1400 Independence Avenue, SW.

Room 3932-S

Washington, D.C. 20250-0201

Commodity Specification

Canned Dried Beans

April 2012
Commodity Specification Canned Dried Beans

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Table of Contents

I. GENERAL ............................................................................................................................ 4

A. U.S. Standards....................................................................................4

B. Exceptions to U.S. Standards........................................................................................ 4

C. Product Origin............................................................................................................ 4-5

D. Kosher Products............................................................................................................ 5

E. Packing Season.............................................................................................................. 5

F. Holding Period............................................................................................................... 5

G. Grade of Canned Dried Beans: ..................................................................................... 5

H. Fill of Container:........................................................................................................... 5

I. Packing, Labels and Packaging: ................................................................................. 6-7

J. Universal Product Codes (UPC).................................................................................... 7

K. Palletization Requirements ........................................................................................... 8

 L. Shipment and Delivery..........................................................................8

II. INDIVIDUAL COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................ 8

 A. Vegetarian...................................................................................................................... 8

 B. Beans in Brine.....................................................................................9

 C. Refried.........................................................................................9-10

III. INSPECTION AND CHECKLOADING........................................................................... 10

 A. Requirements............................................................................................................... 10

 B. Certification................................................................................................................. 10

 C. Procedures................................................................................................................... 10

 D. Laboratory Tests.......................................................................................................... 11

IV. FAILURE TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................... 11

V. EXHIBITS........................................................................................................................... 11

 Can Label for Canned Vegetarian Beans, No. 300 size............................................... 11

 Can Label for Canned Vegetarian Beans, No. 10 size................................................. 12

 Can Label for Canned Blackeye Peas, No. 300 size.................................................... 12

 Can Label for Canned Blackeye Peas, No. 10 size...................................................... 13
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 Can Label for Canned Light Red Kidney Beans, No. 300 size ................................... 13

 Can Label for Canned Red Kidney Beans, No. 10 size............................................... 14

 Can Label for Canned Baby Lima Beans, No. 10 size ................................................ 14

 Can Label for Canned Navy Beans, No. 10 size.......................................................... 15

 Can Label for Canned Pink Beans, No. 10 size..............................................15

 Can Label for Canned Pinto Beans, No. 10 size.......................................................... 16

 Can Label for Canned Black Turtle Beans, No. 10 size.................................. 16

 Can Label for Canned Small Red Beans, No. 10 size ................................................. 17

 Can Label for Canned Refried Beans, No. 300 size........................................17

 Can Label for Canned Refried Beans, No 10 size..........................................18

 Exhibit 2 Required Markings for Non-Commercial Shipping Containers .................. 19

 Exhibit 3 Alternative Label for Shipping Containers.................................................. 20

 Exhibit 4 Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers..................................... 21

 Exhibit 5 Universal Product Codes.............................................................................. 22

 Exhibit 6 “Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement..................................................... 23

 Exhibit 7 “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement............................................ 24

 Exhibit 8 USDA Symbol ............................................................................................. 25
Commodity Specification Canned Dried Beans

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I. General

A. U.S. Standards

Canned dried beans (product/commodity) produced under this Commodity Specification 

must meet the requirements specified in the applicable United States Standards for 

Grades of Canned Dried Beans (U.S. Standards) and Commercial Item Description of 

Beans, Refried, Canned or Dehydrated 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) canned dried 

bean purchases are found in Section II, Individual Commodity Specifications, of this 

document. Additional exceptions may be specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB. 

Any exceptions contained in the applicable Solicitation/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 percent 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 contracts awarded by USDA. Such segregation plan must be 

made available, within 10 days of contract award, 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 sub-contractors 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. Contractors must provide the domestic origin certification and supporting 

documentation records to representatives of the AMS Fruit and Vegetable 

Program, Processed Products Division (USDA Inspector) when requesting 

inspection service. USDA Inspector will select and review at least one code for 

each contract to determine compliance with the Agency's domestic origin 

requirements. 
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5. 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 as many 

codes as is necessary to verify compliance.

6. Self-certifications by contractors and sub-contractors will not be accepted.

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

termination, and penalties at Title 18, Section 1001 of the U.S. Code concerning 

falsification of information.

D. Kosher Products

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

and will be so identified in the Solicitation/IFB. 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 canned dried beans must be from the current packing season/crop year, unless 

otherwise specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB. 

F. Holding Period

No shipment of canned dried beans may be made earlier than 14 days after packing. No 

delivery shall be case stamped prior to the completion of the 14-day holding period.

