United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

Agricultural 

Marketing 

Service 

Fruit and 

Vegetable 

Programs 

Fresh Products 

Branch

Snap Beans 

Shipping Point and Market 

Inspection Instructions 

 November 2002 

 Previously 

April 1993 
Shipping Point And Market 

Inspection Instructions For 

Snap Beans 

These inspection instructions are specifically developed by the Fresh Products 

Branch to assist officially licensed inspectors in the interpretation and application of the 

U.S. Standards for Grades of Snap Beans, Section 51.3829. 

These instructions do not establish any substantial rule not legally authorized by 

the official grade standards. This publication supersedes any previously issued 

inspection instructions. 

Refer to the General Inspection Instructions for additional information pertaining 

to date, inspection point, carrier, condition of carrier, lading, etc. that is not covered in 

this handbook. Reference to “General Inspection Instructions” in all Fresh Products 

Branch publications refers to any one or all of the following – General Shipping Point 

Inspection Instructions, General Market Inspection Instructions, or Fresh Fruit and 

Vegetable Certificate Writing Handbooks. 

Any portion of these instructions beginning with the section number §51.--- and 

followed by bold print is material copied directly from the U.S. standards. The U.S. 

Standards for Grades of Snap Beans are printed in the appendix of this handbook. All 

U.S. standards are available on the Internet under the USDA homepage. 

This replaces Market Inspection Instructions for Snap Beans dated January 1973. 

Reformatted November 2002, previously April 1993.

November 2002 

This publication may be duplicated without authorization from USDA. 

i

Factors noted with (Q) are considered quality only. Factors noted with (C) are 

considered condition at market. Factors noted with (Q or C) may be quality or condition 

depending on the circumstances. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING ......................................................................... 1

SIZE OF SAMPLE ................................................................................................. 1

NUMBER OF SAMPLES ......................................................................................... 1

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES ................................... 1

SUMMARY OF TOLERANCES ............................................................................. 2

APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES ............................................................................. 2

NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE ...................................................................... 2

PRODUCT ........................................................................................................... 3

NUMBER/TYPE OF CONTAINERS ........................................................................... 3

BRANDS/MARKINGS............................................................................................. 4

ORIGIN ............................................................................................................... 4

CONDITION OF PACK ........................................................................................ 4

TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT ......................................................................... 5

SIZE ..................................................................................................................... 5

REPORTING SIZE................................................................................................. 5

DEFECTS (QUALITY AND CONDITION) ............................................................ 6

APPEARANCE (BRIGHTNESS) (Q) .......................................................................... 6

BROKEN BEANS (Q) ............................................................................................ 6

CLEANNESS (Q) .................................................................................................. 7

FOREIGN MATERIAL (Q) ....................................................................................... 8

FREEZING OR FREEZING INJURY (C) ..................................................................... 8

FRESHNESS AND FIRMNESS (C) ........................................................................... 9

INSECT/WORM INJURY (Q OR C) .......................................................................... 9

LEAFSTEMS (Q) ................................................................................................ 10

MATURITY (Q)................................................................................................... 10

RUSSETING (C) ................................................................................................. 11

SCARS (Q) ....................................................................................................... 12

SHAPE (Q) ....................................................................................................... 12

SIMILAR VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS (Q) ........................................................... 13

SUNSCALD (Q) .................................................................................................. 13

DRY ROT (C) .................................................................................................... 13

SOFT ROT (C) .................................................................................................. 14
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APPENDIX I – U. S. GRADE STANDARDS ...................................................... 15

UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF SNAP BEANS ................................. 15

APPENDIX II – VISUAL AIDS ........................................................................... 18

APPENDIX III – EXAMPLES ............................................................................. 23

SHIPPING POINT CERTIFICATE ............................................................................ 23

INSPECTION NOTESHEET ................................................................................... 24

INSPECTION SCORESHEET ................................................................................. 25

INSPECTION CERTIFICATE .................................................................................. 26
1

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING 

The importance of obtaining representative samples cannot be over emphasized. 

Accurate certification is possible only if the samples examined are truly representative 

of the entire lot or accessible portion. All portions of a lot or load should receive the 

same attention in sampling regardless of the difficulty involved in reaching all layers or 

parts of a lot or load. Anytime the entire lot requested is not accessible for sampling, 

the inspection and certificate must be restricted to the accessible portion. 

