General information
There are more than 150 varieties of beans including:
Red kidney beans
Red kidney beans, small
Light speckled kidney beans
Red speckled kidney beans
White small beans
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
Salmonell Total Aflatoxins Ochratoxin
Absent in 25g sample 4 ppb max. 5 ppb max.
Heavy metals
:
Lead
Cadmium
0.1 ppm max. 0.1 ppm max.
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
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
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.
