Canned Lima Beans Grades and Standards

Grades of Canned Lima Beans

1. U.S. Grade A is the quality of canned lima beans that possess similar varietal characteristics; that possess a normal flavor and odor; that possess a good color; that are practically free from defects; that possess a practically clear liquor; that possess a good character; and that for those factors which are scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart the total score is not less than 90 points: Provided, that the canned lima beans may possess a reasonably good character and a fairly clear liquor if the total score is not less than 90 points.

2. U.S. Grade B is the quality of canned lima beans that possess similar varietal characteristics; that possess a normal flavor and odor; that possess a reasonably good color; that are reasonably free from defects; that possess a reasonably clear liquor; that possess a reasonably good character; and that for those factors which are scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart the total score is not less than 80 points: Provided, that the canned lima beans may possess a fairly clear liquor if the total score is not less than 80 points..

3. U.S. Grade C is the quality of canned lima beans that possess similar varietal characteristics; that possess a normal flavor and odor; that possess a fairly good color; that are fairly free from defects; that possess a fairly clear liquor; that possess a fairly good character; and that score not less than 70 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

4. Substandard is the quality of canned lima beans that fail to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade C.

Inspection Aid

• Headspace Guide
• Color Standards for Canned Lima Beans.
• Inspection Aid No. 25 Guide for Scoring Color (pdf)
• Inspection Aid No. 26 Canned Lima Bean Scoring Guide for Clearness of liquor, Defects, and Character (pdf)
• Universal Sizer IA#106

See How to Purchase Inspection Aids for more details.

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:

• AOAC Official Method 945.81 Weevils in Beans and Peas
• U.S. Grade Standards for Canned Lima Beans (pdf)
• 21 CFR § 155.200 - Certain other Canned Vegetables (pdf)
• Certification Manual
• Condition of Container Manual
• FDA Food Defect Action Levels
• FDA MPM:V-11 G. Method for Peas and Beans (Canned, Frozen, and Dried) (V-104)
• Foreign Material Manual
• General Procedures Manual 
• Safety Manual
• Sampling Manual
• Sanitation Manual
• SC 364-9 Score Sheet for Canned Lima Beans
• Technical Procedures Manual
• U.S. Standards for Determination of Fill Weights 
• U.S. Standards for Inspection by Variables