Size of Sample 

The tolerances of the U.S. Standards for Grades of Snap Beans are determined 

on the basis of weight. All weights shall be recorded in ounces. At least 50 ounces 

(3.125 pounds) shall be examined from each sample container except for French 

Beans where at least 25 ounces shall be examined. Whenever a container tolerance 

or lot tolerance is exceeded, the size of at least one sample shall be doubled (100 

ounces / 6.25 pounds). In other words, don’t put a lot out of grade without running at 

least one sample that is at least double the normal size. 

Samples should be taken from various locations within the container being 

examined. Beans are generally tightly packed into hampers or wire bound crates and 

have a tendency to settle during shipment. Therefore, it is suggested that the contents 

be dumped out or into another container so that a representative sample may be 

obtained from any part of the sample container. If it is not practical to empty the 

contents, samples shall be taken extending from the top to the bottom of at least one 

sample. In the remaining samples beans should be taken from the top to as near the 

bottom of the container as possible. 

Number of Samples 

As a general rule a minimum of 1% of the lot must be examined. For lots of less 

than 300 packages a minimum of 3 samples must be examined. It is the inspector’s 

responsibility to examine additional representative samples when the quality, condition, 

or size in samples is decidedly different to ensure an accurate description of the lot. 

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES 

§ 51.3835 Tolerances. ...(b) U.S. No. 1. Thirteen percent for beans in 

any lot which fail to meet the requirements of the grade, including 

not more than 10 percent damage by grade defects other than 

damage by broken beans, including not more than 5 percent shall be 

allowed for defects causing serious damage, including therein, not 

more than 1 percent for beans affected by soft rot. 
2

Keep in mind that when grading a U.S. No. 1 lot as long as the total tolerance 

does not exceed 13%, the lot may have up to 13% damage by Broken Beans and/or up 

to 10% damage by Other Defects in any combination. Remember, the combination 

may not exceed the total tolerance of 13%. The U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 2 grade 

tolerances as listed below in chart form may be applied in a similar fashion. 

Summary Of Tolerances

U.S. FANCY U.S. NO.1 U.S. NO.2 

Total Defects, including 10% 13% 15% 

Broken Beans 3% 13% 15% 

Other Than Broken 

Beans 10% 10% 10% 

Serious Damage, 

including: 

5% 5% 15% 

Soft Rot 1% 1% 1% 

Application of Tolerances 

§ 51.3836 Application of tolerances. The contents of individual 

packages in the lot are subject to the following limitations: 

(a) For tolerances of 10 percent or more, individual packages may 

contain not more than one and one-half times the tolerances 

specified... 

(b) For a tolerance of less than 10 percent, individual packages may 

contain not more than double the tolerance specified: Provided, that 

the average for the entire lot is within the tolerances specified for the 

grade. 

NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE 

Entries on the notesheet and certificate must be kept in a legible and accurate 

manner. It is mandatory that all information which appears on the certificate be 

supported by information on the notesheet. It is the responsibility of the inspector to 

ensure that all information is properly recorded. Notations shall be recorded so that 
3

anyone familiar with inspection procedures can interpret them and write a certificate. 

Also remember that notesheets and certificates are prima facie evidence and must be 

able to withstand legal scrutiny. 

Detailed instructions pertaining to date, inspection point, place of inspection, type 

of carrier, lading, etc., which are not covered by these instructions may be found in the 

General Inspection Instructions. Additional information and instructions may be given 

by your supervisor. 

Product 

The common name Snap Beans, shall be used to describe this commodity in the 

product heading. Type such as “Wax,” “Pole,” “Green, round” etc may be reported in 

conjunction with Snap Beans or may be reported in the “Product/Variety” section on the 

shipping point inspection certificates or in the “Lot ID” section on market notesheet and 

certificate. 

Snap beans are beans that are used in their entirety as opposed to shell beans. 

Snap bean pods are flat, oval, or nearly cylindrical in cross section. 

Green, wax (yellow), round, oval, semi-flat, and flat are the main distinguishing 

characteristics of types of beans. 

The trade may refer to snap beans as bush, half runner, pole, or wax beans. 

Types that are not considered snap beans include Fava, Lima, Pinto, 

Calico, or Cranberry beans. These cannot be certified under the U.S. Grade 

Standards for Snap Beans. 

The Inspection Service does not certify variety. If variety were questioned, the 

inspector should inform interested parties that only type may be certified. It may also be 

pointed out that when type is a factor in a general run of beans, such as green-round 

beans in a green-flat type lot, or other distinctly different types, it will be considered a 

quality defect. The defect shall be reported as “dissimilar varietal characteristics.”

