3-A announces exam for expanded inspection programs
The CCE designation is required for those wishing to conduct third-party verification (TPV) inspections of dairy and food processing equipment covered by 3-A Sanitary Standards. Instituted in late 2003, the TPV inspection is required for equipment manufacturers or used equipment resellers to obtain or renew a 3-A Symbol. The TPV requirement was implemented to verify conformance to 3-A Sanitary Standards for sanitary equipment design, fabrication and construction materials. Equipment authorized for the 3-A Symbol must be reinspected every five years.
3-A SSI expanded the TPV inspection program in late 2007 to include a new Replacement Part Qualification Certificate for parts used in equipment covered by 3-A Sanitary Standards and a 3-A Process Certificate for processing operations covered by most 3-A accepted practices. The TPV inspection requirement will also apply to equipment that displays the new P3-A Symbol associated with conformance to new Pharmaceutical 3-A (P3-A) standards. Details of the P3-A Symbol program will be announced later this year.