As reports indicate that an Arctic outbreak with snowstorms are set to hit the eastern half of the nation this month, standards can help keep us warm and snug - whether lounging indoors or on a brisk winter walk.
The first step to beating bone-chilling weather is indulging in a warm drink. A steaming cup of hot chocolate is a comfort for people of any age, and standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) assure that the chocolate is made with the right ingredients:
- ISO 11053:2009, Vegetable fats and oils - Determination of cocoa butter equivalents in milk chocolate
- ISO 23275-1:2006, Animal and vegetable fats and oils - Cocoa butter equivalents in cocoa butter and plain chocolate - Part 1: Determination of the presence of cocoa butter equivalents
- ISO 23275-2:2006, Animal and vegetable fats and oils - Cocoa butter equivalents in cocoa butter and plain chocolate - Part 2: Quantification of cocoa butter equivalents
These standards were developed by ISO Technical Committee (TC) 34, Food products, subcommittee (SC) 11, Animal and vegetable fats and oils. The American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS), a member and accredited standards developer of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), is the ANSI-accredited U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) administrator to this SC.
For adults who want to warm up with something a little stronger than hot chocolate, an American National Standard (ANS) guides alcoholic beverages such as mulled wine or hot toddies that bring that additional warmth with them. ASTM E1879-17, Standard Guide For Sensory Evaluation of Beverages Containing Alcohol, provides guidelines specific to the sensory and consumer evaluation of alcoholic beverages, addressing safety, legal, panel selection, sample preparation, test procedures, and code of conduct. It was developed by ASTM International, an ANSI member and audited designator.
Drink in hand, you're ready to cozy up on the couch. An electric blanket on your lap will keep away the chill, while standards assure that the blanket is safe. UL 964 Ed.12-2011, Standard For Electrically Heated Bedding, was developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an ANSI member and audited designator.
A warm drink and a soft blanket may be the answer for some, but others still want to enjoy the great outdoors in spite of the frigid weather. An outdoor hot tub is the perfect way to breathe in the fresh air while keeping your body at a comfortably toasty temperature. IAPMO/ANSI USP 1-2015, 2015 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa And Hot Tub Code, provides guidelines for the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, addition to, use, and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, or hot tub systems. It was developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), an ANSI member and audited designator.
As the temperatures continue to drop this winter, standards are here to keep you safe, comfortable, and warm!