On December 6, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a standard for Frozen Black Bean Burger Patties, effective as of the date of issuance. Key elements:

(1) Meat substitutes therein must be: black beans, cooked brown rice, corn, one or more soy proteins or other vegetable proteins, and vegetable oils; impermissible ingredients: dairy ingredients, egg ingredients, or any other ingredient that would cause the final product to be non-vegetarian; the product shall be packaged in individual packages; and the product shall contain ≤450mg/100g of sodium;

(2) Labeling requirement: In addition to containing the labeling content required by the Food and Drug Administration, the product must have a batch code to facilitate traceability in the event of a product recall.

Learn more: https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/CommoditySpecificationforFrozenBlackBeanBurgerPattiesDecember2024.pdf