Flat Bean
Also known as: romano bean, helda bean, flat green beans, flat beans, runner bean
Flat beans are a whole vegetable supplying fiber, folate, vitamin C, vitamin K, and modest plant protein. Like all common beans, they should be cooked sufficiently to inactivate phytohaemagglutinin lectins; raw or undercooked beans can cause GI upset.
What it is
Flat green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, e.g., Romano or 'helda' varieties); whole vegetable.
Whole vegetable, eaten cooked.
Why it's flagged
- Raw/undercooked beans contain lectins (GI upset)
What regulators actually say
"Phytohaemagglutinin ... has been identified as the toxic agent responsible for outbreaks ... associated with consumption of raw or undercooked common beans."
"Beans, snap, green, raw — nutrient composition reported."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Whole produce regulated under FDA Produce Safety Rule (21 CFR Part 112).
European Union — EFSA
Conventional vegetable; not a regulated additive.
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