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McLean, Virginia – May 27, 2025 – 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. (3-A SSI) announced today
that Rick J. Heiman, President of Food Sanitation Solutions, LLC, has earned accreditation
as a Certified Conformance Evaluator (CCE), expanding the organization's capacity to
verify food processing equipment safety standards globally.
"Rick's appointment strengthens our ability to serve equipment manufacturers worldwide
who depend on 3-A certification for market credibility,” according to 3-A SSI Executive
Director, Meri Beth Wojtaszek. “His extensive background in both industry operations and
standards development makes him an invaluable addition to our CCE team. With only 16
professionals holding this credential globally, each new evaluator significantly enhances
our capacity to support food safety advancement."
Heiman brings over three decades of hygienic design experience to the role, including
leadership positions at major food companies such as Dairy Farmers of America, Kerry,
General Mills, and Michael Foods. He previously served as Chair of 3-A SSI's Board of
Directors and has been instrumental in developing global food safety benchmarking
standards.
"Having worked with 3-A standards throughout my career,” Heiman stated, “I understand
firsthand how critical proper equipment design is to food safety. I'm honored to contribute
to this mission as a CCE and help ensure that processing equipment meets the highest
sanitary standards that protect consumers worldwide."
The CCE credential requires candidates to meet strict education and experience
requirements, pass a comprehensive written examination, and complete specialized
training. CCEs conduct Third Party Verification (TPV) inspections that equipment
manufacturers must obtain to use the recognized 3-A Symbol, which demonstrates
conformance to 3-A Sanitary Standards.
Since implementing the TPV program in 2003, 3-A SSI has completed thousands of
inspections at fabrication facilities across the U.S. and in 46+ countries, ensuring
equipment used in food and beverage processing meets critical safety standards.