Number/Type of Containers 

The number of containers shall always be reported. In the market and at 

shipping point locations for stationary lot certification, the inspector shall always verify 

the container count provided by the applicant for each lot and report it as the 

“Inspector’s Count.” If the number of containers available for inspection does not match 

the application it is the inspector’s responsibility to confirm that the amount presented 

for inspection constitutes the lot. If an accurate count cannot be determined the 

inspector may report the count at someone else’s authority. However, the reason for 

doing so must be reported on the notesheet (e.g., numerous pallets with mixed 

product.) 
4

At shipping point locations for “days-run” certification the applicant generally 

provides a manifest for count and it is acceptable to use this for the number of 

containers. 

Snap Beans are usually packed and shipped in waxed and un-waxed cartons, 

wooden hampers or wire-bound crates. 

Brands/Markings 

The brand, variety, size, count, grade, weight, point of origin and other important 

information appearing on the container should be reported on the notesheet in the 

“Brands/Markings” section. Only the brand name and other key markings necessary to 

properly identify the lot for certification should appear in this section on the certificate. 

Origin 

The inspector should not make a positive statement on their own authority, but 

when container markings list the state or country of origin, it should be quoted in the 

appropriate space on the notesheet and the certificate. If origin is not marked, it is the 

inspectors responsibility to make an effort to obtain this information from the applicant. 

This policy is necessary because some firms may use one mark on the same product 

packed in several states. The inspector can certify only to the marks and has no means 

of verifying what state or country the snap beans are grown. 

CONDITION OF PACK 

Filling of containers of snap beans should be described on the notesheet as 

follows: 

Well Filled: This is the desirable condition of pack and means that the beans 

should be in contact with the cover and there is virtually no movement of the beans. 

Fairy Well Filled: This condition means that the pack is not quite full or that there 

may be slight movement within the container. The pack is not ideal, but is not 

sufficiently slack to justify the use of the term “slack”. This term shall be used in 

describing pack when the beans are not in contact with, but not more than 1/2 inch 

below the cover. 

Slack: This term is used when the pack is more than 1/2 inch below the cover 

and movement is readily apparent. When this condition is encountered it shall be 

described in inches and fractions of inches below the cover. 
5

TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT 

Inspectors would not normally determine or report temperatures at shipping 

point. However, due to the importance of the pulp temperature of fresh fruits and 

vegetables when in transit or at destination, it is essential that the inspector accurately 

determine and report the temperature or range in temperatures on each lot. Pulp 

temperature should be reported regardless of the location of the product, whether in the 

carrier, warehouse, or stacked on the platform. Remember to pre-cool the thermometer 

in order to obtain true readings. Report all temperatures to the nearest whole degree. 

A minimum of three temperatures for each lot must be taken and recorded on the 

notesheet. More temperatures must be taken if the lot is abnormally cold, heated, or 

there is a specific request for temperature, and these must be reported in greater detail 

specifying location in lot or load. 

SIZE 

The U.S. Standards for Grades of Snap Beans do not have “specific” size 

requirements, however they do have the following “general” size requirements: 

U.S. Fancy: Beans are required to be of reasonable and fairly uniform size. 

U.S. No. 1: Beans are required to be of reasonable size. 

U.S. No. 2: No size requirement. 

§ 51.3838 Reasonable size. “Reasonable size” means that the pods 

are not spindly or excessively short for the variety and have not been 

prematurely picked. 

“Fairly Uniform” means beans are not of excessively different lengths. 

If beans are found that do not meet these requirements they will be considered as 

quality defects. The defects shall be reported as “not fairly uniform” or “spindly.” 

Reporting Size 

Size shall be reported only at applicants request. When reporting size, the length 

of the pods shall be reported to the nearest quarter inch. The length of the pods means 

the overall length from the tip to the point of attachment with the stem. Measurement of 

beans should include the bean pod only and not stem attachments. Also, the outer 

curve of the bean from end to end should be used to determine length. 

Unless size is very nearly uniform (which is seldom the case), the range of length 

shall be followed by a “mostly” range.
6

DEFECTS (QUALITY AND CONDITION) 

Statements pertaining to freshness, maturity, shape, color, the amount and type 

of defects, and the amount of decay are shown under the appropriate headings. 

Factors noted with (Q) are considered as QUALITY only (Quality, sometimes 

referred to as “permanent” defects) means defects which do not change during 

storage or shipment (shape, scars, etc.). 

Factors noted with (C) shall be reported as CONDITION on market certificates. 

Condition defects are defects which are subject to change during shipment or storage, 

including but not limited to bruising, discoloration, shriveling and decay. 

