ISO Standards Assure Safe, Quality Super Bowl Snacks

Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest food consumption day in the United States, behind only Thanksgiving. One in seven (i.e., 48 million) Americans will order take out, and 60 percent of those are for pizza. Another report found that one nation, under delivery during the Super Bowl, Americans can be expected to consume 12.5 million pizzas, hundreds of millions of pounds of avocados (primarily in the form of guacamole), and roughly 325 million gallons of beer. Hence, besides being a big watch party to cheer on your favorite football team with family and friends, the Super Bowl is also a time to enjoy your favorite comfort foods, snacks, and drinks.

The Role of ISO Standards in Assuring Super Bowl Snack Safety and Quality

Each year, the Super Bowl is not only a thrilling sports event but also a massive food fest, with fans devouring staggering amounts of snacks:

• 19.4 million pounds of chips are purchased
• 139.4 million pounds of avocados are purchased to make guacamole or add to meals for the big game
• 325.5 million gallons of beer are consumed
• 3.8 million pounds of popcorn and 2.5 million pounds of nuts are eaten during the game

As you indulge in your favorite Super Bowl snacks, it is important to remember that behind every bag of chips, plate of wings, and bowl of dip is a rigorous process that assures safety, sustainability, and quality. ISO standards, such as ISO 22000:2018, ISO 22005:2007, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 9001:2015, are vital in creating a safe and enjoyable snacking experience.

Here is how ISO standards play a crucial role in delivering the snacks we enjoy during the big game.

ISO 22000:2018—Food Safety Management Systems

When it comes to food, safety is the number one priority. ISO 22000:2018, an international standard for food safety management systems, assures that food products are safe for consumption from farm to fork. This standard addresses the entire food supply chain, from raw materials to final product delivery.

During Super Bowl season, food manufacturers of popular snacks like potato chips, dips, and packaged wings must meet stringent requirements to assure the safety of the foods reaching consumers. This includes implementing a robust Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan, which helps identify and manage food safety risks at every stage of the production process. By minimizing contamination risks, from bacteria like Salmonella to allergens like peanuts, manufacturers guarantee that consumers can enjoy their snacks with peace of mind.

ISO 22005:2007— Traceability in the Feed and Food Chain

Traceability is a critical component in assuring food safety and quality. ISO 22005:2007 gives the principles and specifies the basic requirements for the design and implementation of a feed and food traceability system, helping companies track ingredients and finished products throughout the supply chain. This is particularly important for Super Bowl snacks that often contain a wide variety of ingredients sourced from multiple suppliers.

For example, if a batch of salsa or guacamole is found to have a contamination issue, food traceability standards assure that manufacturers can pinpoint exactly where the problem originated— whether it is the tomatoes, peppers, avocado, lime, or another ingredient. This allows for rapid recalls if necessary, assuring that consumers are not exposed to any health risks.

Traceability also helps food companies comply with regulations, providing transparency and accountability in the food production process. For consumers, food traceability means peace of mind knowing that their food has been carefully monitored from the farm to their table.

ISO 14001:2015— Environmental Management Systems

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the products they buy. From plastic packaging to carbon emissions, the food industry plays a significant role in shaping the environment. ISO 14001:2015 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an organization can use to enhance its environmental performance.

ISO 14001:2015 can help food/snack manufacturers mitigate their environmental footprint while maintaining product quality. For example, a snack company committed to ISO 14001:2015 may implement energy-saving measures in their production facilities, reduce waste through recycling programs, or source ingredients from sustainable suppliers. For Super Bowl snacks, this could mean minimizing the use of single-use plastic packaging by opting for recyclable or biodegradable alternatives.

ISO 9001:2015—Quality Management Systems

ISO 9001:2015 specifies requirements for a quality management system, helping organizations deliver consistent products and services, improve efficiency, and meet customer and regulatory expectations. In snack food manufacturing, this means having clear processes for ingredient selection, manufacturing, packaging, and distribution. For example, a manufacturer of frozen pizza might use ISO 9001:2015 to assure that each pizza is made with the right amount of cheese, sauce, and toppings, so every bite is satisfying.

ISO 9001:2015 also requires companies to regularly audit their operations, identify areas for improvement, and take corrective actions. This attention to detail guarantees that your favorite Super Bowl snacks not only taste great but are consistently safe and reliable.

Enjoy Your Super Bowl Snacks with Confidence: ISO Standards at Work

Whether you are enjoying the Super Bowl with friends, dining at a nearby bar, or ordering food from your favorite restaurant, you can feel confident knowing that ISO standards are helping assure that your Super Bowl snacks are as safe, high-quality, and sustainable as possible.

You can find these standards on the ANSI Webstore.