G. Grade of Canned Dried Beans:

All canned dried beans must be U.S. Grade A (as defined in the U. S. Standards), unless 

otherwise specified in Section II, Individual Product Specifications, herein or the 

applicable Solicitation/IFB.

Sodium content – 36 mg to 140 mg per serving (defined as 1/2 cup).

H. Fill of Container:

1. Contractor must meet the washed drained weight of not less than 50.0% of the net 

weight.

2. The average net weight must meet the net weight as printed on the label and the

Individual Commodity Specification Section II. 
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I. Packing, Labels and Packaging

Commercial Labels and Packaging

1. Primary Containers (Cans and Labels) 

a. Vendors have the option to use commercial labeling and packaging which 

meets all applicable FDA requirements and contains a code which allows 

traceability of the product in the event of a recall or they may use USDA 

packaging and labeling as specified in the Master Solicitation.

b. The processors’ own commercially acceptable “brand” labels may be used on 

all Solicitations/IFBs unless prohibited by the Solicitation/IFB. Distributor’s 

“brand” labels are not acceptable.

All products must be packed in new, commercially acceptable primary containers 

(cans). Canned dried beans shall be packed only in the container size and type 

specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB. The cans must be suitably code 

marked so that the product can be identified with related inspection certificates.

2. Secondary Containers (tray and case)

Commercially acceptable tray packs wrapped in plastic shrink wrap may be used 

on all Solicitations/IFBs for #300, #303, #2 and #2.5 cans. Cases of 24/#300 

may be achieved by shrink wrapping together two 12/#300 tray packs. 

Case flaps, gaps, and other openings may not exceed 1 inch and must be fully 

glued or sealed with tape. If tape is used in lieu of glue, it must be clear and of 

commercially acceptable width and strength. The tape must extend at least two 

inches down the sides or ends

Mixing and matching of USDA and commercial labeling methods will not be 

acceptable.

Two or more different commercial labels will not be acceptable within a shipping 

unit (truck load)

USDA Label and Packaging

1. Primary Containers (cans) 

All products must be packed in new, commercially acceptable primary containers 

(cans). Canned dried beans shall be packed only in the container size and type 

specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB . 

The cans must be suitably code marked so that the product can be identified with 

related inspection certificates. 
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2. Can Labels

USDA can labels are shown in Exhibits 1-1 through 1-14. The wording and 

design of the labels is restricted to that shown in the exhibit. The labels must be 

printed in ink of the color specified, on commercially acceptable, white paper 

stock. All printing must be scuff resistant by the application of a varnish, lacquer, 

or synthetic coating applied to the label after printing.

3. Secondary Container (case) Markings 

Cans shall be further enclosed within new, corrugated fiberboard cartons (cases) 

acceptable by common or other carriers for safe transportation to destinations. 

Flaps, gaps and other openings may not exceed 1 inch and must be fully glued or 

sealed with tape. If tape is used in lieu of glue, it must be clear and of 

commercially acceptable width and strength. The tape must extend at least two 

inches down the sides or ends. 

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

statements and information contained in Exhibit 2, “Required Markings for 

Shipping Containers”. 

Cases may be marked by printing or stenciling or by preprinted, self-adhesive 

stickers. Self-adhesive stickers must be affixed to the case in such a manner that 

they cannot be removed intact. 

Exact arrangement and adherence to font size is not required. The case markings 

must be clearly marked, easily read, and substantially the same as specified in 

Exhibit 2.

Exhibit 3 shows an alternative placard that may be applied to a new, corrugated 

fiberboard case acceptable by common or other carriers for safe transportation to 

destinations. This placard must be affixed to the case in such a manner that it 

cannot be removed intact.

Cases must have the recycling statement shown in Exhibit 6, “Please Recycle” 

Symbol and Statement or Exhibit 7, “Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and 

Statement.

J. Universal Product Codes (UPC)

Contractor UPC’s are acceptable for primary containers of product shipped utilizing 

commercial labels and/or secondary fiberboard cases enclosing commercially labeled 

product. 

Primary label and shipping container Universal Product Codes for USDA products are 

listed in Exhibit 5. The Contractor’s UPC is not acceptable. The primary container UPC 

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

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

UPC’s are not required for commercial labeling with tray pack shipping containers.
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K. Palletization Requirements

1. Pallets

Products must be on 48 X 40 inch, non-reversible, flush stringer, and partial fourway entry. New pallets must be good quality wood. 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 canned dried beans 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. 