Those factors noted with (Q or C) may be considered as QUALITY or 

CONDITION, depending on the circumstances. 

Appearance (Brightness) (Q) 

This factor should be judged from the standpoint of natural color of the beans, 

and the effects that discoloration, adhering dirt, sand, or other foreign material have 

upon it. Furthermore the inherent characteristics of the variety should be considered. 

Certain varieties by their very nature are not as bright as others. Brightness should 

be based on the general appearance of the lot as a whole. 

On shipping point certificates brightness may be reported with other quality and 

condition factors or as directed by the supervisor. When brightness is irregular in a lot, 

a combination of descriptive terms should be used to describe the appearance, such as 

“mostly bright, some fairly bright” or “mostly fairly bright, some slightly dull.” When 

performing market inspections, if a lot of beans fails to meet the brightness requirement 

for the grade, describe the appearance in the “other” section on the certificate and fail 

the lot to grade account of brightness. However, keep in mind that this factor is rarely a 

major problem. 

U.S. Fancy: Beans are required to be Bright. 

U.S. No. 1: Beans are required to be Fairly Bright.

U.S. No. 2: No brightness requirement. 

Broken Beans (Q) 

§ 51.3841 Damage. ...(b) Broken beans shall be considered as 

damage when: 

(1) There is one break present in the thick portion of the bean or one 

break at each end in the thin portion of the bean; 
7

(2) Any break that is materially affected by dirt or discoloration; 

(3) Any break that is ragged and materially detracts from the 

appearance; or 

(4) Unless otherwise specified, the remaining portion of the bean is 

less than 3-1/2 inches in length (5-1/2 inches for pole type beans). 

§ 51.3844 Serious damage. ...(b) Broken beans shall be considered 

as serious damage when: 

(1) There is a break on each end in the thick portion of the bean; 

(2) Any break is seriously affected by dirt or discoloration; 

(3) Any break is ragged and seriously detracts from the appearance 

or exposes a seed; or 

(4) Unless otherwise specified, the remaining portion of the bean is 

less than 3 inches in length (5 inches for pole type beans). 

Any bean considered “mechanically damaged” should be scored as a broken 

bean. Beans, which do not have a clean “break”, i.e. that are shredded, mangled, or 

have a broken portion still hanging on should be scored as a broken bean. Scoring 

should be considered on an appearance basis only if none of the definitions for damage 

or serious damage by broken beans in the standard seem to apply. (See Appendix Il.) 

Cleanness (Q) 

“Clean” means that a bean is practically free from dirt, sand or other foreign 

material. This is the requirement of the U.S. Fancy grade. 

“Fairly Clean” means that there is some dirt, sand or other foreign material on a 

bean, but only enough to slightly affect the appearance. 

“Slightly Dirty” or “Slightly Sandy” means that there is considerable dirt, sand 

or other foreign material on a bean but not sufficient to damage the appearance. This is 

the maximum allowed for the U.S. No. 1 grade. 

“Dirty” or “Sandy” means the dirt, sand or other foreign material on a bean 

damages the appearance sufficiently to justify scoring the bean as damaged by dirt. 

Beans that are scored as being damaged or seriously damaged by dirt should be 

considered on the basis of appearance. The general definitions for damage and serious 

damage are used in connection with the effect on the edible or marketing quality of the 

beans. 
8

Foreign Material (Q) 

Foreign Material is any extraneous material not attached to beans. This may 

include loose and unattached leaves, leafstems, vines or any other foreign matter. 

Score any amount against the total tolerance of the grade being applied. 

On market certificates Foreign Material is recorded in the first column (average 

defects) only, regardless of the grade being applied. 

Freezing Or Freezing Injury (C)

Freezing or freezing injury occurs under such a variety of conditions that it is a 

most important factor to accurately describe on the inspection certificate. This injury, if 

of noticeable extent, detracts greatly from the commercial value of the lot and must be 

carefully reported. 

Beans affected by freezing have a watersoaked, flabby texture. In general, the 

affected containers and beans in those containers will also reveal a definite pattern of 

injury. 

When reporting freezing or freezing injury, remember to: 

 Record pulp temperatures taken in various locations. 

 Determine and record extent of injury in load. 

 Determine and record extent of injury in containers. 

 Determine and record degree to which individual specimens are affected. 

 Describe the pattern of freezing or freezing injury in clear concise terms. 

 Percentages should not be used to describe the amount of freezing injury. 

