FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September
4, 2007
Email: trugh@3-a.org
Inspection Programs
The new TPV inspection requirement for 3-A Symbol Authorization once every five years becomes effective immediately. The first group of equipment affected by this requirement will be equipment that was first inspected under the TPV requirement for 3-A Symbol Authorization in 2003. A new TPV inspection, performed by a Certified Conformance Evaluator (CCE) credentialed by 3-A SSI, will be due in 2008 for the renewal of the 3-A Symbol Authorization upon the five-year anniversary date of the original TPV inspection. A TPV re-inspection is also required at any time the licensee makes changes of sanitary significance in design, fabrication, or materials of construction in equipment currently under a 3-A Symbol Authorization.
The new TPV re-inspection requirement will help maintain the integrity of the 3-A Symbol Authorization program in the future. "The Third Party Verification (TPV) program has established a system of checks and balances that has strengthened the entire 3-A Symbol Authorization program as well as creating a trained body of experts on hygienic design standards," according to 3-A SSI Executive Director Tim Rugh.
The new 3-A Process Certification (3-A PC) is now available to owners of processing equipment and systems who desire to convey assurance to regulators and buyers that a qualified, objective third party has verified that the processing system conforms to the applicable 3-A Accepted Practice(s). Obtaining a TPV inspection for a 3-A PC reinforces the processor’s commitment to verify to themselves and their customers that the processing system conforms to the 3-A Accepted Practice(s) using 3-A trained inspection professionals. The 3-A PC is site and process-specific. The 3-A PC is renewable on an anniversary basis each year. 3-A SSI will maintain a public list of certificate holders on its web site.
The new 3-A SSI Replacement Part Qualification Certificate addresses the need expressed by many suppliers to declare 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. To obtain the certificate, the supplier must submit a TPV inspection for the replacement part(s) to be covered by the certificate. The certificate cannot be used for equipment covered by its own 3-A Sanitary Standard. The TPV is based on the most stringent criteria available in a relevant base 3- A Sanitary Standard. Certificate holders are subject to the same re-inspection requirements as holders of 3-A Symbol Authorization.
The new certificate program for replacement parts represents a visible and valuable extension to the 3-A Symbol Authorization program. The holder may publicize that the replacement part(s) meets the certificate requirements in its sales and marketing literature. 3-A SSI will maintain a public file of certificate holders on its web site.
Details on the TPV inspection requirements for 3-A Symbol Authorization and 3-A PC and the Replacement Part Qualification Certificate Program are available on the 3-A SSI web site at www.3-a.org under The 3-A Symbol and Third Party Verification or contact 3-A SSI for information.
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3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3)
organization whose mission is to enhance product safety
for consumers
of food, beverages, and pharmaceutical products through the development
and use of 3-A Sanitary Standards and 3-A Accepted Practices. Visit the
3-A SSI web site at www.3-a.org.