L. 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. Individual Commodity Specifications

A. Vegetarian

1. Grade - U.S. Grade A.

2. Color - Good Color, with no artificial color, starches, or artificial additives.

3. Style - (a) In tomato sauce.

4. Type of Pack -White beans shall be practically similar in varietal characteristics 

and packed in meatless tomato sauce. The White beans shall consist of pea beans 

(also known as Navy beans), or small White beans. Only tomato sauce with 

natural spices, and sweetener, shall to be used for Vegetarian Beans.

5. Net Weight (6/10) - The average net weight of all containers shall be not less than 

108.0 ounces and no individual container shall have a net weight of less than 

106.0 ounces.

6. Net Weight (24/300) - The average net weight of all containers shall be not less 

than 15.0 ounces and no individual container shall have a net weight of less than 

14.7 ounces.
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B. Beans in Brine

1. Grade - U.S. Grade A, except pigeon peas which must meet the requirement

 for U.S. Grade B.

2. Color - Good Color, with no artificial color, starches, or artificial additives.

3. Style - (c) in brine

4. Type of Pack - Pinto beans, Red beans (small red type only), Blackeye (peas) 

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

Northern beans, Garbanzo beans, Pigeon Peas, and Black Turtle beans shall be 

packed in brine and any other safe and suitable ingredient(s).

5. Net Weight (6/10) - The average net weight of all containers shall be not less than 

108.0 ounces and no individual container shall have a net weight of less than 

106.0 ounces.

6. Net Weight (24/300) - The average net weight of all containers shall be not less 

than 15.0 ounces and no individual container shall have a net weight of less than 

14.7 ounces.

Note: Pigeon Peas are botanically known as Cajanus Cajun from the family Fabaceae

which are known to be grown in the Puerto Rico region, and the

 U.S. Virgin Islands. 

C. Refried Beans 

Commercial Item Description - A-A-20257 - Effective on the date of the Solicitation/IFB

(published separately).

1. Class I - Canned

2. Type of beans: A - Pinto beans, and C - Pink beans.

3. Consistency 2 - Finished product is a paste with whole and partial bean pieces.

4. Style a - Without oil(s)/lard.

5. Optional ingredient (i) - Onion and /or garlic flavoring.

6. Raw ingredients: The quality of the pinto and pink beans used to make the refried

 beans shall not be less than U.S. No. 2 Grade and must meet U.S. No. 2 Grade for 

 splits. Must be inspected and certified by Federal Grain Inspection Service.

7. Prepared product: 2. Paste with a noticeable amount of whole beans and portions

 of beans. 

8. Percent beans: The canned refried beans shall contain not less than 10 percent, or 

 more than 33-1/3 percent of the pink bean type. 
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9. Salt: Shall have less than 0.5 percent salt added.

10. Net Weight (6/10) - The average net weight per container shall be 112.0 ounces.

 No individual container shall be less than 110.5 ounces.

11. Net Weight (24/300) – The average net weight per container shall be 15.0 ounces.

 No individual container shall be less than 14.7 ounces.

III. Inspection and Checkloading

A. Requirements

Representatives of the AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Program, Processed Products Division

(USDA Inspector) must perform the inspection and checkloading. See section X. A of the 

Master Solicitation. The cost of inspection, samples taken for inspection, mailing of 

review samples submitted for evaluation, and any chemical analysis required for 

testing shall be for the account of the Contractor.

Inspection of canned products must be performed not more than 90 days prior to 

shipment. Whether each lot offered meets the product and container requirements of the 

contract 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 Canned Fruits and Vegetables and Related Products (7 C.F.R. Part 52), 

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

effective on the date of the Solicitation/IFB.

Case stamping in lieu of checkloading is acceptable, at the USDA Inspector’s discretion 

and may be performed at any time up to 28 calendar days prior to shipment of the 

product. Contractors must be aware that if this option is exercised, and an AMS 

Inspector does not perform checkloading, the Contractor assumes all risk for these 

shipments and deliveries. 

B. Certification

Subject to (See section IX.A of the Master Solicitation) the acceptability of the quality, 

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

issued by the USDA Inspector. 

No product shall be shipped unless the USDA Inspector informs the Contractor that a 

designated lot is acceptable. Notice by the USDA Inspector that a designated lot 

scheduled for shipment does not meet requirements of the contract shall constitute 

rejection of such lot.

C. Procedures

The Contractor must give the USDA Inspector at least 7 days advance notice when 

scheduling inspection service. Prior to sampling, the Contractor must furnish the USDA 

Inspector with a list of codes and the approximate number of cases per code. 

Contractors are encouraged to submit requests for inspection in writing with verifiable 

receipt notice, such as fax log, to alleviate possible miscommunication.
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D. Laboratory Tests

The Contractor must allow 14 calendar days after product sampling for laboratory tests 

(when required) to be completed and returned.

