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Seals, gaskets, o-rings, and seal assemblies are the unsung heroes of hygienic design, but using the wrong replacement part can lead to catastrophic food safety failures.
To address this challenge, 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. (3-ASSI) has officially expanded its Replacement Parts and System Components Qualification Certificate (RPSCQC) program to include seals, seal components, and seal assemblies.
The aftermarket for equipment consumables (remove and replace, wearable components) and replacement parts can be a confusing place. Until now, it was often difficult for processors to verify if a third-party or non-original equipment manufacturer seal met the same rigorous standards as the seal provided by the original equipment manufacturer.
The introduction of the RP Mark changes that. As Meri BethWojtaszek, Executive Director of 3-A SSI, explains:
"Processors, regulators, and manufacturers can now rely on a verified source of replacement components that maintain the sanitary integrity of 3-A Symbol-authorized equipment."
Choosing a seal based solely on price or availability rather than certified design can have serious consequences:
The RP Mark is available for components supporting a variety of 3-A Sanitary Standards, specifically focusing on equipment with rotary shafts, including:
This expansion joins existing certifications for other critical components like Type 1 and Type 2 hose couplers (62-02) and food-grade hoses, which fall under several 3-A Standards.
For manufacturers looking to earn the RP Mark for their seals and assemblies, the process involves five key steps:
By choosing parts that carry the RP Mark, you aren't just buying a seal. You’re investing in the continued safety and efficiency of your entire production line.
For background on the RPSCQC program, see Section B6 of the 3-A SSI Third Party Verification (TPV) Manual.
We’re looking for the under-40 disruptors, problem-solvers, and visionaries who look at a production line and ask, "How can we make this safer, smarter, and faster to clean?" The 3-A SSI HyGEN Excellence Awards aren't just another award. They are a career-defining launchpad. We’re building a movement to spotlight rising stars under 40 who are rewriting the rulebook.
Register free for a first-of-its-kind 3-A SSI Open Forum on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.
3-A SSI has launched an all-new program to recognize rising stars under the age of 40.
3-ASSI has launched an all-new Student Hygienic Design Competition. It gives students an opportunity to launch their careers while competing as part of an interdisciplinary team for bragging rights and a share of $10,000 in prize money.
