1400 Independence Avenue, SW.

Room 3932-S

Washington, D.C. 20250-0201

Commodity Specification

Dry, Edible Beans, Peas

and Lentils

May 2012
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

2 May 2012

Table of Contents

I. GENERAL.............................................................................................................................. 3

A. U.S. Standards................................................................................................................... 3

B. Exceptions to U.S. Standards............................................................................................ 3

C. Product Origin.....................................................................................3-4

 D. Kosher Products.....................................................................................4

E. Packing Season.................................................................................................................. 4

F. Class and Styles of Beans .......................................................................4-5

G. Grade of Beans ....................................................................................5-6

H. Markings, Labels and Packaging.................................................................4-6

H. Universal Product Codes .................................................................................................. 7

I. Palletization Requirements ................................................................................................ 7

 J. Shipment and Delivery..............................................................................7

II. COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS...............................................................7

III. INSPECTION AND CHECKLOADING............................................................................ 8

A. Requirements..................................................................................................................... 8

B. Certification....................................................................................................................... 8

C. Procedures......................................................................................................................... 8

IV. FAILURE TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................... 8

 

V. EXHIBITS.............................................................................................................................. 9

Exhibit 1 Markings Required for 2-LB, 25-LB and 100-LB Bags............................9 

Exhibit 2 Required Markings for Shipping Containers................................................... 10

 Exhibit 3 Alternative Label for Shipping Containers.........................................11

 Exhibit 4 Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers...............................12

Exhibit 5 Universal Product Codes................................................................................. 13 

Exhibit 6 “Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement ........................................................ 14

Exhibit 7 “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement............................................... 15

Exhibit 8 USDA Symbol................................................................................................. 16
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

3 May 2012

I. General

A. U.S. Standards

Dry, edible beans, peas and lentils (product/commodity) produced under this 

Commodity Specification must meet the requirements specified in the applicable 

United States Standards for Beans, Whole Dry Peas, Split Peas and Lentils effective 

on the date of the Solicitation/Invitation for Bid (IFB). The U.S. Standards are 

published separately and are incorporated herein and made a part of this Commodity 

Specification. 

B. Exceptions to U.S. Standards

Exceptions to the U.S. Standards for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchases 

are found in Section II, Commodity Specifications, of this document. Additional 

exceptions may be specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB. Any exceptions contained 

in the applicable Solicitations/IFB shall have precedence over the requirements contained 

herein, for that Solicitation/IFB only. 

C. Product Origin

1. Commodities delivered pursuant to this Commodity Specification shall have 

originated from crops that have been 100% grown, processed, and packed in the 

United States, its territories or possessions, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or 

the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands, (hereinafter referred to as the United 

States). See Section I.E. of the Master Solicitation.

2. If the contractor handles any commodity originating from sources other than the 

United States, the contractor must have a written plan to segregate the 

commodity. This segregation plan will include an identification and record 

system for all commodities to ensure they are completely segregated and cannot 

be used to fulfill purchase orders awarded by USDA. Such segregation plan must 

be made available to representatives of the Agricultural Marketing Service 

(AMS). 

3. The contractor must maintain positive written documentation records evidencing 

100 percent domestic origin, to the grower level. Contractors must also ensure 

that the documentation provided by any subcontractors demonstrates the same 

level of traceability. The burden of proof of compliance is on the contractor. 

Documentation may include load or warehouse storage receipts for raw product 

(i.e., bin tags), product blend (formulation) records, product coding explanations, 

finished product warehousing records, shipping or payment records, or other 

documentation or evidence that clearly establishes the product's domestic origin. 

4. Such records must be available for review by the Government in accordance with 

FAR 52.214-26. In the event of an audit, AMS auditors will examine documents 

to verify compliance.
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

4 May 2012

5. Self-certifications by contractors and subcontractors will not be accepted.

6. Failure to observe this requirement may lead to suspension or debarment, 

purchase order termination, and penalties at Title 18, Section 1001 of the US 

Code concerning falsification of information.

