to schools are made from fish are caught in foreign waters
(Russia, for example) and are processed into blocks in another foreign country (China, for example). Foreign caught and processed raw materials are then sold to American companies for processing into finished fish products. USDA has clarified that this process does not meet the intent of the Buy American provisions. However, current labeling regulations allow products to be labeled “Made in USA” if the finished product is manufactured in the United States, regardless of the origin of the raw material. To ensure compliance with the Buy American provisions, request the origin of both the finished product and the raw material and verify that both were produced in the United States.
Product processed from once-frozen fish—Specifying once-frozen products ensures that you are receiving top quality seafood. Finfish caught in American waters is processed and frozen into fillets, blocks or minced fish on the boat, or in a processing plant close to the fishing ground – hence the term “once-frozen.” Fish caught in foreign waters is often minimally processed (heads, tails & entrails removed) and frozen for shipment to a foreign processor. The foreign processor thaws the fish, fillets it, forms it into blocks and freezes it again. This process results in a “twice-frozen” product. Repeated thawing and freezing lowers the overall quality of the fish, degrades flavor and texture, and can result in reduced student participation. In most cases, additives are used in twice-frozen products to mask the negative effects of this process. These additives increase the water content of the product, which makes it cheaper and lessens the quality.
Pollock products will show the Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers logo on the outside of the case—To ensure that you are receiving top quality, sustainable, once-frozen Genuine Alaska Pollock, request that the Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) logo (shown at the top of the page) be displayed on each case. The GAPP Chain of Custody program tracks products from the boat to the finished product to ensure that all products with the GAPP logo are high quality, once-frozen and harvested and processing in the United States. This program is audited by the U.S. Department of Commerce for compliance. Warehouse or kitchen staff members need only look for the logo to know that the product received is, indeed, the once-frozen Genuine Alaska Pollock product specified in your bid.
Indicate product percentages of fish, coating and fillers—Typically, once-frozen fish will have a higher percentage of edible protein to coating. Excess breading is used to mask undesirable texture and flavor and results in a product with less protein and fewer favorable nutrients found in seafood.
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