Voluntary Standards Cover the Spectrum: from Tunnel Lighting to Bulk Milk Dispensers

In an effort to communicate the vital role that standards play in daily life, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) will publish, on an ongoing basis, a series of snapshots of the diverse standards initiatives undertaken in the global and national standards arena, many of which are performed by ANSI members and ANSI-accredited standards developers. Two of the latest selections follow:

Bulk Milk Dispensers
Thanks to a recently released standard from ASTM International, there's no need to cry over spilled milk. ASTM F2891-10, Standard Specification for Commercial Bulk Milk Dispensers, Mechanically Refrigerated, sets down requirements for commercial bulk milk dispensers used in cafeterias, restaurants, coffee shops, buffet lines, quickie marts, and other locations where milk is served.

The standard covers bulk milk dispensers used in both commercial and institutional food service establishments, and classifies dispensers by type, electrical class, and size. ASTM F2891-10 encompasses design and manufacturing, cooling systems, controls, and accessories, as well as the sampling, testing, and performance of finished units.

ASTM International, an ANSI organizational member and audited designator, seeks to develop voluntary consensus standards to improve product quality, enhance safety, facilitate market access and trade, and build consumer confidence.