In a couple states where they're often a staple, concern over a chemical used to grow them calls for a close look at the packaging.
Beans Have Been Recalled in 4 States
Published on Mar. 11, 2025
No matter which diet you follow, beans are nearly universally one of the healthiest foods you can eat. With fiber that helps level blood sugar and fill your belly with prebiotics, and high protein content to build strength, rev metabolism and even boost your immunity, a lot of experts would argue that you’re basically getting a protein and a veggie at the same time.
And if food TV taught us just one way to get the tin taste off canned beans by rinsing them before adding them to a dish, there’s also been a traditional way of preparing beans—buying them dry—that many home cooks have followed. (At times this can also be a more cost-effective way of buying this shelf-staple item.)
But a recent announcement concerning dry beans sold at a grocery retailer suggests some consumers may have been unknowingly been exposed to unacceptable levels of pesticides.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a recall for 504 cases of dried black beans was originally initiated on February 11. (From the announcement, it is not clear how many bags of black beans were included in each case.) The beans were distributed by WinCo Foods, LLC, which is a regional grocery chain with locations stretching across the western U.S., ranging from Arizona to Washington and Montana, as well as several locations in Texas and Oklahoma. However, the FDA reports the recalled beans were distributed in four states: Arizona, California, Idaho, and Oregon.
The reason for the recall is listed as “Elevated levels of MBC (carbendazim) thiophanate-methyl.” Carbendazim (MBC) and thiophanate-methyl (TM) are both listed as pesticides with “wide-ranging fungal and antimicrobial properties” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
On January 8 of this year, the EPA announced new decisions on these same two pesticides, calling for “necessary mitigations to protect both human health and the environment.” Researchers have found evidence that both can lead to cancer—explaining thiophanate-methyl, in particular, has been linked with liver tumors.
Product details include:
- Black Beans, Dried
- Packaged in a plastic bag
- Net weight: 16 oz. (1 lb.)
- UPC 0 70552 70412 1
- Best If Used By date: October 7, 2025
- Distributed by: WinCo Foods, LLC, BOISE, ID 83704
It is not immediately clear from the FDA’s report which specific brand name is listed on the black beans’ packaging, but the Trinidad Benham Corp in Denver, CO, is listed as the recalling firm. The Trinidad Benham Corporation’s website says they are “the leading independent U.S. packager of dry edible beans with processing and packaging facilities across the country.” Product images on their website show Trinidad Benham brand logos on the packaging, though it’s possible the recalled beans could be labeled differently.
So even if your beans aren’t canned, a rinse could be wise. Sources, such as one 2013 scientific report, have suggested that a soak in water with some baking soda can help remove traces of pesticides from dry beans, as well as rice.
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