IV. Failure to Meet Specifications

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

acceptable for delivery. If any lot of canned dried beans fails 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 contract price less a discount, to be determined by the Contracting Office.

V. Exhibits

Exhibit 1-1

Can Label for Canned Vegetarian Beans, No. 300 size
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Exhibit 1-2

Can Label for Canned Vegetarian Beans, No. 10 size

Exhibit 1-3

Can Label for Canned Blackeye Peas, No. 300 size
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Exhibit 1-4

Can Label for Canned Blackeye Peas, No. 10 size

Exhibit 1-5

Can Label for Canned Red Light Kidney Beans, No. 300 size
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Exhibit 1-6

Can Label for Canned Red Kidney Beans, No. 10 size

Exhibit 1-7

Can Label for Canned Baby Lima Beans, No. 10 size
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Exhibit 1-8

Can Label for Canned Navy Beans, No. 10 size

Exhibit 1-9

Can Label for Canned Pink Beans, No. 10 size
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Exhibit 1-10

Can Label for Canned Pinto Beans, No. 10 size

Exhibit 1-11

Can Label for Canned Black Turtle Beans, No. 10 size
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Exhibit 1-12

Can Label for Canned Small Red Beans, No. 10 size

Exhibit 1-13

Can Label for Canned Refried Beans, No. 300 size
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Exhibit 1-14

Can Label for Canned Refried Beans, No. 10 size
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Exhibit 2

Required Markings for Non-Commercial 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 5/

STORE IN COOL, DRY PLACE

 

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. Tomato Sauce, etc.).

2/ Insert the size and number of packages per case, i.e. 6 /No. 10 cans, 6/5 pound bags, 12/46 

ounce cans, 1/25 pound bag.

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 "5").

 Recycle symbols and statements can be placed on bottom panels (Exhibit “6” and “7”). 
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Exhibit 3

Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

(Includes all Required Information)

Product Name

Style

Packing Media

Size/Number per case

Purchase Order Number xxxxx

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999

STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE

1234567891012345678910
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Exhibit 4

Sample Alternative Label for Shipping Containers

Vegetarian 

Beans

Packed in Tomato Sauce

6/No. 10 cans

Purchase Order Number xxxxx

Packed by: ABC Growers

Any Town, CA 99999

STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE

1 11 07 15001 01434 1
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Exhibit 5

Universal Product Codes

 WBSCM 

Canned Beans Material Primary Container Secondary Container

Beans Black Turtle Can -6/10 100359 7 15001 00359 1 1 07 15001 00359 8

Beans Garbanzo Can-6/10 100360 7 15001 00360 7 1 07 15001 00360 4

Beans Refried Can-24/300 100361 7 15001 00361 4 1 07 15001 00361 1

Beans Refried Can-6/10 100362 7 15001 00362 1 1 07 15001 00362 8

Beans Vegetarian Can-24/300 100363 7 15001 00363 8 1 07 15001 00363 5

Beans Vegetarian Can-6/10 100364 7 15001 00364 5 1 07 15001 00364 2

Beans Pinto Can-6/10 100365 7 15001 00365 2 1 07 15001 00365 9

Beans Small Red Can-6/10 100366 7 15001 00366 9 1 07 15001 00366 6

Beans Blackeye Can-24/300 100367 7 15001 00367 6 1 07 15001 00367 3

Beans Blackeye Can-6/10 100368 7 15001 00368 3 1 07 15001 00368 3

Beans Pink Can-6/10 100369 7 15001 00369 0 1 07 15001 00369 7

Beans Red Kidney Can-6/10 100370 7 15001 00370 6 1 07 15001 00370 3

Beans Baby Lima Can-6/10 100371 7 15001 00371 3 1 07 15001 00371 0

Beans Light Red Kidney Can-24/300 100372 7 15001 00372 0 1 07 15001 00372 7

Beans Great Northern Can-6/10 100373 7 15001 00373 7 1 07 15001 00373 4

Beans Black Can-24/300 110020 7 15001 10020 7 1 07 15001 11020 4

Beans Pinto Can-6/10 110021 7 15001 10021 4 1 07 15001 11021 1
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Exhibit 6

“Please Recycle” Symbol and Statement

PLEASE

RECYCLE
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Exhibit 7

“Corrugated Recycles” Symbol and Statement
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Exhibit 8

USDA Symbol

AMS:FV:PPD:CSALAZAR:720.4983:2/16/12:3/2/12:3/13/12:3/22/12:3/23/12

F:/USR\SalazarC\Canned Dried Beans Feb 2012.docx