During the 1920s, the need for more stringent and uniform standards for dairy processing equipment became evident as the U.S. economy and consumers entered the modern era. Representatives of three interest groups—processors, regulatory sanitarians and equipment fabricators—recognized the need for cooperative action and introduced the first industry standards for equipment. These standards became known as ‘3-A’ standards for the three interest groups that forged a common commitment to improving equipment design and sanitation. Unlike other types of standards, 3-A Sanitary Standards relate to the cleanability of dairy equipment.
In 1944, the U.S. Public Health Service offered full cooperation with the ‘3-A program’. This marked the beginning of a program to provide uniform equipment standards for the protection of public health.
In 1954, the first processing equipment bearing the new 3-A Symbol was unveiled. By display of the 3-A Symbol, processing equipment could be shown to meet certain material, design and fabrication standards for cleanability and inspection.
In 2003, ‘3-A’ opened another era with the formation of 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc., an independent not-for-profit corporation. One of the driving forces for organizing 3-A SSI was to modernize the consensus development process used to develop, revise and amend 3-A Sanitary Standards and 3-A Accepted Practices. Another key mission goal of 3-A SSI was to implement a new independent Third Party Verification inspection program designed to enhance the integrity of the 3-A Symbol program.
Today there are 68 3-A Sanitary Standards and nine 3-A Accepted Practices. More than 360 companies from across the U.S. and 22 other countries around the world hold authorizations to display the 3-A Symbol on various types of processing equipment.
The Value of 3-A
The 3-A Symbol is far more than a logo. Over decades of collaboration and recognition among the key stakeholders, the ‘3-A’ brand has attained wide recognition in the marketplace for food processing equipment and special stature built on a strong foundation of the following elements:
• Trust—On the dairy farm, where milk is held in refrigerated storage tanks, the 3-A Symbol assures that materials and cleanability standards were built into the equipment at the time of manufacture. On its way to the dairy, milk is transported by stainless steel tanker trucks that meet the same strict standards for materials and cleanability. Once inside the processing plant, milk products flow through equipment that has met yet another set of stringent criteria – standards formulated by voluntary collaboration of equipment manufacturers, processors and regulatory sanitarians. From farm to packaging, the 3-A Symbol assures that the processing equipment was designed and built to exacting sanitary standards.
• Independence—3-A SSI is a not-for-profit organization composed of representatives of the three stakeholder groups—processors, regulatory sanitarians, and equipment fabricators. As an ANSI-accredited Standards Developer Organization (SDO), 3-A SSI observes the consensus and due process requirements for American National Standards.
• Expertise—3-A SSI welcomes the participation of subject matter experts from all areas to participate in the development and maintenance of its standards and practices. A network of Working Groups with experts from organizations around the world collaborates to keep pace with modern technology.
The 3-A standards program was a good idea early in the century, it’s an even better idea today, and it will continue to serve the dairy and food industry in the future. The application of these equipment standards reflects the goal of the 3-A Sanitary Standards program – the protection of public health. The goal of the 3-A Symbol program is to protect consumable products from contamination and ensure that all product contact surfaces can be cleaned and sanitized.
3-A Benefits All Stakeholders
The value of 3-A is expressed in many facets for the stakeholders that share a common interest in sanitary equipment design. Here’s how:
Processors Value 3-A
Users of dairy processing equipment know they are in compliance with all applicable sanitation codes because enforcement authorities helped developed each 3-A Sanitary Standard. They know their equipment can be cleaned satisfactorily and can anticipate that inspections will go more smoothly when equipment complies with standards that regulatory sanitarians helped formulate.
• Leading fabricators, processors and regulatory sanitarians participate in 3-A because of the focus on sanitary design criteria.
• You can specify and purchase safer equipment when it conforms to the sanitary design criteria of 3-A Sanitary Standards.
• Regulatory sanitarians support the 3-A program is because the standards and practices are written to conform to regulatory requirements and guidelines.
• Buyers and sellers rely on 3-A because it signifies equipment that’s easier to clean, inspect, and maintain.
Do you inspect, use, or specify equipment that comes into contact with food? If so, 3-A SSI can enhance your professional skills!
• Join a Working Group today free of charge – just visit our web site and go to 3-A Sanitary Standards and Committees.