D. Kosher Products

Occasionally, purchase units will be identified on Solicitations/IFBs as “Kosher Only” 

Offerors must not bid on these purchase units unless they are properly certified to

produce kosher products. Vendors must comply with the applicable dietary (KOSHER)

laws as established by the “613 COUNCIL OF KASHRUTH.”

Vendors receiving contract items identified as “KOSHER” must contact the Board

of Jewish Education of Greater New York (BJENY) at telephone 646-472-5365 prior to

submitting a bid to certify compliance with the applicable dietary (kosher) laws.

A rabbinic supervisor will be sent by the BJENY to certify compliance with the 

applicable dietary (KOSHER) laws.

E. Packing Season 

All dry edible beans, peas and lentils must be from the current packing season/crop year, 

unless otherwise specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB.

F. Classes of Beans, Peas and Lentils

DRY EDIBLE BEANS: Pinto Beans, Red Beans (small red type only), Black eye Beans, 

Light Red Kidney Beans, Dark Red Kidney Beans, Baby Lima Beans, Pink Beans, Great 

Northern Beans, Garbanzo Beans, Pea, Lentils, Split Green, and Pigeon Peas.

 NOTE: Pigeon Peas are botanically known as Cajanus, Cajan from the family 

leguminose, which are known to be grown in Puerto Rico region and the U.S. Virgin 

Islands.

G. Grade of Beans

DRY EDIBLE BEANS: Dry, edible beans delivered to USDA shall be grade U.S. No. 1, 

except U.S. No. 2 for splits, and shall meet the specifications for the class(es) of beans 

listed in the Solicitation/IFB and in the U.S. Standards for Beans effective at the date of 

the Solicitation/IFB. The exception for splits applies when splits are a grade-determining 

factor. In this situation, the commodity inspection certificate issued by the Federal Grain 

Inspection Service (FGIS) shall state that the beans meet this commodity specification 

and would have graded U.S. No. 1 except for splits.

DRY SPLIT PEAS: Dry split peas of the class Green Split Peas or Yellow Split Peas 

shall be grade U.S. No. 1 and shall meet the specification for the classes of peas listed in 

the Solicitation/IFB and in the U.S. Standards for Whole Dry Peas, Split Peas and Lentils 

effective at the date of the Solicitation/IFB.
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

5 May 2012

LENTILS: Lentils shall be of the class Lentils and shall be grade U.S. No. 1 and shall 

meet the specification for the classes of lentils listed in the Solicitation/IFB and in the

U.S. Standards for Whole Dry Peas, Split Peas and Lentils effective at the date of the

Solicitation/IFB.

H. Markings, Labels, and Packaging

Commercial labels and packaging are acceptable as long as it meets the Food and Drug 

Administration requirements. The following applies for commercial labels and 

packaging:

1. Intermingling of labeling methods are not acceptable in a shipping unit 

(truckload).

2. Two or more different commercial labels are not allowed in a shipping unit 

 (truckload).

3. The manufacturer must establish a product identification coding and record 

systems that clearly links product by place and date of manufacture to specific 

USDA purchase orders and destinations.

4. The required product identification and record systems, including codes, must be 

reviewed and approved by FGIS. FGIS will include the product identification 

codes on the Commodity Inspection Certificate (Form FGIS-993) that will 

accompany the product to destination.

5. The product identification code used for traceability must be placed in a visible 

location on all primary containers in such a manner that it shall not be removed.

The following applies to USDA labels and packaging requirements:

The contractor must place a unique lot code for every lot offered for inspection on all 

primary and secondary containers except plastic for balers. The contractor may use any 

type of codes desired and may place the codes anywhere on the outside of the containers.

Specific codes can only be used one time for each purchase order. Lots that are not 

uniquely marked will be treated as any other lot with marking deficiencies and rejected.