Note: Extreme care should be taken when determining if beans are injured by 

freezing. Some bacterial infections that affect beans exhibit watersoaked areas that 

have a similar appearance to freezing injury. To eliminate confusion always check pulp 

temperatures and look for a distinct pattern of affected containers and affected stock in 

those containers which indicates freezing injury. In most cases bacterial infections will 

not tend to exhibit any pattern. One other clue that may indicate bacterial infection as 

opposed to freezing injury is a greasy, oily type of exudate accompanying the 

watersoaked appearance of the beans. And finally, beans affected by freezing will 

either be frozen solid or be limp and flabby from injury. Those affected by bacteria are 

generally still firm. 

If it is determined that bacteria instead of freezing injury affect the beans, the 

percentage of damage or serious damage shall be determined on the basis of 

appearance and the defect described (e.g., watersoaked translucent areas). 
9

Freshness And Firmness (C) 

The U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades require beans to be fresh. The U.S. 

No. 2 grade requires beans to be fairly fresh. All grades require beans to be firm. 

Beans are a highly perishable, succulent commodity and must reach the 

consumer quickly or the edible quality may become greatly reduced. In ideal condition 

pods are firm, crisp, and should snap readily when bent at right angles. Improper 

refrigeration or delay in marketing may cause the pods to become wilted or flabby. 

“Fresh” means beans are not old, wilted or dull in appearance. 

“Firm” means beans are not soft, flabby, shriveled, or pliable and snap readily 

when bent at right angles. 

When beans are encountered that fail to meet the requirements of the grade 

being worked for freshness or firmness they should be scored as wilted or flabby. 

Firmness may be used to complement freshness. Suitable terms for describing 

freshness and firmness are: 

 Fresh And Firm 

 Fairly Fresh And Firm 

 Slightly Wilted 

 Slightly Flabby 

 Wilted And Flabby 

Insect/Worm Injury (Q or C) 

Injuries caused by insects or worms should be scored on much the same basis 

as scars. Older injury will be in the form of healed scars, but usually they are more 

unsightly in appearance or deeper and more penetrating than wind scars. Again, 

appearance will be the factor in scoring as damage or serious damage. 

As a general rule any time the wall of the pod is penetrated by insects or worms it 

shall be considered serious damage. Surface feeding on the pod may be either 

damage or serious damage depending on the appearance. 

At destination, if insects or worms are alive, or there is evidence of fresh frass, 

treat as a condition factor. If the insects or worms are dead, treat as a quality factor. If 

both live and dead insects are present, then treat as a condition factor. 
10

Leafstems (Q) 

Leafstems shall refer to any part of the plant that is still attached to beans. This 

includes vines and stems, with or without the leaves attached. Both the “leafstem” 

and the attached bean(s) shall be weighed together when scoring for leafstems. 

Damage by leafstems: 1, 2 or 3 beans of reasonable size with a leafstem 

attached that is over 1⁄2 the length of the longest bean, or 4 or more beans of reasonable 

size in a cluster. 

Beans that are not of reasonable size as defined in the standard shall be 

detached from the leafstem and scored as spindly. (See section on “Size.”) 

Beans with leafstems that are not scorable but have individual beans, which are 

damaged by other means, shall be detached and scored as a defect. 

Beans with scorable leafstems that have individual beans, which are damaged by 

other means, shall be scored for leafstems only. 

Beans with scorable leafstems, which are also seriously damaged by other 

defects or soft rot, shall be detached from the stems and scored on the basis of the 

defect. 

Note: If in any of the scoring guidelines the bean(s) are required to be detached 

from the leafstem, the remaining leafstem shall be included in foreign material, or if 

there are still beans remaining on the leafstem they shall be graded according to the 

scoring guidelines for leafstems. 

Maturity (Q) 

The stage of maturity is probably the most important factor of quality in 

connection with snap beans. In the ideal stage for domestic use the pods are thick 

walled, meaty, and tender. As beans develop toward an undesirable stage of maturity 

for domestic use the pods become thinner walled, somewhat tough and woody, with 

large, well developed seeds. 

Prematurely picked pods are not desirable because they are too young, are apt 

to be small, thin and curled. Underdeveloped pods wilt quickly and frequently become 

shriveled before they reach the consumer. 

U.S. Fancy: Beans are required to be Young and Tender. 

U.S. No. 1: Beans are required to be Fairly Young and Tender. 

U.S. No. 2: Beans are required to be Not Overmature. 

The inspector should, as a matter of course, break an occasional bean as the 

sample is graded. By starting with one of the older looking beans in the sample, the 

inspector is likely to discover whether the lot has any tendency toward overmaturity or 
11

dryness. If the older beans do not meet the grade requirements for maturity, it is 

necessary to break beans of a somewhat younger appearance. The number and size 

of the beans broken will vary considerably with the quality of the lot being graded. 

