Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing 

Service

Specialty 

Crops

Program

Specialty

Crops

Inspection

Division

United States Standards

for Grades of Canned 

Pork and Beans

Effective September 1, 1976

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

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 Pork and Beans (September 1, 1976)

1

United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pork and Beans

Section Page No.

§52.6441 Product Description ..................................................................................... 2

§52.6442 Types........................................................................................................... 2

§52.6443 Grade........................................................................................................... 2

§52.6444 Sample unit size .......................................................................................... 3

§52.6445 Determining the grade ................................................................................. 3

§52.6446 Determining the rating of the factors which are scored................................ 5

§52.6447 Consistency................................................................................................. 5

§52.6448 Absence of defects ...................................................................................... 5

§52.6449 Character..................................................................................................... 7

§52.6450 Determining the grade of a lot ..................................................................... 8

§52.6451 Score sheet for canned pork and beans...................................................... 9
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pork and Beans (September 1, 1976)

2

§52.6441 Product Description.

Canned pork and beans (canned dried white beans with pork) is the product prepared 

from dry mature white beans of the species Phaseolus vulgaris L., with pork or pork fat; 

and with a packing medium or sauce consisting of water, tomato products, and any 

other safe and suitable ingredients permissible under the provisions of the Federal 

Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 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.

§52.6442 Types.

(a) Pea beans (known also as Navy beans).

(b) Small white beans.

(c) Flat small white beans.

(d) Great northern beans.

(e) Other types of white beans (except white lima beans).

§52.6443 Grades.

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

attributes:

(1) Practically similar varietal characteristics;

(2) At least a reasonably good consistency;

(3) Practically free from defects;

(4) Good character;

(5) Good flavor;

(6) Good 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 pork and beans that has at least the 

following attributes:

(1) Reasonably similar varietal characteristics;
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pork and Beans (September 1, 1976)

3

(2) Reasonably good consistency;

(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 pork and beans that fail to meet the 

requirements of U.S. Grade B.

§52.6444 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.

§52.6445 Determining the grade.

(a) General. The grade of canned pork and 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) Color; 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

Consistency 20

Absence of defects 40

Character 40

Total Score 100
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pork and Beans (September 1, 1976)

4

(b) Definitions.

(1) Similar varietal characteristics:

(i) Contrasting varieties means varieties of dried beans other than 

those specified in §52.6442 (such as red beans);

(ii) Varieties that blend means one or more of the varieties of dried 

beans specified in §52.6442 other than the predominating variety of 

white beans (such as pea beans with small white beans);

(iii) Practically similar varietal characteristics means that the beans 

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

and not more than 0.5 percent, by weight, of contrasting varieties; 

and not more than 5 percent, by weight, of varieties that blend; 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) Color:

(i) Good color means that the beans have a color that is bright, 

typical and reasonably uniform; and that the sauce is reasonably 

bright and has the distinguishing color characteristics of the 

addition of tomato products; and

(ii) Reasonably good color means that the beans have a color that is 

fairly uniform, that may be slightly dull but not off- color; and that 

the sauce may be lacking in the distinguishing color characteristics 

of the addition of tomato products.

(3) Flavor:

(i) Good flavor means that the product has a good, characteristic 

flavor and odor, and is free from objectionable odors of any kind; 

and that the flavor of the sauce is rich, distinct and characteristic of 

the ingredients including but not limited to tomato products; and

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

good flavor and odor, but is free from objectionable flavors and 

objectionable odors of any kind; and that the flavor of the sauce 

may be weak.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pork and Beans (September 1, 1976)

5

§52.6446 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).

§52.6447 Consistency.

(a) Matting means compaction to the extent that the beans cannot be removed from 

the container without causing damage or excessive mushiness.

(b) Good consistency means that the sauce is smooth and is neither grainy nor 

lumpy; the product is practically free from matting; and when emptied on a flat 

surface forms a slightly mounded mass of beans and sauce with not more than a 

slight separation of liquid. Canned pork and beans that have a good consistency 

may be given a score of 18 to 20 points.

(c) 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 reasonably 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. Canned pork and beans that 

have a reasonably good consistency may be given a score of 16 or 17 points.

(d) Substandard. Canned pork and 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).

§52.6448 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 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pork and Beans (September 1, 1976)

6

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.

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

the allowances in Table I. Canned pork and 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).
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pork and Beans (September 1, 1976)

7

TABLE I – ALLOWANCES FOR DEFECTS IN CANNED PORK AND 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

TABLE II - ALLOWANCES FOR DEFECTS IN CANNED PORK AND 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

§52.6449 Character.

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

beans, mushy beans, beans with tough skins, and from granulation; and to the 

overall palatability and texture of the beans.

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

slightly granular or slightly firm; and that the skins are tender. Canned pork and 

beans that have a good character may be given a score of 36 to 40 points.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pork and Beans (September 1, 1976)

8

(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 

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

be slightly tough; and that the beans may be granular or mealy. Canned pork 

and 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 pork and 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).

§52.6450 Determining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of canned pork and 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 to 52.83).
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pork and Beans (September 1, 1976)

9

§52.6451 Score sheet for canned pork and beans.

Number, size, and kind of container 

Label

Container marks or identification 

Net weight (ounces) 

Vacuum (inches)

Similar Varietal Characteristics

Type

Factors Grade Score Points

Consistency 20

“A” 18-20

“B” 16-17

“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

Color

Flavor and Odor

U.S. Grade

1Indicates limiting rule.