BISSC to BEAG

BISSC → BEAG Transition

The baking industry is moving from historic BISSC references to BEAG certification aligned with the ANSI/ASB Z50 standard. This page explains what is changing, why it matters, and what steps bakers and OEMs should take.

Overview

For many years, the Baking Industry Sanitation Standards Committee (BISSC) served as a reference point for hygienic design in bakery equipment. The industry now has a modern pathway that verifies outcomes against current expectations. The Bakery Equipment Assessment Group (BEAG) certification is an independent, criteria-based evaluation mapped to ANSI/ASB Z50, giving buyers a clear signal of design rigor, cleanability, and risk reduction.

History and Transition

BISSC practices began in the 1940s as common reference points for sanitary design. Around 2014, the industry began transitioning toward BEAG to align with ANSI/ASB Z50 and evidence-based assessments. Today, BEAG provides a verifiable certification framework mapped to Z50 criteria.

Origins

1940s

BISSC practices emerge

Shared reference points guide sanitary design and cleaning considerations for equipment.

Transition begins

~2014

Shift toward BEAG

Movement toward an assessment-based approach aligned to ANSI/ASB Z50 with verifiable outcomes and documented evidence.

Current state

Today

BEAG certification in practice

Procurement and contract language reference BEAG and Z50

What is next

Ongoing alignment

Education, assessments, and specification updates. See News and Events for current activities.

Why the change

Align with current ANSI/ASB Z50 criteria and industry expectations.
Move from intent to verified performance with documented evidence.

What is changing

Basis: legacy references → Z50-mapped assessment criteria.
Evidence: statements → documented findings, photos, and traceable records.
Clarity: ambiguity → clear scope, checklist alignment, and timelines.

What this means for you

For Bakers

Reference BEAG certification in specifications and contracts.
Use Z50-aligned criteria in internal audits and vendor reviews.

For OEMs

Review Z50 criteria and prepare design evidence.
Schedule an assessment and address any corrective actions.
Publish certification details and maintain certificate currency.

Frequently asked questions

Will existing BISSC references still be accepted?

No. BEAG certifies equipment that conforms to the established standards.

What changes for my quality and procurement teams?

Use Z50-aligned criteria in specifications and require BEAG certification where applicable.

Next steps

Read the Z50 overview to understand criteria mapping.
OEMs: review requirements and checklists.
Bakers: update procurement language to reference BEAG certification.

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