(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 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.

(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 the 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);

(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 beans 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 mushi

ness.

(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 objec

tionable
odors of any kind; and

flavors and objectionable

(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.

§ 2852.417 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).

(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 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 pack. Canned dried beans that have a reasonably good color may be given a score of 16 or 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).

§ 2852.419 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 a 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.

(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 and 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).

§ 2852.420 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 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

Subpart-United States Standards for Grades of Canned Green Beans and Canned Wax Beans

SOURCE: 26 FR 5555, June 22, 1961, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977.

IDENTITY, STYLES, AND GRADES

§ 2852.441 Identity.

(a) "Canned green beans" means canned green beans as defined in the definitions and standard of identity for canned green beans (21 CFR 155.120(a)), issued pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

(b) "Canned wax beans" means canned wax beans as defined in the definitions and standard of identity for canned wax beans (21 CFR 155.120(a)), issued pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

(c) "Canned beans" or "beans" as hereinafter referred to in this subpart means canned green beans or canned wax beans.

(d) "Unit" means an individual green bean or wax bean, or portion of either in canned beans.

§ 2852.442 Styles of canned beans.

(a) "Whole" means canned beans that consist of whole pods, including pods which after removal of either or both ends are less than 23⁄4 inches in length or transversely cut pods not less than 24 inches in length and, except for "vertical pack" or asparagus style, are not arranged in any definite position in the container.

(b) “Whole vertical pack” means canned beans that are "whole" and are packed parallel to the sides of the container.

(c) "Whole asparagus style" means canned beans that are "whole" and consist of pods that are cut at both ends are of substantially equal lengths, and are packed parallel to the sides of the container.

(d) "Sliced lengthwise" or "French style" means canned beans consisting of pods that are sliced lengthwise.

(e) "Cut" or "cuts" means canned beans consisting of pods that are cut transversely into pieces less than 24 inches, but not less than 3⁄4 inch, in

length, and may contain shorter end pieces which result from cutting.

(f) "Short cut" or "short cuts" means canned beans consisting of pieces of pods of which not less than 75 percent are less than 4 inch in length and not more than 1 percent are more than 14 inches in length.

(g) "Mixed" or "mixture" means a mixture of two or more of the following styles of canned beans: "whole"; "sliced lengthwise"; "cuts"; or "short cuts".

§ 2852.443 Grades of canned beans.

(a) "U.S. Grade A" (or "U.S. Fancy") is the quality of canned green beans of canned wax beans that possess similar varietal characteristics; possess a normal flavor and odor; are practically free from defects for reasons other than damaged by mechanical injury; possess a good character; and are of such quality with respect to clearness of liquor, uniformity of color, and absence of defects as to score not less than 90 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

(b) "U.S. Grade B" (or "U.S. Extra Standard") is the quality of canned green beans or canned wax beans that possess similar varietal characteristics; possess a normal flavor and odor; possess a reasonably uniform typical color, are reasonably free from defects; possess a reasonably good character; and are of such quality with respect to clearness of liquor as to score not less than 80 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

(c) "U.S. Grade C" (or "U.S. Standard") is the quality of canned green beans or canned wax beans that possess similar varietal characteristics; possess a normal flavor and odor; possess a fairly good liquor; possess a fairly uniform typical color; are fairly free from defects; possess a fairly good character; and score not less than 70 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

(d) "Substandard" is the quality of canned beans that fail to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade C and may or may not be "Below Standard in

inch (0.0937-inch ±3%, square openings) so as to distribute the product evenly, inclining the sieve slightly to facilitate drainage, and allowing to drain for 2 minutes. A sieve 8 inches in diameter is used for No. 21⁄2 size cans (401 x 411) and smaller sizes, and a sieve 12 inches in diameter is used for containers larger than the No. 21⁄2 size

can.

§ 2852.446 Compliance with recommended drained weights.

Compliance with the recommended drained weights for canned beans in Table I is determined by averaging the drained weights from all the containers in the sample which is representative of a specific lot and such lot is considered as meeting the recommendations if the following criteria are met:

(a) The average of the drained weights from all of the containers in the sample meets the recommended minimum drained weight for the applicable style;

(b) The drained weights from the containers which do not meet the recommended minimum drained weight are within the range of variability of good commercial practice.