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United States Standards

for Grades of Canned 

Dried Beans

Effective September 1, 1976

(Reprinted June 8, 2016)
This is a reprint of the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Dried Beans 

which have been in effect since September 1, 1976 and were updated to modify the 

format.

Voluntary U.S. grade standards are issued under the authority of the Agricultural 

Marketing Act of 1946, which provides for the development of official U.S. grades to 

designate different levels of quality. These grade standards are available for use by 

producers, suppliers, buyers, and consumers. As in the case of other standards for 

grades of fresh and processed fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops these 

standards are designed to facilitate orderly marketing by providing a convenient 

basis for buying and selling, for establishing quality control programs, and for 

determining loan values.

The U.S. grade standards and inspection instructions for all fresh and processed fruits,

vegetables, and specialty crops are available on the internet and upon request at the 

address below. These documents provide detailed interpretations of the grade standards 

and provide step-by-step procedures for grading the product.

Grade standards are issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) after careful 

consideration of all data and views submitted during rulemaking. The Department 

welcomes suggestions for improving the standards in future revisions. Comments may be 

submitted to, and copies of standards and inspection instructions obtained from:

Director, Specialty Crops Inspection Division

Specialty Crops Program,

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, STOP 0240

Washington, D.C. 20250

__________________________________________________________________________

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

Note: Compliance with the provisions of these standards shall not excuse failure to 

comply with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or 

with applicable State laws and regulations.

Non-Discrimination Policy: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights 

regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA 

programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender 

expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, 

political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all 

bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, 

American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) 

or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in 

languages other than English. 

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at 

http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter 

all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form 

or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence 

Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal 

opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Dried Beans (September 1, 1976)

1

United States Standards for Grades of Canned Dried Beans

Section Page No.

§52.411 Product Description......................................................................................... 2

§52.412 Types.............................................................................................................. 2

§52.413 Styles. ............................................................................................................. 2

§52.414 Grades............................................................................................................ 3

§52.415 Sample Unit Size. ........................................................................................... 4

§52.416 Determining the grade. ................................................................................... 4

§52.417 Determining the rating of the factors which are scored................................... 5

§52.418 Color. .............................................................................................................. 5

§52.419 Absence of defects. ........................................................................................ 6

§52.420 Character. ....................................................................................................... 8

§52.421 Determining the grade of a lot......................................................................... 8

§52.422 Score sheet for canned dried beans. .............................................................. 9
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Dried Beans (September 1, 1976)

2

§52.411 Product Description.

Canned dried beans is the product prepared from dry mature beans or peas used for 

canning; but not including soybeans, sweet peas, or early peas. Any safe and suitable 

ingredients permissible under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 

Act may be used. The product is prepared by washing, soaking, blanching, cooking, or 

other processing. It is packed in hermetically sealed containers and sufficiently 

processed by heat to assure preservation.

§52.412 Types.

(a) White beans.

(b) Lima beans.

(c) Redbeans.

(d) Pinto beans.

(e) Pink beans.

(f) Garbanzos or chick-peas.

(g) Black beans.

(h) Yelloweye beans.

(i) Black-eye peas or field peas (Southern peas).

(j) Mixed beans (two or more varietal types of beans in any proportions).

(k) Beans of other colors or types (except soybeans, sweet peas, and early 

peas).

§52.413 Styles.

(a) In tomato sauce means packed with tomato pulp or a similar tomato product 

and any other safe and suitable ingredient(s). The sauce may be highly 

seasoned.

(b) In sweetened sauce means packed with nutritive carbohydrate sweetening 

ingredient(s) and any other safe and suitable ingredient(s). The sauce may be 

highly seasoned.

(c) In brine means packed in brine and any other safe and suitable ingredient(s).
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Dried Beans (September 1, 1976)

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§52.414 Grades.

(a) U.S. Grade A is the quality of canned dried beans that has the following 

attributes:

(1) Practically similar varietal characteristics (except mixed type);

(2) At least a reasonably good consistency for the styles of in tomato sauce 

and in sweetened sauce;

(3) Practically free from defects;

(4) Good character;

(5) Good flavor;

(6) Scores at least 17 points for color; and

(7) Totals not less than 90 points when scored in accordance with the scoring 

system outlined in this subpart.

