How can you tell whether the food processing equipment you use or specify meets criteria for sanitary design? You can rely on 3-A SSI design criteria and the extra assurance of sanitary design integrity that comes from the voluntary Third Party Verification (TPV) inspection programs of 3-A SSI.
3-A Sanitary Standards and 3-A Accepted Practices serve a critical role in the public health and safety of the food processing system. The TPV inspection program is designed to enhance the integrity of the 3-A SSI programs by affirming that equipment fabricated in accordance to 3-A Sanitary Standards or processing systems are manufactured and installed in accordance to 3-A Accepted Practices. The independent TPV inspection programs of 3-A SSI provide assurance of hygienic equipment design and thereby benefits regulatory sanitarians, equipment fabricators, processors, and consumers.
3-A SSI offers these TPV inspection programs:
For many years, authorization to use the 3-A Symbol rested on a system of self-certification. This system changed in 2003, when the requirement for a TPV inspection was implemented for licensees. The requirement for a TPV inspection now applies to all types of equipment built to a 3-A Sanitary Standard, including used or remanufactured equipment resellers who wish to declare 3-A Symbol authorization.
The voluntary 3-A Process Certification is available for most of the current 3-A Accepted Practices. The 3-A Process Certification is available to owners of systems who desire to show proof of an independent inspection/verification of a processing system.
3-A SSI Replacement Part Qualification Certificate
The voluntary 3-A SSI Replacement Part Qualification Certificate addresses the need expressed by many suppliers and customers to verify that replacement parts used for equipment built to 3-A Sanitary Standards meet the applicable criteria of the 3-A Sanitary Standards. Replacement parts include any items intended for use in equipment built in accordance to a 3-A Sanitary Standard or a processing system covered by a 3-A Accepted Practice.
Getting Started
Are you interested in obtaining one of these TPV inspection services? Here are some hints to help you get started:
Tip #1: Read the 3-A SSI Manual for Third Party Verification for 3-A Symbol Authorization and 3-A Process Certification (TPV Manual)
This shows the policies and procedures for equipment suppliers to obtain and maintain authorization to use the 3-A Symbol and for processors to obtain and maintain a 3-A Process Certification. The manual also contains procedures for submitting nonconformance reports, how they are resolved, and de-listing procedures for proven nonconformance.
The primary objective of the TPV inspection is to affirm that your equipment or processing system conforms to all provisions of the appropriate 3-A Sanitary Standard(s) or the 3-A Accepted Practice(s). Be sure you have all of the current documents you will need for the TPV inspection. Some careful advance planning will save you time and money. This is especially important if you are renewing or making a change which requires a TPV and you want to avoid any discontinuation of your authorization or certification.
Tip #2: Search and engage an independent, credentialed authority, known as a Certified Conformance Evaluator (CCE), to conduct the TPV inspection and provide your inspection report.
You must engage a CCE to conduct the TPV inspection. 3-A SSI does not accept other certifications or approvals in lieu of the TPV inspection. Individuals with the CCE designation conferred by 3-A SSI have successfully completed a rigorous evaluation process. All CCEs have met specific criteria for basic education and industry experience in a setting where 3-A Sanitary Standards were used or processing systems where 3-A Accepted Practices were applied. They have also demonstrated high verifiable work experience and high professional integrity. Every CCE has also passed a comprehensive written exam testing their knowledge of principles of sanitary equipment design for equipment, the ability to interpret engineering drawings pertaining to manufacturing equipment and instrumentation for the food processing industries, and the ability to review and evaluate complex processes. In addition, CCEs agree to observe the Code of Ethics shown below as a condition for maintaining accreditation:
CCE Code of Ethics
• CCEs shall not hold financial interests that conflict with the conscientious performance of duties.
• CCEs shall not engage in financial transactions using audit-derived information or allow the improper use of such information to further any private interests.
• CCEs shall not solicit or accept any gift or other items of monetary value beyond reasonable compensation for their duties from any person or entity seeking audit activities from, doing business with, or whose interests may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of their duties.
