Los Banos

13448 Volta Road

Los Banos, Ca 93635

209 826-8000 • 209 826-8266

Williams

2211 Old Highway 99

Williams, CA 95987

530 473-3600 • Fax 530 473-3601

Santa Nella

12045 S. Ingomar Grade Road

Los Banos, Ca 93635

209 826-7100 • Fax 209 826-0100

Product Specification

31% NTSS Tomato Paste

Containers:

Star-Pak (four 55-gallon aseptic bags in box)

55-gallon aseptic bag in fiber or metal drum

300-gallon aseptic bag in box

I.

Product Description

Tomato paste produced at The Morning Star Packing Company shall be processed in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices.  The raw material shall conform in every respect to the provisions set forth under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and meet the standards established by the USDA and the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

II.

Product Specifications

A.    Chemical and Physical

            Natural Tomato Soluble Solids

31 ± 0.5% NTSS

            Consistency (Bostwick)

4.0 cm to 7.5 cm at time of pack

(Measured @ 12% NTSS for 30 sec. @ 20°C)

            pH

4.30 ± 0.2

            Color (Hunter Colorimeter)

Grade A: USDA Score >47 points

            Finish (To Customer Specifications)

.020", .033", .045", and .060" Screens

            Defects

Meets USDA Standards for Grade A

B.    Microbiological

Lactic acid, bacteria, yeast and molds

            Rapid Detection Method

Negative / 10g (in duplicate)

            Nutrient Broth Inoculation

Negative / 100g (in duplicate)

C.    Microanalytical

            Howard Mold Count

<40%

            Fly eggs, maggots/worm and insects

Not to exceed USDA/FDA standards

D.    Net Weight

            55-gallon aseptic bag in drum

530 lbs. ± 5 lbs.

            300-gallon aseptic bag in bin

2,930 lbs. ± 10 lbs.

III.

Shelf Life:

Product shelf life is 24 months from date of manufacture provided the product is kept from freezing and is not stored at temperatures above 110°F.

IV.

Ingredient Statement:

Tomatoes