(b) U.S. Grade B is the quality of canned dried beans that has at least the following 

attributes:

(1) Reasonably similar varietal characteristics (except mixed type);

(2) Reasonably good consistency for the styles of in tomato sauce and in in 

sweetened sauce;

(3) Reasonably free from defects;

(4) Reasonably good character;

(5) Reasonably good flavor;

(6) Reasonably good color; and

(7) Totals not less than 80 points when scored in accordance with the scoring 

system outlined in this subpart.

(c) Substandard is the quality of canned dried beans that fails to meet the 

requirements of U.S. Grade B.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Dried Beans (September 1, 1976)

4

§52.415 Sample unit size.

Compliance with requirements for factors of quality is based on a sample unit consisting 

of the entire contents of one container, irrespective of container size.

§52.416 Determining the grade.

(a) General. The grade of canned dried beans is determined by considering, in 

addition to the requirements of the respective grade, the following factors:

(1) Factor not rated by score points:

(i) Similar varietal characteristics;

(ii) Consistency; and

(iii) Flavor.

(2) Factor rated by score points. The relative importance of each factor is 

expressed numerically on the scale of 100. The maximum number of 

points that may be given each factor is:

Factors: Points

Color 20

Absence of defects 40

Character 40

Total Score 100

(b) Definitions.

(1) Similar varietal characteristics:

(i) Contrasting varieties means dried beans of the same type or of 

other types that are of a noticeably different color, size, or shape 

from the dried beans of the predominating variety (such as red 

beans with white beans);

(ii) Varieties that blend means dried beans of same type or of other 

types that are similar in color, size or shape to the dried beans of 

the predominating variety (such as pea beans with small white 

beans);
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Dried Beans (September 1, 1976)

5

(iii) Practically similar varietal characteristics means that the beans 

are practically alike in size, shape, color, general characteristics, 

and that there may be present not more than 0.5 percent, by 

weight, of contrasting varieties; and not more than 5 percent, by 

weight, of varieties that blend (not applicable to mixed type); and

(iv) Reasonably similar varietal characteristics means that the bean 

are reasonably alike in size, shape, color, general characteristics, 

and that there may be present not more than 1 percent, by weight, 

of contrasting varieties; and not more than 10 percent, by weight, of 

varieties that blend (not applicable to mixed type).

(2) Consistency:

(i) Reasonably good consistency means that the sauce is 

reasonably smooth and may be slightly grainy or slightly lumpy. 

The product may have a thick consistency but is practically free 

from matting and when emptied on a flat surface may have 

practically no separation of liquid; or, the product may have a thin 

consistency with separation of liquid, but it shall not be watery (not 

applicable to in brine style). Matting means compaction to the 

extent that the beans cannot be removed from the container without 

causing damage or excessive mushiness.

(3) Flavor:

(i) Good flavor means that the product has a good normal flavor and 

odor, characteristic of the style of pack, and is free from 

objectionable flavors and objectionable odors of any kind; and

(ii) Reasonably good flavor means that the product may be lacking in 

good flavor and odor, but is characteristic of the style of pack, and 

is free from objectionable flavors and objectionable odors of any 

kind.

§52.417 Determining the rating of the factors which are scored.

The essential variations within each factor which is scored are so described that the 

value is determined for each factor and expressed numerically. The numerical range 

within each factor which is scored is inclusive (for example, 18 to 20 points means 18, 

19, or 20 points).

§52.418 Color.

(a) Good color means that the beans have a color that is bright and reasonably 

uniform, typical of the type; and that the sauce or brine has a color typical of the 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Dried Beans (September 1, 1976)

6

style of pack. Canned dried beans that have a good color may be given a score 

of 18 to 20 points.

(b) Reasonably good color means that the beans have a color that is fairly uniform, 

typical of the type; may be dull but not off-color; and that the sauce or brine has a 

color typical of the style of the pack. Canned dried beans that have a reasonably 

good color may be given a score of 16 to 17 points. Canned dried beans that 

score 16 points for color shall not be graded above U.S. Grade B, regardless of 

the total score for the product (this is a partial limiting rule).

(c) Substandard. Canned dried beans that fail to meet the requirements of Grade B 

may be given a score of 0 to 15 points and shall not be graded above 

Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

§52.419 Absence of defects.

