3A - for Homogenizers & Reciprocating Pumps

GEA Niro Soavi has performed the renewal of authorization no. 558 for 3-A marking of homogenisers and high pressure pumps according to the "3-A Standards for Homogenizers and Reciprocating Pumps, Number 04-04".

3 A

According to the latest requirements of 3-A SSI organization, the renewal from this year is subject to a Third Party Verification (TPV) to determine the compliance of machine design and manufacturing according to applicable standard. All the actual 3-A symbol holder have to perform a TPV inspection prior to renew current authorization.

The TPV Program is intended to provide accurate checks on machine design features, manufacturing procedures and Quality System (e.g. ISO 9001:2000).

Differently from the past, where 3-A authorization was released on the base of self-assessment, the new TPV program ensures an independent verification of compliance to the reference standard; this gives an higher market value for the symbol holder and a certification of reliability of manufacturer in front of the customer.

GEA Niro Soavi machine design, for both high-pressure pumps and homogenizers, has been reviewed and approved for compliance with the standard across the full range of models and pressure vs. flow rate combinations and specific features.

The 3-A machine execution option BA02 must be completed with option BA07 (FDA approved gaskets) and option BB04 (Tri-Clamp® process line connections).

For further information and for updated 3-A symbol holder list it is possible to visit the 3-A SSI organization website at www.3-a.org.

Certified Quality System

Enclosed is a copy of the 3-A certificate.

Marco Gandini - GEA Niro Soavi
Ron Tuckner -GEA Niro Soavi North America

Backgrounder

GEA Niro Soavi has the most comprehensive and versatile range of high-pressure pumps and homogenizers known as the "Energy Series". The range consists of 19 production models and 5 laboratory and pilot units. Production models are available in the high pressure low flow version often required in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and meat processing industries and in high capacity (flow) and low pressure configuration which is normally required in the food, dairy, beverage, nutraceutical (nutritional), and food ingredients industries.

The Niro name stands for quality and reliability with its sustained presence in the food, dairy and beverage industries. The Niro Soavi product and service range provides the best of both European and North American standards.

3A sanitary standard - GEA Niro Soavi has an active role in the continuous fulfillment and improvement of the 3A sanitary standards.

USDA accepted - GEA Niro Soavi has obtained an acceptance based on a focused cooperation with the USDA.

FDA approved materials - FDA approved and certified materials, in addition to 3A approved plastic and rubber materials, are available.

ISO 9001 approved - The GEA Niro Soavi machines are manufactured and tested in accordance with the ISO9001 credited QA program. This includes full testing of each machine verified by a test certificate audited by Det Norske Veritas (DNV).

About 3-A Sanitary Standards (from http://www.3-a.org/standards/index.html)

3-A Then

3-A is distinguished by a remarkable history of serving the public health through the development of standards for the advancement of food sanitation and hygiene. The first 3-A Sanitary Standards were developed in the late 1920s by the International Association of Food Industry Suppliers (IAFIS), International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) and the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF).

Over time, the structure of 3-A expanded to encompass a broader group of processors, equipment manufacturers and sanitarians in step with the changing structure of the industry. In 1944, the modern 3-A program was established through the formation of the Dairy Industry Committee, a group of five national dairy processor and one supplier associations: The American Butter Institute, American Dairy Products Institute, IAFIS, International Ice Cream Association, MIF, and the National Cheese Institute. It was also in 1944 that the U.S. Public Health Service committed to full cooperation with the 3-A program. The interests of dairy cooperatives were integrated into 3-A in 1996 with the Farm Industry Committee, established by the National Milk Producers Federation.

And 3-A SSI Now!

An exciting new era in the history of 3-A began in late 2002 with the creation of 3-A Sanitary Standards,Inc. (3A-SSI). The five Founding Members include the American Dairy Products Institute (ADPI), the International Association of Food Industry Suppliers (IAFIS) the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), and the 3-A Sanitary Standards Symbol Administrative Council. Along with the Founding Members, the leadership of 3-A SSI includes the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the 3-A Steering Committee.

The new nonprofit organization combines all facets of the 3-A sanitary standards program, including the 3-A standards writing process. The new 3-A SSI also maintains oversight of the 3-A Symbol used to identify equipment manufactured to 3-A Standards. Under the direction of 3-A SSI, a new program will be implemented in 2003 to enhance the recognition of the 3-A Symbol with a new Third Party Verification (TPV) program.