July 2025

Behind the Standards:

How BEAG & ASB Are Shaping Safer Bakeries

For decades, the baking industry relied on BISSC (Bakery Industry Sanitation Standards Committee) to lead the charge in developing and maintaining sanitation standards for bakery equipment. Originally formed in 1949 by the industry itself, BISSC set the foundation for cleaner, safer bakery operations nationwide. 

Today, that mission continues under a new name: the Bakery Equipment Assessment Group (BEAG). This evolution from BISSC to BEAG reflects a sharper focus on equipment evaluation and certification aligned with modern food safety expectations. 

What is BEAG?

BEAG is an organization committed to improving food safety by assessing and certifying bakery equipment for compliance with stringent hygienic design standards. Their work supports cleaner production environments, protects consumers, and builds trust across the baking supply chain.

BEAG & ASB: Working Together 

While ASB continues to maintain the ANSI standard for bakery equipment design, BEAG now serves as the certifying body. This separation of roles provides clarity and allows each organization to focus on its strengths—ASB on standards development and education, and BEAG on impartial assessment and certification. 

The ANSI Z50.1 standard was recently reviewed and updated to keep pace with evolving technology and safety practices. Updates include expanded guidance on equipment guarding, ladders, and fall protection; a new section on industrial robots and robot systems; enhanced sections for process tanks, mixers, frying equipment, and spiral freezers; and updated references to OSHA, ANSI, NFPA, and ISO standards. These updates ensure the standard remains relevant, practical, and aligned with current operational and safety needs in commercial baking. 

Supporting Education in Sanitation & Design 
To further support the industry, BEAG launched the Certified Internal Equipment Evaluator Online Training Course in September 2024. This self-paced, affordable course is designed for OEMs and bakery professionals who want to deepen their understanding of hygienic design and learn how to evaluate equipment for compliance. Sanitary design is critical—not just for compliance, but for brand trust, operational excellence, and food safety. 

The transition from BISSC to BEAG marks a fresh chapter,

but the goal remains the same: a safer, cleaner baking industry for everyone. 

To keep you informed on important legislative and regulatory issues impacting our industry, ASB is partnered with the American Bakers Association to bring you timely updates.

National Emphasis Program on Amputations in Manufacturing 

In OSHA’s newly released National Emphasis Program on Amputations in Manufacturing Industries, commercial bakeries have recently been identified as a high-incidence industry. The program outlines increased inspections of manufacturing facilities, particularly those using machinery that poses a risk of amputation, to ensure compliance with safety protocols. This includes verifying proper machine guarding and safe servicing and maintenance practices, including lockout/tagout procedures. Our industries’ NAICS codes 311812 (Commercial Bakeries) and 311813 (Frozen Cakes, Pies, and Other Pastries) are explicitly listed. 

New Member Scholarship

1 Year of ASB + BakingTECH Access

The ASB New Member Scholarship was created to open doors for commercial baking professionals who face financial or access barriers to joining ASB or attending BakingTECH. Each scholarship includes a free one-year ASB membership and complimentary registration to BakingTECH—our industry’s must-attend event, packed with education, networking, and innovation.

If you or someone you know is ready to grow in the baking industry but needs support to get there, we encourage you to apply or pass it along. BakingTECH is going to be incredible this year. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of it! 

Built through the generosity of our members,

this fund is 100% community-supported.

Bakers Fly-In & Policy Summit

November 3-4 | Washington, DC 

ASB is proud to join forces with the American Bakers Association and the Retail Bakers of America for an upcoming policy summit and fly-in that will unite the entire baking industry—from wholesale and retail bakers to suppliers—on Capitol Hill.

Together, we’ll bring a unified voice to lawmakers in Washington, DC, to advocate for the issues that matter most to our members. Whether you’re a baker or a supplier, your presence is essential. Many of the challenges we face impact the entire supply chain, and by showing up together, we can drive meaningful change for the future of baking. 

August 19th

BakingTECH Registration Opens

Mark your calendars! Registration for BakingTECH 2026 opens August 19th. Save your spot and take advantage of early bird rates for this year's conference. We're bringing together industry leaders, cutting-edge innovations, and unmatched networking opportunities.

August 27th

Webinar: Certified for Clean 

Join ASB and the Bakery Equipment Assessment Group (BEAG) for a deep dive into hygienic equipment design and certification. This session explores why sanitary design is critical—not just for compliance, but for brand trust, operational excellence, and food safety.  

September 14–17th 

ASB at IBIE

Heading to IBIE? Let's connect! Visit our Recharge Lounge just outside North Hall N2—take a break, recharge your devices, join a discussion, or refresh your headshot. And don’t miss our two IBIEducate sessions:  Elevating Food Safety Through Hygienic Equipment Design, and The Power of Mentoring Programs for the Baking Industry. Learn more, and grab 20% off registration on our IBIE page! 

October 13–16th 

Commercial Bread

Production Course 

Many bakers were never taught how ingredients actually work in industrial-scale bread. Check out our new course where you'll learn to identify production errors and understand the science behind each one. Join the first cohort of ASB’s groundbreaking new hybrid course, with online modules and an in-person workshop that brings bread science to life.   

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Teresa Ruder

VP of Business Development & Marketing

LeMatic, Inc.

This month’s member spotlight shines on Teresa Ruder, a seasoned sales and marketing professional whose global perspective and strategic approach have made her a respected leader in the baking industry. 
 
With more than 25 years of experience, Teresa began her career at Burford Corporation in 1999, where she quickly became a key contributor in sales and marketing before advancing into leadership roles. Following Burford’s acquisition by Middleby Bakery Group in 2017, she continued her work as marketing manager, supporting brand strategy across a diverse portfolio of baking equipment brands. 
 
Today, Teresa serves as VP of Business Development & Marketing at LeMatic, Inc., where she leads efforts to grow the company’s international footprint. She oversees the sourcing and training of partner-agents to support key global markets and plays a vital role in strengthening relationships with both domestic and international customers. 
 
An engaged and dedicated industry volunteer, Teresa has contributed her time and leadership to the ASB in many ways—serving as a board member, officer, chair of the Sponsorship Committee, and as part of the BakingTECH 2023 planning committee. She currently serves on the Bakery Equipment Assessment Group’s (BEAG) board as well as several other industry groups. A host extraordinaire of the Burford Suite during numerous BakingTECHs, Teresa is known not only for her warm hospitality but also for her competitive spirit.  When it comes to the Left-Right-Center dice game proudly played every year at BakingTECH, she puts the L-R-C in “Legendary-Ruthless-Champion.” 
 
Teresa brings a powerful combination of experience, insight, and heart to everything she does. Her passion for connecting people, growing markets, and advancing the baking industry continues to inspire those around her. 
 
Here’s to you, Teresa! We’re grateful for your leadership, global vision, and commitment to the baking community. 

American Society of Baking | 1415 Shelby Street, Suite A | Indianapolis, IN 46203 US

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