Beans should be broken at about mid-point of their length by bending the ends 

around until the bean snaps. The ease and cleanness with which the bean snaps are 

good indications of its maturity. The flesh of a tender bean, when exposed by breaking, 

should have a succulent appearance. It should look watersoaked and glassy rather 

than dry and pithy. 

After the bean has been broken or snapped, the exposed ends should be 

examined for fiber or strings as well as for succulence. Tenderness and succulence 

are usually closely related, and the bean is judged for maturity on the basis of 

both. 

“Young and Tender” is the ideal stage of maturity in which there is a clean 

break with no trace of fibers. 

“Fairly Young and Tender” means when broken the bean has a clean break 

with practically no trace of fibers or strings. If there are only small hair-like fibers 

protruding very slightly, the bean should be considered fairly young and tender. Beans 

which fail to meet the requirements of fairly young and tender should be reported on the 

certificate as not fairly young and tender. 

“Not Overmature” If there are a number of ragged, spiny edges caused by 

protruding ends of fiber or strings the bean is not considered tender nor is it overmature. 

A bean at this stage of maturity would meet the requirements of the U.S. No. 2 grade. 

§51.3843 Overmature. ''Overmature'' means that the walls of the 

pods are distinctly woody or fibrous. 

If the beans break with difficulty and the fiber is heavy, causing long protruding 

fibers or strings or “shark’s teeth”, the bean should be considered tough or over mature. 

Russeting (C)

One of the most common defects that affect beans in transit and at destination is 

russeting. This disorder is a physiological disease and should not be confused with the 

term “rust”, a commonly accepted name for a fungus disease of beans. (“Rust” is rarely 

seen on pods and is characterized by raised reddish-brown areas.) 

Russeting is characterized by the death of surface cells anywhere on the pod, 

which then become rusty brown to chestnut brown. Browned areas are irregular in 

shape and without definite margins, but they sometimes occur as short, narrow 

somewhat parallel areas. The dead tissue is usually not sunken. 
12

Care should be taken to not confuse russeting with similar appearing defects 

such as sunscald, wind and sand scarring, and scarring caused by the powdery mildew 

fungus. Each of these defects, although similar, has symptoms that are quite distinct 

from russeting. Sunscald occurs on only one side of the pod. Wind and sand scarring 

produces chafed areas and the brown color is duller than russeting. Powdery Mildew 

produces discolored spots, which are usually sunken and more speckled than russeting. 

Beans with stages of the disease showing the white powdery fungus usually accompany 

this. When the fungus is rubbed away, a reddish-brown discoloration is exposed. Refer 

to sections describing these other defects for further information. 

When all the factors above have been considered closely and the inspector is still 

in doubt as to what the suspect defect is, he/she shall give a description of the defect 

and consider it a condition factor. 

Russeting is to be scored on the basis of appearance. The general 

definitions of damage and serious damage shall be used in determining the percentage 

of beans affected by russeting. 

Scars (Q) 

Scars on beans are generally caused by high winds blowing sand. The damage 

occurs over the whole pod. Affected areas appear chafed with dull brown discoloration 

of tissues. The scoring of scars requires careful judgment on the part of the inspector. 

Size, color, roughness and location of the scar on the bean must all be taken into 

consideration. Scars are scored on an appearance basis. The general definitions of 

damage and serious damage are to be applied in the consideration of how scars affect 

the edible or marketing quality of the beans. 

Shape (Q) 

§51.3839 Well formed. ''Well formed'' means that the pods have the 

normal typical shape for the variety. 

§51.3842 Fairly well formed. ''Fairly well formed'' means that the 

pods are not badly crooked, curled, twisted, or otherwise badly 

misshapen for the variety. Excessively tapered pods caused by 

unfavorable pollinating or growing conditions shall not be 

considered as fairly well formed. 

“Badly Misshapen” means that the pods are badly constricted, crooked, curled, 

twisted or otherwise badly malformed. 

U.S. Fancy: Beans are required to be Well Formed. 

U.S. No. 1: Beans are required to be Fairly Well Formed.

U.S. No. 2: No shape requirement. 
13

Similar Varietal Characteristics (Q) 

All three grades require snap beans to be of “similar varietal characteristics.” 

§51.3837 Similar varietal characteristics. “Similar varietal 

characteristics” means that the beans are of the same color and 

general type. For example, wax and green beans, or Snap and Pole 

beans may not be mixed. 

