Broad beans (Vicia faba major) and horse beans (Vicia faba equina and minor) are distinct from the common bean varieties in both botany and end-use: broad beans serve specialty food markets — including Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and East Asian cuisines — while horse beans are widely used in animal feed formulations. This dual food/feed character means importers must clearly establish the intended use at entry, as food-grade shipments face FDA admissibility review while feed-grade material may fall under different regulatory pathways. Mycotoxin contamination and vicine/convicine content (relevant for consumers with G6PD deficiency) are quality parameters that food-grade buyers commonly specify.

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