The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) encourages relevant stakeholder to register for two workshops to develop an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) International Workshop Agreement (IWA) on guidelines for cloud kitchen service, which is increasing in popularity as more restaurant customers dine at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual workshop meeting dates are April 12-15, 2021, and June 21-23, 2021.
Background on Cloud Kitchens
Cloud kitchen services operate via food delivery service in place of traditional sit-down dining facilities. With partial and sometimes complete shutdowns of restaurants and food and beverage outlets due to pandemic restrictions, online catering services have seen a surge in operations. At the same time, as the ISO document notes, the development and effective implementation of cloud kitchens requires new technologies and new methods. Ultimately, the success of cloud kitchens will support the digital transformation of the catering industry.
In September, SAC, the Standardization Administration of China, submitted a proposal to the ISO Technical Management Board (TMB) Secretariat for the development of an ISO IWA on Guidelines for cloud kitchen service.
The aim of the IWA is to provide an intensive management mode to ensure the catering enterprises resume business more quickly and at lower cost via the cloud kitchen, improve the service capacity of the industry, strengthen the in-deep cooperation between cloud kitchen and food delivery platforms, and promote digital and intelligent transformation of the catering industry.
What is an IWA?
An International Workshop Agreement, or IWA, is a document developed outside the normal ISO committee system to enable market players to negotiate in an “open workshop” environment. A member body typically administratively supports IWAs. The IWA may serve as a starting point in developing standardization work that will support enhanced safety in the consumer market.
Due to COVID‐19 restrictions, the meetings will take place in an online format. Register for the virtual meetings no later than March 25, 2021, and access the ISO invitation.