point for pathogens D. Food Safety & Recalls: Ensuring the safety of the food supply is critical to MCPSS. Manufacturers, distributors, and importers are expected to comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations and are liable if they do not. Recalls are an effective method of removing or correcting consumer products that are in violation of laws administered by the Food and Drug Administration. The potential bidder shall have a process in place to effectively respond to a food recall which should include the following objectives: 1. Provide accurate and timely communications to MCPSS regarding a food recall. 2. Ensure that unsafe products are removed from school sites in an expedient, effective and efficient manner. 3. Streamline the process for reimbursement for recalled product. 4. A one-page summary of each bidders recall policy and procedures are to be submitted with this bid. 1. Local Grown Product: That vendors use locally grown and U.S. products are encouraged, providing that products meet the quality standards as detailed in this bid document. 2. Delivery: Deliveries shall be made between 6:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for elementary, middle and high schools, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except school holidays or closing days. Exception to this delivery schedule, will be after the Christmas and Spring breaks when all deliveries will be made the first day back to school. Any request for change in regular delivery schedules must be submitted in writing to the Mobile County Child Nutrition Program Central Office. This does not preclude the vendor or the cafeteria manager from making periodic adjustments request for convenience on either party, providing both parties are in agreement. Such changes should be rare and reasonable in nature. Under no circumstances is product(s) to be left unattended on a loading dock. All product(s) must be delivered during a time when cafeteria staff is present. A Hot Shot Service must be provided when necessary. All refrigerated trucks must be clearly identified with the current companys name.