1. Primary Containers

The product must be packed in bags and/or shipping containers or balers as 

specified in the Solicitation/IFB. Containers will be of a type normally and 

successfully used in commercial channels by the industry and shall conform to the 

applicable carrier rules and regulations. The terms “two-pounds”, “twenty-fivepounds”, and “one hundred-pounds” refer to a net weight of two pounds, 

twenty-five pounds, and one hundred pounds, respectively.

A. Two-pound Packages

1. Plastic bags will have FDA approval for dry, edible beans, peas 

and lentils, and be suitable for safe distribution to domestic users.

2. The bag markings shall be in black ink and shall be of the 

design shown in mechanicals for base art and overlay (See Exhibit 1). 
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

6 May 2012

These mechanical layouts, suitable for reproduction, are available 

from the Contracting Officer upon request. The Universal Product 

Code (UPC) bar code must be placed on the labels and on shipping 

cases (See Exhibit 3). The net weight must be expressed in metric as 

well as avoirdupois units.

B. 25-pound Bags. Materials used may be paper or woven polypropylene 

approved for use by FDA, and shall be suitable for safe distribution to 

domestic users.

C. 100-pound Bags. When the Solicitation/IFB calls for product in 100-

pound bags, the materials may be: (1) woven polypropylene bags, or (2) 

new burlap bags.

For 25-pound and 100-pound Bag Markings. “See Exhibit 1”

All containers must be of food grade quality in compliance with the Food 

Additives Regulations of the Federal Food and Drug Administration.

All containers must be completely sealed.

2. Secondary Container (case) Markings

Shipping Containers and Balers for Two-Pound Packages. 

Product in two-pound packages shall be packed in new, corrugated fiberboard, 

shipping containers or multiwall paper balers. Corrugated fiberboard shipping 

containers may be sealed by plastic tape in lieu of glue. The tape must be of 

sufficient width and strength that is used commercially to be acceptable by 

common carriers for safe transportation to destinations. The tape must extend 

down the sides or ends at least two inches without interfering with the case 

markings. A tape of see-through type may be used. A gummed paper tape may 

be used to close the paper balers; however, the paper tape will not overlap any of 

the printing on the balers.

Cases must be marked in such a manner that they contain all of the 

statements or information contained in Exhibit 2, “Required markings for 

Shipping Containers or Balers.” Case markings must be clearly marked and 

easily read.

Cases may be marked by printing or stenciling or by an alternative, 

preprinted, self-adhesive label or stickers. Self-adhesive label or stickers 

must be affixed to the case in such a manner that they cannot be removed 

intact.

Cases must have the recycling statement shown in Exhibit 4, “Please 

Recycle” Symbol and Statement or Exhibit 5 “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol 

and Statement.

No markings other than those permitted under this section must appear on 

the shipping containers, balers, or bags unless approved by USDA.
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

7 May 2012

I. Universal Product Codes (UPC)

Contractor’s UPC is acceptable for commercial labels and packaging.

Primary label and shipping container UPC for USDA products are listed in Exhibit 3. 

The contractor’s UPC is not acceptable for USDA’s labels and packaging requirements. 

The primary container UPC must be positioned on the label as shown in Exhibit 1. The 

shipping container UPC must be marked on the case as shown in Exhibit 2.

J. Palletization Requirements

1. Pallets 

Pallets must be on 48 X 40 inch, non-reversible, flush stringer, and partial fourway entry. New pallets must be good quality woods. Used pallets must be No.1 

hardwood or its equivalent in new softwood. Broken or damaged pallets are 

unacceptable. If pallet exchange is desired, the contractor shall arrange for pallet 

exchange with consignees. USDA is in no way responsible for arrangement of 

pallet exchange.

2. Unitization

Each delivery unit of bean products must be unitized. Shipping cases must be 

stacked and secured from top to bottom, so that each container and layer of 

containers becomes an integral part of the pallet. Either stretch wrapping with 

plastic film or “lock ‘n pop” is acceptable. The palletized product must be loaded 

in the conveyance in such a way that will prevent shifting and damage to the 

containers of product. 