• Expand your knowledge of modern hygienic equipment design and emerging trends.
• Network with leading experts from around the world, including equipment design professionals, processors, and inspection authorities.
• Gain new knowledge resources to grow in your profession and advance public health.
• Learn about important standards, guidelines, and protocols in the competitive global marketplace.
Regulatory Sanitarians Value 3-A
Regulatory sanitarians benefit through these guidelines for uniform evaluation and compliance too. They have assurance that the equipment was designed and manufactured to a precise set of standards and know that the particular standard being met was developed in collaboration with their professional colleagues.
• 3-A Sanitary Standards embody decades of expert knowledge about sanitary equipment design from inspection authorities and others.
• 3-A Sanitary Standards streamline the equipment inspection process and help ensure the safety of food.
• The 3-A Symbol signifies equipment is compatible with regulatory requirements and guidelines.
Do you inspect or quality equipment that comes into contact with food? If so, 3-A SSI can enhance your professional skills!
• Join a Working Group today free of charge – just visit our web site and go to 3-A Sanitary Standards and Committees.
• Expand your knowledge of modern hygienic equipment design and emerging trends.
• Network with leading experts from around the world, including equipment design professionals, processors, and inspection authorities.
• Gain new knowledge resources to grow in your profession and advance public health.
• Learn about important standards, guidelines, and protocols in the competitive global marketplace.
Equipment Manufacturers Value 3-A
Equipment fabricators see broad acceptance of their products across the country because the 3-A Symbol receives approval by virtually all sanitarians and regulatory officials. Each standard details the sanitary aspects of materials, design and fabrication so the equipment will meet the requirements for acceptance by processors and sanitarians. And standards reduce the cost of dies, tools and intended delivery time that would result without uniform criteria.
• Leading fabricators, processors and regulatory sanitarians participate in 3-A because of the focus on sanitary design criteria.
• You can build and offer safer equipment when it conforms to the sanitary design criteria of 3-A Sanitary Standards.
• Regulatory sanitarians support the 3-A program is because the standards and practices are written to conform to regulatory requirements and guidelines.
• Manufacturers rely on 3-A because it signifies equipment that’s easier to clean, inspect, and maintain.
Do you design, manufacture or recommend equipment that comes into contact with food? If so, 3-A SSI can enhance your professional skills!
Join a Working Group today free of charge—just visit our web site and go to 3-A Sanitary Standards and Committees.
Expand your knowledge of modern hygienic equipment design and emerging trends.
Network with leading experts from around the world, including equipment design professionals, processors, and inspection authorities.
Gain new knowledge resources to grow in your profession and advance public health.
Learn about important standards, guidelines, and protocols in the competitive global marketplace.
Use and Display the 3-A Symbol!
The Marketing Advantages
The 3-A Symbol is a registered mark used to identify equipment that meets 3-A Sanitary Standards for design and fabrication. Here’s how the 3-A Symbol can work for you!
• The 3-A Symbol promotes acceptance of your equipment. More customers want to know “Does it meet 3-A?” or “Where’s the 3-A Symbol?”
• The 3-A Symbol conveys confidence and trust in your equipment. When customers see the 3-A Symbol on your equipment or in related product information, they know the equipment has been verified by an objective, independent third-party professional and has successfully met the requirements of a 3-A Sanitary Standard.
• The 3-A Symbol promotes effective product marketing. One of the most important objectives for any company offering equipment for food contact is to communicate sanitary design quickly and effectively. Display of the 3-A Symbol communicates a vital message!
• The 3-A Symbol gives your equipment added exposure. The on-line listing of authorized 3-A Symbol holders maintained by 3-A SSI gives your equipment important visibility and recognition.
• The 3-A Symbol reduces marketing costs. Integrity and customer confidence come faster with independent verification, helping to extend your marketing dollars!
• The 3-A Symbol increases sales. Add up the full range of benefits and you’ll see that the 3-A Symbol will help drive sales. Plan to incorporate the 3-A Symbol in marketing, advertising, and displaying your equipment.
• The 3-A Symbol is the Symbol of Assurance for sanitary design integrity you can trust. The mission of 3-A SSI is to advance public health and food safety. The 3-A Symbol conveys integrity and trust.
