Canned baked beans is the product prepared from dry mature beans used for canning; but not including soybeans. Any safe and suitable ingredients permissible under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act may be used. The product is prepared by washing, soaking, and baking beans and sauce through the application of heat in a closed or open container for a period of time sufficient to provide texture, flavor, color, and consistency attributes that are typical for this product. It is packed in hermetically sealed containers and sufficiently processed by heat to assure preservation.
- U.S. Grade A is the quality of canned baked beans that has the following attributes:
- Practically similar varietal characteristics;
- Scores at least 17 points for consistency;
- Practically free from defects;
- Scores at least 17 points for character;
- Scores at least 17 points for flavor;
- Scores at least 13 points for color; and
- Totals not less than 90 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
- U.S. Grade B is the quality of canned baked beans that has at least the following attributes:
- Reasonably similar varietal characteristics;
- Reasonably good consistency;
- Reasonably free from defects;
- Reasonably good character;
- Reasonably good flavor;
- Reasonably good color; and
- Totals not less than 80 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
- Substandard is the quality of canned baked beans that fails to meet the requirements of U. S. Grade B
Inspection Aid
- Headspace Gauge
See How to Purchase Inspection Aids for more details.
Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:
- US Grade Standards for Canned Baked Beans (pdf)
- A-516 Instructions for Scoring Headspace Discoloration (pdf)
- Certification Manual
- Condition of Container Manual
- FDA Food Defect Action Levels
- Foreign Material Manual
- General Procedures Manual
- Safety Manual
- Sampling Manual
- Sanitation Manual
- SC 364-7-3 Score Sheet for Baked Beans
- Technical Procedures Manual