U.S.

Foodservice Frozen Asparagus Specifications

Product: IQF Asparagus Cuts and Tips Page: 1 of 2

Label: Monarch Date: 06/17/14
Supersedes: 6/4/03
SPC: APN: Style: Size: Pack Size:
670109 9328212 6/2.5#

Product Description: Frozen Asparagus Cuts and Tips consist of sound and
succulent fresh shoots of the asparagus plant prepared by sorting, trimming,
washing and cutting the shoot transversely into units 1 in length, washing and
blanching as necessary, to assure a clean and wholesome product.

Quality: Must meet USDA Grade A and comply with US Standards for Grades of
Frozen Asparagus with modifications as noted within these specifications. There
shall be no Grade B samples within the lot.

Quality Standards:

Size: Shall be 1 cut, 3/8 5/8 in diameter with no more than 10%, by
count, out of size range. Minimum 20%, by weight, head material.

Color: Good color. Shall have a uniform dark green color typical of young
and tender asparagus with no white ends.

Defects: Practically free of defects. Shall be free of grit and silt.

Minimum USDA Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) for Classified Defects (100 units)
Total Major Severe Critical
Monarch 8.5 4.0 0.65 0.0
USDA Grade A 15.0 8.0 5.0 0.0
Total = Minor + Major + Severe + Critical

Character: Good character. The units shall be tender and practically free
from tough fiber, no woody fiber.

Flavor: Shall possess a good flavor typical of asparagus, free from any off-
flavors or off-odors of any kind.

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 U.S. Foodservice Frozen Asparagus Specifications
Date: 6/17/14
Page: 2 of 2
Monarch IQF Asparagus Cuts and Tips (670109)

Additional Requirements:
Shelf life: 24 months at 0F
Country of Origin: If product is not from the U.S., the country of origin must
be identified.
Packaging: The item number, pack size and product name must be on a
preprinted Monarch white corrugated case. If case is generic, product name
and code information will be ink jetted on the case.
Coding: Supplier day code must be legible and appear on each unit
and the master case.

The product shall be processed and packaged in accordance with good

manufacturing practices and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements.

All products must comply with the U.S. Foodservice General Requirements for
Frozen Vegetable Products.

At the discretion of U.S. Foodservice Quality Assurance, the product can be

down graded, regardless of USDA Grade.

Written by:
Approved:

FS/QA: Procurement:
Brands: R&D:

Status History:

Original Date:
Revision Date:06/17/14 By: Heather Urness
Revision: (reason for revisions): Change to 20% by weight head
Effective Date: 06/17/14

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