(a) General. The factor of absence of defects refers to the degree of freedom from 

extraneous vegetable material, loose skin, broken and mashed beans, and 

blemished beans; or any other defects that may affect the appearance or eating 

quality of the product.

(b) Definitions:

(1) Loose skin means skin or portions of a skin which have become 

separated wholly from the cotyledons;

(2) Broken means a cotyledon or portions of a cotyledon which have become 

separated; or a bean or portions of a bean with the skin or portions of the 

skin missing;

(3) Mashed means a bean that is crushed or flattened to the extent that the 

appearance is seriously affected;

(4) Blemished means a bean that is affected or damaged by any means to 

the extent that its appearance or eating quality is adversely affected;

(i) Slightly; 

(ii) Materially;

(iii) Seriously; and

(5) Extraneous vegetable material means vegetable material common to 

the bean plant or other plants that is harmless upon eating and includes, 

but is not limited to, peas, lentils, cereal grains, and corn.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Dried Beans (September 1, 1976)

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(c) Practically free from defects means that the canned dried beans comply with 

the allowances in Table I. Canned dried beans that are practically free from 

defects may be given a score of 36 to 40 points.

(d) Reasonably free from defects means that the canned dried beans comply with 

the allowances in Table II. Canned dried beans that are reasonably free from 

defects may be given a score of 32 to 35 points shall not be graded above U.S. 

Grade B, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

(e) Substandard. Canned dried beans that fail to meet the allowances for Grade B 

may be given a score of 0 to 31 points and shall not be graded above 

Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

TABLE I – ALLOWANCES FOR DEFECTS IN CANNED DRIED BEANS 

U.S. GRADE A

Defects

Maximum amount of defects permitted

Sample unit Sample average

Percent of net

weight

Loose skin, broken, and mashed 5

Total blemished (slightly, materially, and

seriously) 3

Materially blemished 2

Seriously blemished 1

Extraneous vegetable material No limit 1 piece per 80 

ounces net weight
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Dried Beans (September 1, 1976)

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TABLE II – ALLOWANCES FOR DEFECTS IN CANNED DRIED BEANS 

U.S. GRADE B

Defects

Maximum amount of defects permitted

Sample unit Sample average

Percent of net

weight

Loose skin, broken, and mashed 10

Total blemished (slightly, materially, and

seriously) 6

Materially blemished 4

Seriously blemished 2

Extraneous vegetable material No limit 1 piece per 20 

ounces net weight

§52.420 Character.

(a) General. The factor of character refers to the degree of freedom from hard 

beans, mushy beans, beans with tough skins; and the overall texture of the 

product.

(b) Good character means that the beans have a good, typical texture, that may be 

slightly soft or slightly firm; and that the skins are tender. Canned dried beans 

that have that the skins are tender. Canned dried beans that have a good 

character may be given a score of 36 to 40 points.

(c) Reasonably good character means that the beans have a reasonably good, 

typical texture, that the beans may be firm or soft and that the presence of hard 

or mushy beans does not materially affect the eating quality; and that the skins 

may be slightly tough. Canned dried beans that have a reasonably good 

character may be given a score of 32 to 35 points and shall not be graded above 

U.S. Grade B, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

(d) Substandard. Canned dried beans that fail to meet the requirements of grade B 

may be given a score of 0 to 31 points and shall not be graded above 

Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

§52.421 Determining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of canned dried beans covered by these standards is determined by 

the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of 

Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Processed Products Thereof, and Certain Other 

Processed Food Products (7 CFR 52.1 through 52.83).
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Dried Beans (September 1, 1976)

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§52.422 Score sheet for canned dried beans.

Number, size, and kind of container 

Label

Container marks or identification 

Net weight (ounces) 

Vacuum (inches)

Type

Style

Factors Grade Score Points

Color 20

“A” 18-20

“B” 16-172

“SStd” 0-151

Absence of defects 40

“A” 36-40

“B” 32-351

“SStd” 0-311

Character 40

“A” 36-40

“B” 32-351

“SStd” 0-311

Total Score 100

Consistency3

Flavor and Odor

Similar varietal characteristics4

U.S. Grade

1

Indicates limiting rule.

2

Indicates partial limiting rule

3 Not Applicable for the Style of In Brine

4 Not Applicable for Mixed Type