The inspector should not certify varieties. However, if the similarity between 

individual beans in a lot varies significantly, the inspector should describe the shape 

(flat, round, oval), length, color, and general appearance. A sufficiently detailed 

description should be included on the notesheet to justify reporting a lot out of grade 

because of dissimilar varietal characteristics. 

Sunscald (Q) 

The symptoms of beans slightly affected by sunscald are very similar to 

russeting. However, sunscald occurs only in the field and russeting occurs primarily 

after harvest. Sunscald occurs only on one side of the pod, but may be slightly delayed 

in producing symptoms. Russeting, as found in the market may occur anywhere on the 

pod and generally continues to get worse. 

Beans may develop sunscald when exposed to intense sunlight because of loss 

of some of the leaves or plant position, especially when the soil is wet or the humidity is 

high. 

In the field the first indications of sunscald are very tiny brown or reddish spots 

upon the exposed surface of the pod. These gradually lengthen until they become 

streaks, which run across the pod diagonally and may coalesce to form large discolored 

areas. Sometimes a watersoaked condition precedes the death of affected tissue, 

however, lacking a greasy exudate, this condition should not be confused with Bacterial 

Spot or Bacterial Blight. 

Beans shall be scored on an appearance basis as damaged or seriously 

damaged by sunscald keeping in mind the edible and marketing quality. 

Dry Rot (C)

Some diseases of beans occur at times as dry types of rot or decay. These 

diseases may include Blight, Anthracnose, and Soil Rot. Although some of these may 

develop into soft rot, if there is no soft, wet, sloughing off of tissue at the time of 

inspection, they cannot be considered soft rot. When these dry types of rot are found 

they shall be reported as Dry Rot and scored as damage or serious damage. 

When scoring as damage the inspector should virtually score on sight any amount, if 

identifiable as a dry rot. 
14

§ 51.3841 Damage. ...(a)...Pods having spots due to Blight or 

Anthracnose, and similar spots caused by other diseases, shall be 

considered as damaged. 

When scoring dry rot as serious damage the effect on the appearance and edible 

or marketing quality shall be considered. 

Soft Rot (C)

Any amount of soft rot is to be scored against the 1% tolerance for soft rot in all 

grades. All soft rots are characterized by tissue that is soft, wet, and in a stage of decay 

that sloughs off when rubbed slightly. 

 

Beans are sometimes found to have soft rot accumulated in pockets or “nests” in 

containers. It is often difficult to get the accurate weight of the defect in this case 

because of deterioration of the product. In cases of excessive deterioration estimation 

of actual weight may be permitted, keeping the following instructions in mind. 

Since it is not possible to accurately weigh some samples with excessive 

deterioration by soft rot, each inspector must learn to estimate weights by using the 

number of beans required to weigh one ounce for the variety. Then, by counting the 

number of beans affected by the soft rot a fairly accurate estimate of number of ounces 

may be determined. 

Do not report the type of soft rot on the certificate. However, when decay is in 

excess of the tolerance, report the degree and advancement as: early, moderate, or 

advanced. Refer to General Inspection Instructions. 
15

Appendix I – U. S. Grade Standards 

United States Standards for Grades of Snap Beans1

Effective July 5, 1990 

General 

51.3829 General. 

Grades

51.3830 U.S. Fancy. 

51.3831 U.S. No. 1. 

51.3832 (Reserved) 

51.3833 U.S. No. 2. 

51.3834 (Reserved) 

Tolerances

51.3835 Tolerances. 

Application of Tolerances

51.3836 Application of tolerances. 

Definitions

51.3837 Similar varietal characteristics. 

51.3838 Reasonable size. 

51.3839 Well formed. 

51.3840 Firm. 

51.3841 Damage. 

51.3842 Fairly well formed. 

51.3843 Overmature. 

51.3844 Serious damage. 

General 

§51.3829 General.

These standards can be applied to all beans used in their entirety as opposed to shelled beans, and 

includes types such as snap, pole, and wax beans. These standards do not apply to types such as fava, 

Lima, pinto or calico beans. 

Grades 

§51.3830 U.S. Fancy. 

''U.S. Fancy'' consists of beans of similar varietal characteristics which are of reasonable and fairly 

uniform size, well formed, bright, clean, fresh, young and tender, firm, and which are free from soft rot and 

free from damage caused by leaves, leafstems, other foreign matter, hail, disease, insects or mechanical 

or other means. (See §51.3835.) 

§51.3831 U.S. No. 1. 