K. Shipment and Delivery

1. Quantity Tolerance

Contractor will be allowed a tolerance on the final delivery of plus or minus 50 

cases of each product, from each shipping point named in the purchase order.

II. Commodity Specifications

A. Net Weight Specifications

The average net weight shall meet the weight as specified by the label. No 

individual container shall weigh less than the under fill limit. Lots found to have 

any containers weighing less than the under-fill limit will be rejected.

Net Weight Requirement Under Fill Limit

 2.0 pounds 1.96 pounds

 25.0 pounds 24.6 pounds

 100.0 pounds 98 pounds

over 100.0 pounds 98 percent
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

8 May 2012

III. Inspection and Checkloading

A. Requirements

FGIS must perform the inspection and checkloading required by See section X of the 

Master Solicitation. Inspection of bean products must be performed not more than 90 

days prior to shipment. Whether each lot offered meets the product and container 

requirements of the purchase order must be determined on the basis of representative 

sample units. Representative sample units will be graded according to the Regulations 

Governing Inspection and Certification of Dry Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils and the 

United States Standards for Condition of Food Containers (7 C.F.R. part 42.140), 

effective on the date of the Solicitation/IFB.

B. Certification

Subject to See section X of the Master Solicitation, the acceptability of the quality, 

weight, packaging, and checkloading of the product must be evidenced by certificates 

issued by FGIS. No product shall be shipped unless FGIS informs the contractor that a

designated lot is acceptable. Notice by FGIS that a designated lot scheduled for shipment 

does not meet requirements of the purchase order shall constitute rejection of such lot.

C. Procedures

The contractor must give the FGIS at least 7 days advance notice when scheduling 

inspection service. 

Contractors are encouraged to submit requests for inspection and weighing services in 

writing (FGIS-907) with verifiable receipt notice, such as fax log, to alleviate possible 

miscommunication.

IV. Failure to Meet Specifications

Any lot that fails applicable specifications prescribed herein will be rejected as not 

acceptable for delivery. If any lot of dry, edible beans, peas and lentils fail to meet the 

product or packaging requirement, the contractor may request in writing that USDA 

accept delivery of the lot. USDA may, at its option, accept delivery, provided that the 

purchase price is the purchase order price less a discount to be determined by the 

Contracting Officer.
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

9 May 2012

V. Exhibits

Exhibit 1

MARKINGS REQUIRED ON 25-LB AND 100-LB BAGS 

______________________________________________________________________________ 

DRY EDIBLE BEANS 1/

 Letter Size

25-LB 100-LB

BAGS BAGS

1” 2” NET WEIGHT _____________ 2/

 1” 1” PURCHASE ORDER NO. ___________ 3/

1” 1” STORE IN COOL, DRY PLACE 

1” 1” PACKED BY ________________ 4/

________________________________________________________________________

Markings shall be in DARK BLUE INK, and are to be placed on one side of the bag. On 

the reverse side of the bag, print the USDA symbol (at least 5” in diameter) and the packer’s 

name and address – city, state, zip code.

1/ Insert class name of beans in conformance with class of beans shown in purchase order (Pink 

Beans, Pinto Beans, Pea Beans, Navy Beans, etc.)

2/ Insert applicable weight and metric equivalents: 25 lbs (11.34 kg), 100 lbs (45.36 kg)

3/ Insert the last five digits of the purchase order number.

4/ Insert name of Packer and Packer's Address - City, State, and Zip Code.

5/ Insert Universal Product Code (see Exhibit 3).
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

10 May 2012

Exhibit 2

Required Markings for Shipping Containers

ALL PRINTING TO BE IN BLACK INK

BOTH SIDE PANELS BOTH END PANELS_____

PRODUCT NAME PRODUCT NAME

1/ PURCHASE ORDER NO. 3/

2/ 4/

USDA SYMBOL

STORE IN COOL, DRY PLACE

 5/ 

Product name must be printed or stenciled on a separate line in letters at least three-fourths inch 

high, and all other information must be in letters less than three-fourths inch but at least threeeighths inch high. The USDA Food Symbol must be printed, stamped, or labeled and be of 

sufficient size to stand out prominently. Case markings must be limited to case codes and those 

contained in this Exhibit.