Resources to Help You Promote 3-A Symbol Authorization
3-A SSI offers a ‘toolkit’ of print samples you can customize and use to promote 3-A Symbol authorization for your equipment. These samples are shown below in a low resolution format for you to download and review. Contact 3-A SSI to order a copy of a high resolution file you can customize and print to serve your marketing needs!
3-A Symbol Trade Display
This display is designed for use in conjunction with a trade show exhibit or show room display of equipment that is properly licensed to use the 3-A Symbol. The self-standing display is sized to show on a small countertop area.
Promotional Card
This promotional card can be used to help market of equipment that is properly licensed to use the 3-A Symbol. The promotional card includes general information about the advantages of 3-A Symbol authorization on one side. The other side of the card may be customized to provide information on the specific equipment that maintains 3-A Symbol authorization.
Download Promotional Card (PDF)
Three-panel Brochure/Pamphlet
This pamphlet is designed to help you market equipment that is properly licensed to use the 3-A Symbol. This pamphlet is particularly helpful for communicating with audiences who may be less familiar with the ‘3A advantage’. The pamphlet includes more detailed information about the advantages of 3-A Symbol authorization. You can use the pamphlet in its entirety, add information on the specific equipment you offer that maintains 3-A Symbol authorization.
Download Brochure/Pamphlet (PDF)
General Requirements and Helpful Hints
Authorization to use the 3-A Symbol is subject to specific conditions described in the 3-A SSI License Agreement for Use of the 3-A Symbol. A copy of the complete License Agreement is shown with a copy of the Application and License Agreement for Authorization to Apply the 3-A Sanitary Standards Symbol to Equipment at: www.3-a.org/symbol/forms. Use of the 3-A Symbol is strictly voluntary, subject to the conditions specified by 3-A SSI.
The Third Party Verification (TPV) inspection requirement for use of the 3-A Symbol enhances the recognition and the value of the 3-A Symbol for equipment fabricators, regulatory sanitarians and processors alike. Now more than ever before, the 3-A Symbol conveys assurance that equipment conforms to the 3-A Sanitary Standard named.
Here are some important “Do’s” and “Don’ts” concerning the display and use of the 3-A Symbol.
| DO | |
| • Reproduce the 3-A Symbol to the requirements specified in the Application and License Agreement for Authorization to Apply the 3-A Sanitary Standards Symbol to Equipment. | |
| • Reproduce the 3-A Symbol on stainless steel, where possible. If the nature or size of the equipment requires, reduce the size of the 3-A Symbol. | |
| • Show the 3-A Sanitary Standard Number immediately in conjunction with the 3-A Symbol. | |
| • Affix the 3-A Symbol to the equipment in juxtaposition to the nameplate or as part of the nameplate. The 3-A Symbol may be stamped, etched, embossed or welded on the equipment. If welded, continuously weld the nameplate or 3-A Symbol to the equipment. Alternatively, self-adhesive, durable stickers may be used. | |
| • Be sure the display of the 3-A Symbol is compatible with all criteria for hygienic design: | |
| • Exposed surfaces must be relatively smooth, relatively free of pockets and crevices, and be cleanable. | |
| • Joints must be continuously welded. | |
| • If welding is not possible, recessed socket head bolts or rivets must not be used. | |
| • Be sure the surface facilitates cleaning and inspection. The surface must be relatively free of areas where liquids or product residues can accumulate and not be cleaned out. | |
| • Use the 3-A Symbol in advertising or promotional information only in conjunction with equipment/machinery for which the 3-A Symbol authorization has been granted. For example, if 3-A Symbol authorization has been granted for Centrifugal and Positive Rotary Pumps (3-A Sanitary Standard #02-09), the holder shall not show the 3-A Symbol or otherwise infer 3-A Symbol authorization for other types of equipment for which it does not hold 3-A Symbol authorization. | |
| DON’T |
| • Misrepresent equipment not authorized to display a 3-A Symbol in an advertisement of equipment which is authorized to display the 3-A Symbol. |
| • State the company or organization holds 3-A Symbol authorization; the 3-A Symbol pertains specifically to authorized equipment. |
| • State or suggest that the equipment is ‘approved,’ ‘certified’, ‘authorized’, ‘rated’, or ‘endorsed’, by 3-A SSI, or some equivalent claim. 3-A Symbol authorization is granted based on meeting specific license requirements, including a Third Party Verification (TPV) inspection. The TPV program verifies that equipment is designed and manufactured to the appropriate 3-A Sanitary Standard, however, it is not a comprehensive equipment inspection or evaluation program. |
| • Make reference to the 3-A Symbol or 3-A Symbol authorization unless your organization maintains a current 3-A Symbol authorization for a given type of equipment/machinery. |
| • Use rivets or socket head screws to attach nameplates or 3-A Symbols to equipment. |
| • State a link between 3-A Symbol authorization and any other organization. For example, “Meets USDA/3-A criteria” or “Conforms to FDA/USDA/3-A Standards Criteria” are inappropriate. |
If you have a specific question concerning the use or display of the 3-A Symbol, contact 3-A SSI. If you encounter a product that makes unauthorized use of the 3-A Symbol or questionable claims of conformance to 3-A Sanitary Standards, please contact 3-A SSI promptly with examples.