''U.S. No. 1'' consists of beans of similar varietal characteristics which are of reasonable size, fairly well 

formed, fairly bright, fresh, fairly young and tender, firm, and which are free from soft rot and free from 

damage caused by dirt, leaves, leafstems, other foreign matter, hail, disease, insects or mechanical or 

other means. (See §51.3835.) 

§51.3832 [Reserved] 

§51.3833 U.S. No. 2. 

''U.S. No. 2'' consists of beans of similar varietal characteristics which are fairly fresh, firm, not 

overmature, and which are free from soft rot and free from serious damage caused by dirt, leaves, 

leafstems, other foreign matter, hail, disease, insects or mechanical or other means. (See §51.3835.) 

 

1

 Packing of the product in conformity with the requirements 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. 
16

§51.3834 [Reserved]

Tolerances 

§51.3835 Tolerances. 

In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling in each of the foregoing grades, the 

following tolerances, by weight, are provided as specified: 

(a) U.S. Fancy. Ten percent for beans in any lot which fail to meet the requirements of the grade, 

including not more than 3 percent damage by broken beans. Additionally, within the 10 percent tolerance, 

not more than 5 percent shall be allowed for defects causing serious damage, including therein, not more 

than 1 percent for beans affected by soft rot. 

(b) U.S. No. 1. Thirteen percent for beans in any lot which fail to meet the requirements of the grade, 

including not more than 10 percent damage by grade defects other than damage by broken beans, 

including not more than 5 percent shall be allowed for defects causing serious damage, including therein, 

not more than 1 percent for beans affected by soft rot. 

(c) U.S. No. 2. Fifteen percent for beans in any lot which fail to meet the requirements of the grade, 

including not more than 10 percent serious damage by grade defects other than serious damage by 

broken beans, including therein, not more than 1 percent for beans affected by soft rot. 

Application of Tolerances 

§51.3836 Application of tolerances. 

The contents of individual packages in the lot are subject to the following limitations: 

(a) For tolerances of 10 percent or more, individual packages may contain not more than one and onehalf times the tolerances specified: Provided, That the average for the entire lot is within the tolerance 

specified for the grade. 

(b) For a tolerance of less than 10 percent, individual packages may contain not more than double the 

tolerance specified: Provided, That the average for the entire lot is within the tolerance specified for the 

grade. 

Definitions 

§51.3837 Similar varietal characteristics. 

''Similar varietal characteristics'' means that the beans are of the same color and general type. For 

example, wax and green beans, or Snap and Pole beans may not be mixed. 

§51.3838 Reasonable size. 

''Reasonable size'' means that the pods are not spindly or excessively short for the variety and have not 

been prematurely picked. 

§51.3839 Well formed. 

''Well formed'' means that the pods have the normal typical shape for the variety. 

§51.3840 Firm. 

''Firm'' means that the pods are not wilted or flabby. 

§51.3841 Damage. 

(a) ''Damage'' means any defect, or any combination of defects, which materially detracts from the 

appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the snap bean. Pods having spots due to Blight or 

Anthracnose, and similar spots caused by other diseases, shall be considered as damaged. 

(b) Broken beans shall be considered as damage when: 

(1) There is one break present in the thick portion of the bean or one break at each end in the thin portion 

of the bean; 

(2) Any break that is materially affected by dirt or discoloration; 

(3) Any break that is ragged and materially detracts from the appearance; or 

(4) Unless otherwise specified, the remaining portion of the bean is less than 3-1/2 inches in length (5-1/2 

inches for pole type beans). 

§51.3842 Fairly well formed. 

''Fairly well formed'' means that the pods are not badly crooked, curled, twisted, or otherwise badly 

misshapen for the variety. Excessively tapered pods caused by unfavorable pollinating or growing 

conditions shall not be considered as fairly well formed. 

§51.3843 Overmature. 

''Overmature'' means that the walls of the pods are distinctly woody or fibrous. 

§51.3844 Serious damage. 

(a) ''Serious damage'' means any defect, or any combination of defects, which seriously detracts from the 

appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the snap bean. 
17

(b) Broken beans shall be considered as serious damage when: 

(1) There is a break on each end in the thick portion of the bean; 

(2) Any break is seriously affected by dirt or discoloration; 

(3) Any break is ragged and seriously detracts from the appearance or exposes a seed; or 

(4) Unless otherwise specified, the remaining portion of the bean is less than 3 inches in length (5 inches 

for pole type beans). 
18

Appendix II – Visual Aids 
19
20
21
22
23

Appendix III – Examples 

Shipping Point Certificate 
24

Inspection Notesheet 
25

Inspection Scoresheet 
26

Inspection Certificate