1/ Insert any additional product style, pack, packing media, or further definition as applicable; 

(i.e. Dry Lentils, etc.).

2/ Insert the size and number of packages per case, i.e. 1/12 pound bags, 25 pound bags, 

3/ Insert the last five digits of the purchase order number.

4/ Insert name of Packer and Packer's Address - City, State, and Zip Code. This information 

can be placed on the end panels or the side panels.

5/ Insert Universal Product Code (see Exhibit 3).

 Recycle symbols and statements can be placed on bottom panels (Exhibit “6” and “7”).
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

11 May 2012

Exhibit 3

Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

(Includes all Required Information)

Product Name

Size/Number per case

Purchase Order Number xxxxx

 Packed by: ABC Growers

 Any Town, CA 99999

STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE

1 07 15001 00382 6
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

12 May 2012

Exhibit 4

Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

Dry Pinto Beans

12/2 Pound Bags

Purchase Order Number xxxxx

 Packed by: ABC Growers

 Any Town, CA 99999

STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE

1

1

1 07 15001 00382 6
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

13 May 2012

Exhibit 5

Universal Product Codes

 WBSCM 

Dry Beans, Peas, Lentils Materials Primary Container Shipping Container 

BEANS BLACKEYE DRY PKG-12/2 LB 100374 7 15001 00374 4 1 07 15001 00374 7

BEANS SMALL RED DRY PKG-12/2 LB 100375 7 15001 00375 1 1 07 15001 00375 8

BEANS DRY SPLIT PEA PKG-12/2 LB 100376 7 15001 00376 8 1 07 15001 00376 5

BEANS NAVY PEA DRY BAG-25 LB 100377 7 15001 00377 5 1 07 15001 00377 2

BEANS BABY LIMA DRY PKG-12/2 LB 100378 7 15001 00378 2 1 07 15001 00378 9

BEANS PINK DRY PKG-12/2 LB 100379 7 15001 00379 9 1 07 15001 00379 6

BEANS GREAT NORTHERN DRY PKG-12/2 LB 100380 7 15001 00380 5 1 07 15001 00380 2

BEANS GREAT NORTHERN DRY BAG-25 LB 100381 7 15001 10381 9 1 07 15001 10381 6

BEANS PINTO DRY PKG-12/2 LB 100382 7 15001 00382 9 1 07 15001 00382 6

BEANS PINTO DRY BAG-25 LB 100383 7 15001 10383 3 1 07 15001 10383 0

BEANS DARK RED KIDNEY DRY PKG-12/2 LB 100384 7 15001 00384 3 1 07 15001 00384 0

BEANS LIGHT RED KIDNEY DRY PKG-12/2 LB 100385 7 15001 00385 0 1 07 15001 00385 7

LENTILS DRY PKG-12/2 LB 100388 7 15001 10388 8 1 07 15001 10388 5

LENTILS DRY BAG-25 LB 101014 7 15001 01014 8 1 07 15001 01014 5

BEANS DRY GARBANZO PKG-12/2 LB 101020 7 15001 01020 6 1 07 15001 01020 5

K BEANS NAVY PEA DRY BAG-25 LB (KOSHER) 110065 7 15001 10065 8 1 07 15001 10065 5

K BEANS GREAT NORTHERN DRY BAG-25 LB (KOSHER) 110066 7 15001 10066 5 1 07 15001 10066 2

BEANS GARBANZO DRY BAG-25 LB 110089 7 15001 10089 4 1 07 15001 10089 1
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

14 May 2012

Exhibit 6

“Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement

PLEASE

RECYCLE
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

15 May 2012

Exhibit 7

“Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement
Commodity Specification Dry, Edible Beans, Peas and Lentils

16 May 2012

Exhibit 8

USDA Symbol