Green beans for fresh consumption 1. Objective and scope of application. This technical regulation aims to define the quality, safety, packaging, and labeling characteristics of domestic and imported green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L) in fresh state, intended for human consumption in the country.
2. References.
2.1 Costa Rica. Executive Decree No. 22268-MEIC, Technical Regulation NCR 143:1993. Metrology. Net Content of Prepackaged Goods and its amendments, published in La Gaceta No. 132 of 13 July 1993.
2.2 Costa Rica. Executive Decree No. 24907-MEIC, NCR230:1995. Fresh Horticultural Products. Sampling, published in La Gaceta No. 25 of 5 February 1996.
2.3 Costa Rica. Executive Decree No. 26012-MEIC, RTCR100:1997. Labeling of Prepackaged Foods and its amendments, published in La Gaceta No. 91 of 14 May 1997.
3. Definitions 3.1 Pod caliber: Measurement taken along the dorsal curvature of the green bean from the proximal end to the distal end (where the peduncle or stalk attaches to the tip of the green bean).
3.2 Curvature: Deviation of the green bean tip by approximately 4 cm from the central axis; half-moon type deviations are classified as curvature.
3.3 Fungus damage: Lesion manifested as a spot of varying shades from brown to black, in which fungal mycelia may or may not be present.
3.4 Insect damage: Generally circular perforations, which can serve as entry points for pathogenic microorganisms. Other insect damage appears as irregular tissue destruction.
3.5 Mechanical damage: Tissue destruction caused by inadequate handling of the pod during harvest and postharvest, presenting as cuts, scrapes, bruises, and detachment of a portion of the pod.
3.6 Deformation: Deviations from the characteristic or typical shape of the pod; these may include indentations, bulging, appendages at the distal end, and any other abnormal form of the pod.
3.7 Loss of Firmness (dehydration): The result of water loss, recognized by a lack of turgidity.
3.8 Presence of fiber: A filament that runs longitudinally through the pod and is found on the dorsal side; it is an undesirable characteristic for the consumer, generally associated with over-ripening of the product.
3.9 Rot: Tissue destruction produced by microorganisms, generally bacteria, manifested as soft tissue, which may or may not present an unpleasant odor and the release of liquids.
3.10 Without peduncle: When, during harvest or handling of the pod, the peduncle detaches completely, leaving the tissue exposed to the entry of pathogens.
3.11 Green bean: For the purposes of this regulation, green bean is understood as the intermediate state of development of the legume Phaseolus vulgaris L.
3.12 Overripe pod: A pod with hard tissue, resistant to cutting, which may show widening due to the presence of the grain and fiber.
4. Provisions relating to quality 4.1 Requirements. In all quality grades, without prejudice to the special provisions for each and the permitted tolerances, green beans must be:
4.1.1 Of fresh appearance, whole, sound, and safe 4.1.2 Clean, free from foreign odor and taste.
4.2 Classification. The green bean is classified into two quality grades as defined below:
4.2.1 Quality Grade 1. In addition to the above requirements, green beans in this category must not exceed the percentages of defects permitted for this grade according to Table 1. They must also comply with the specifications of sections 5, 6, and 7 of this regulation.
4.2.2 Quality Grade 2. In addition to the above requirements, green beans in this category must not exceed the percentages of defects permitted for this grade according to Table 1. They must also comply with the specifications of sections 5, 6, and 7 of this regulation.
5. Provisions on tolerances 5.1 Quality tolerances. The tolerances regarding quality are established for each package, lot, or shipment of non-prepackaged or prepackaged product, in accordance with the provisions of this regulation.
Table 1. Maximum limits of permitted defects
| QUALITY GRADES Maximum % in number | ||
|---|---|---|
| Defects | 1st | 2nd |
| Fungus damage | 1 | 2 |
| Insect damage | 1 | 2 |
| Mechanical damage | 3 | 10 |
| Loss of firmness (dehydration) | 1 | 2 |
| Presence of fiber | 1 | 2 |
| Rot | 1 | 2 |
| Without peduncle | 3 | 8 |
| Overripe pod | 1 | 2 |
| Maximum % of accumulated defects permitted 1 | 7 | 14 |
______________ The maximum percentage of accumulated defects permitted does not correspond to the arithmetic sum of the totality of defects; it refers to a statistical and technical criterion.
5.2 Net content tolerances. For any type of packaging, a variation of 2.5% in net content shall be permitted.
5.3 Sample taking or sampling. Refer to the provisions of Executive Decree No. 24907-MEIC NCR230:1995. Fresh Horticultural Products. Sampling, published in La Gaceta No. 25 of 5 February 1996.
6. Provisions relating to contaminants 6.1 Pesticide residues. The pesticide residues permitted for this product shall not exceed the maximum limits established in Executive Decree No. 27630 MAG-MEIC-S RTCR 229:1996. Maximum Limits for Pesticide Residues in Vegetables (published in La Gaceta No. 33 of 17 February 1999) and its amendments. In the absence thereof, the limits shall be those established by the list of these compounds and their limits approved by the Codex Alimentarius on Pesticide Residues in relation to the product subject to this Regulation.
6.2 Other contaminants. The contaminating agents permitted in this product shall not exceed the maximum limits established by the country's current legislation. In the absence thereof, they shall be determined by the list of these compounds and their limits recommended by the competent Codex Alimentarius Committees.
7. Provisions relating to hygiene. The provisions established in the Recommended International Code of Practice – General Principles of Food Hygiene (CAC/RCP 1-1969 Rev. 3, 1997) apply.
When analyzed using appropriate sampling and examination methods, the product must not present pathogenic microorganisms, parasites, or substances in quantities that may affect the characteristic properties of the product or that may pose a danger to human health.
8. Packaging (Acondicionamiento) 8.1 Green beans must be packaged in such a way that they are protected from contamination and external conditions that affect their quality and safety.
8.2 The content of each container, package, or presentation form must be uniform, containing green beans of the same quality and size, and be completely clean of residues, dirt, and contaminants.
9. Provisions relating to marking or labeling 9.1 Green beans marketed in prepackaged form must comply with the provisions established by legislation for the labeling of prepackaged foods. They must also declare:
Quality grade (first or second) 9.2 Green beans not marketed in prepackaged form must comply with the following information:
Quality grade (first or second) Such information must remain in a visible place alongside the product in such a way that it does not mislead or deceive the consumer.
10. Verification 10.1 The Ministry of Economy, Industry and Trade shall enforce the provisions of section 5 on Provisions on Tolerances, and section 9 on Provisions Relating to Marking or Labeling.
10.2 The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock shall enforce the provisions of section 6 on Provisions Relating to Contaminants.
10.3 The Ministry of Health shall enforce the provisions of section 7 on Provisions Relating to Hygiene.
11. Bibliography 11.1 National Production Council. Characterization study of green beans, Winter harvest 2005, to prepare the Technical Regulation. 13 p.
11.2 National Production Council, Characterization study of green beans, summer harvest 2005, to prepare the Technical Regulation for Green Beans. 13 p.
11.3 Mexico. 1982. NMX-FF-019-1982 Non-Industrialized Food Products for Human Use - Legume - Green Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Specifications. Secretariat of Commerce and Industrial Development, Mexico DF. 8 p.
11.4 Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. 1986.
Quality standards for vegetables and fruits destined for the domestic market. Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Publications, Madrid, Spain. p 105-109.
11.5 United States, Standard for grades of lima beans, effective January 5, 1938. (Reprinted January 1997) 4 p.