General information
There are more than 150 varieties of beans including:
- Light speckled kidney beans
- Red speckled kidney beans
Origin Canada or China North/North East: no need of fumigation. Origin China South or Ethiopia: fumigation needed.
Beans naturally contain Hydrocyanic Acid (HCN). Some varieties have a high content, particularly the "Lima beans". This product can present a hazard to health if absorbed in high quantities. HCN is partially destroyed during cooking. The maximum indicated in the specifications should not be exceeded.
To guarantee the size of the beans, one can refer to the number of pieces per 100 grams, according to the variety; as well as the shape of the bean: round, oval, kidney-shaped.
In case the beans are to be distributed within a short time, moisture levels up to 16% can be accepted. To store beans for an undefined period of time, the maximum allowed moisture level is 14%.
- A low moisture level is sometimes difficult to obtain from the last crop.
- A too high moisture level creates a risk of mould development.
- A too low moisture level will lead to very long cooking time.
Pre-cooked beans are also available, they allow shorter cooking times.
Importation of food is always subject to acceptance from the national authorities, based on their national and ISO specifications; check these before purchasing.
Impact on the local, national, or regional market availability and prices should be carefully looked at before purchasing large quantities.
Specifications
For all aspects of the product, unless described otherwise below, the standard of Codex Alimentarius last edition applies, including the for packaging.
Analysis of microbiological, chemical or radiological contaminants, toxins, heavy metals and pesticide residues (see tables below) must certify the product is “fit for human consumption”. The supplier shall submit related Lab reports / Declarations.
Specifications vary with national regulations. Below, you will find the most commonly used specifications. Please refer to HQ when offered specifications different from the standard specifications. These will need to be approved by a food specialist prior to purchase.
BEANS
|
Moisture |
14% max. See below “Additional country specific specifications” |
|
Other variety |
2% max. |
|
Foreign matter and impurities |
1% max. |
|
Organoleptic |
The product must be clean and of bright appearance.
It should have a natural smell and colour and be free of abnormal flavour and/or taste. It should be free of visual fungal/mould growth |
|
Total defect (discoloured, split, broken, shrivelled, shrunken and rotten) |
7% max. with a 3% max. for each parameter |
|
Weevilled/Holed grain |
1% max. |
|
Weed, fungal/mould growth or yeast (visual inspection) |
Nil |
|
Live insects |
Nil |
|
Dead insects, including parts, stages and waste |
2 max. per kg |
|
Presence of Datura seeds and other toxic grains (Crotolaria spp., Agrostemma githago L., Ricinus communis L.) or traces of tropane alkaloids |
Nil |
|
Microbiology
|
|
|
Heavy metals
|
|
|
Presence of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) |
Nil |
|
Radioactive residues/elements |
Nil |
|
Cooking time, after 24 hour soaking |
45 minutes average (90 minutes max.) |
|
Shelf life |
Minimum 2 years from date of order |
|
Brand |
To be indicated |
|
Origin |
To be indicated |
Additional country-specific specifications
WHITE BEANS (Syria, Yemen, Jordan)
|
Size |
Round Shape, length average 1.5cm, width average 6 mm
or
Kidney, Ethiopian type (please indicate number of beans per 100 g) |
|
Moisture |
12-14% max. |
|
Total defect (discoloured, split, broken, shrivelled, shrunken and rotten) |
7% max., with a 3% max. for each parameter |
|
Decayed, rotten kernels |
3% max. count/count |
WHITE BEANS (Libya)
|
Size |
670-700 grains max. / 100 g |
|
Moisture |
14% max. |
|
Total defect (discoloured, split, broken, shrivelled, shrunken and rotten) |
6% max. |
|
Heavy metals
|
|
|
Pesticide residues
|
|
|
Origin |
To be indicated, but only one accepted |
|
Crop year |
New crop |
Packing
Net weight 50kg per bag.
All bags must be clean, dry, undamaged and firmly sewn.
Recycled bags not allowed, nor recycled plastics for making bags.
Closing with a double stitch at both ends of the bags.
Additional 2% empty spare bags (outer bag only if multiple packaging), with same marking.
Test as per EN276 for PP bags or EN 766 for jute bags: bags should resist without any damage to one drop from 1.2 m high on the base, and 2 drops on each side from 1.6m high.
Different types of packaging are possible (see also EN1086 standard – Sacks for the transport of food aid). Choice of the right packaging depends on several factors, including the condition of transportation and handling.
a) New woven-polypropylene (PP) bag, weighing 120g/bag.
b) New woven-polypropylene (PP) bag, weighing 120g/bag, lined with the same 120g PP bag with the top edges of the bags sewn together.
c) New jute bag, weighing 370g/bag lined with woven-polypropylene bag, weighing 110g/bag, with the top edges of the bags sewn together.
d) New cotton bag, weighing 180g/bag, lined with woven-polypropylene bag, weighing 110g/bag, with the top edges of the bags sewn together.
e) New composite jute/polypropylene bag weighting 335g/bag.
e) New jute bag weighing 600g/bag.
Pallet load
Shrink wrapped pallet, without covering the top of the pallet to let it breathe. Can also be secured with straps, to be re-tensioned regularly as the sacks will pack down during transport.
Shrink-wrap film must be removed at time of storing.
Fumigation
Commodities must have been fumigated maximum 30 days prior to departure date.
Fumigation products must come from licensed manufacturers and the supplier/retailer must be able to provide full certificate of analysis for the batch to be supplied.
Marking
Each bag to be marked with non-toxic ink, to remain readable after a minimum of 10 handlings.
Name of the product must be "BEANS, exact type".
Net weight in kg.
Minimum documentation required for quality assurance from the supplier.
To be established by an official body:
- Certificate of inspection
- Certificate of origin, including crop year
- Health Certificate or Phytosanitary Certificate
- Weight and Quality Certificate
- Non-radioactivity Certificate
- Fumigation Certificate (when required)
- Certificate stating absence of GMOs
Other documentation needs to be provided according to the purchase agreement.
Latest update: 14/05/2020