The 3-A Symbol and Other Marks
3-A SSI maintains close working relationships with other organizations that are involved in the evaluation of equipment and the administration of licensed marks. The activities and services of other organizations differ in significant ways from the 3-A Symbol program.
USDA Dairy Accepted Equipment
The listing of equipment in the USDA Dairy Grading Branch Accepted Equipment List is entirely separate and distinct from 3-A Symbol authorization.
It is USDA Dairy Grading Branch policy to fully support the established 3-A Sanitary Standards Programs and to encourage equipment manufacturers, distributors, and the dairy plant and users to participate fully in the development and application of the 3-A Sanitary Standards and Accepted Practices. All equipment which fully complies with the criteria set forth in the applicable 3-A Sanitary Standard or 3-A Accepted Practice is accepted as meeting the requirements of the USDA General Specifications. This equipment listing is not intended to include all equipment which complies with established 3-A Sanitary Standards or 3-A Accepted Practices. There may be instances, however, when such equipment is included in this listing in order to provide clarification about its use within dairy plants surveyed and approved for USDA grading service.
Equipment which is not covered by established 3-A Sanitary Standards or Accepted Practices will be reviewed by the Dairy Grading Branch utilizing requirements of Section 58.128 of the USDA General Specifications and the USDA Guidelines for the Sanitary Design and Fabrication of Dairy Processing Equipment.
When a manufacturer’s advertising references USDA acceptance, the correct terminology is “Model XXX has been reviewed and accepted by the Dairy Grading Branch, USDA for use in dairy plants surveyed and approved for USDA grading service.” USDA acceptance does not constitute authorization to use the 3-A Symbol.
For more details on the USDA Dairy Grading Branch Accepted Equipment List and equipment review procedure, see www.ams.usda.gov/dairy/dyeqlst.pdf.
EHEDG Certification
The European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) is a consortium of equipment manufacturers, food industries, research institutes and public health authorities, founded in 1989 with the aim to promote hygiene during the processing and packing of food products. European legislation requires that handling, preparation, processing, packaging, etc. of food is done hygienically, with hygienic machinery in hygienic premises (EC directives 98/37/EC and 93/43/EEC). How to comply with these requirements, however, is left to the industry. To assist in the design of safe and hygienic machinery, the EU has mandated the European federation of standardization institutes, the CEN, to produce standards. The EHEDG, through its published documents, feeds into these standards.
EHEDG may authorize the use of the EHEDG Certification logo for equipment complying with the EHEDG hygienic design criteria. Certification may involve cleanability testing of equipment according to the methodology described in EHEDG Doc 2, “A Method for Assessing the In-place Cleanability of Food Processing Equipment (2000).” Specific organisations are authorised by EHEDG to certify the use of the EHEDG logo.
Details on EHEDG and the certification program are available at: www.ehedg.org/.
NSF International
As an independent, not-for-profit organization, NSF offers programs and services to augment and support the work of regulatory officials around the country, including standards development, product testing and certification, as well as onsite audits and inspections. In addition, NSF offers continuing education and training in many areas of environmental health, including air, water, and food safety. More information on NSF International is available at: www.nsf.org/
3-A SSI has worked with NSF as joint developers of three standards for meat and poultry equipment. The use of the 3-A Symbol is not authorized for equipment under these three standards.