• CCEs shall perform only the TPV activities within the scope of their knowledge.
CCEs shall maintain strict confidentiality of proprietary information learned through their TPV activities.
• CCEs shall act impartially and they shall not give preferential treatment to any organization(s) or individual(s).
• CCEs shall adhere to all laws and regulations that provide for equal opportunity for all regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability.
• CCEs shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the appearance that they are violating the ethical tenets set forth in this section.
The TPV inspection is to be performed under agreement between the CCE and the prospective licensee. The TPV inspection fee is independent of all other fees.
A current list of CCEs is available at the 3-A SSI web site at View a list of CCEs (PDF). We recommend you prepare and distribute a Request for Proposal (RFP) to all CCEs. The RFP should describe the type of equipment or processing system that will be inspected, the anticipated time period and the location where you desire to have the inspection conducted. Be sure to have the prospective CCEs confirm knowledge of the type of equipment or processing system that will be inspected. Because CCEs inspect equipment at various locations, you may find a CCE available in your region on other business and you can economize on business travel expenses.
Tip #3: Prepare in advance for the TPV inspection.
You can expedite the TPV inspection by preparing for the following:
• Manufacturing plant site visit by the CCE.
• Examination of equipment and associated drawings to establish conformance to the 3-A Sanitary Standard covering the equipment and relevant information pertaining to the 3-A Accepted Practice.
• Confirmation of the company's quality control program to ensure continuous conformance.
• Examination of an up-to-date Engineering Design and Technical Construction File (EDTCF).
• Documentation from manufacturer to demonstrate conformance of all materials of construction appropriate for meeting the standard.
• Method of 3-A Symbol display and attachment to the equipment.
• The base 3-A Sanitary Standard or 3-A Accepted Practice and other standards referenced in the document(s).
• Conformance to other regulations cited in the standard.
• List of plant manufacturing sites.
• Have a knowledgeable person available to assist with the review.
• Have the equipment easily accessible and dismantled to facilitate examination.
• Have drawings in the same place as the equipment. Assist with their review.
• Supply disassembly tools, gauging tools, profilometer, and boroscope (if necessary).
• Have the equipment operation manual available (if one is normally provided with the equipment).
If your CCE does not provide a pre-inspection checklist, be sure to ask what else may be needed.
Tip #4: Submit a complete package of materials to 3-A SSI upon completion of the TPV inspection.
Once the TPV inspection is completed, the CCE will give you a final TPV inspection report. The CCE also forwards a copy of the inspection report to 3-A SSI. You must provide a copy of the report with your application package so 3-A SSI may verify the TPV inspection report. Be sure your package includes all information required by 3-A SSI as detailed in the TPV Manual and includes the appropriate payment.
If the CCE determines that the equipment or processing system is not in conformance, a report of this finding will be made to 3-A SSI with a listing of the specific issues of nonconformance. If the applicant chooses to correct the nonconforming issues, the CCE may conduct a follow-up and issue a follow-up report documenting corrections.
Tip #5: Rubber and plastics may hold a 3-A Symbol authorization.
These materials are subject to the new TPV inspection requirement. Rubber and rubber-like materials may be authorized if they meet the 3-A Sanitary Standards for Multiple-Use Rubber and Rubber-Like Materials, Number 18-. Plastics may be authorized if they meet the 3-A Sanitary Standards for Multiple-Use Plastic Materials, Number 20-. Use the standard "equipment" forms provided for the 3-A symbol program.
Tip #6: Ask for help if you need assistance!
The CCE is the primary source for help in explaining the TPV inspection program. The CCE can also assist you with determining conformance and any changes necessary to bring equipment or processing systems into conformance. Remember, the CCE may offer some guidance associated with the conformance; however, the CCE does not serve as a consultant on engineering design concepts or processing systems.
3-A SSI is available on questions regarding the general oversight of the CCEs and the policies governing the TPV program.