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Oct 24, 2006 3:56 PM

Three-A hygienic standards for tank trailers, historically for tankers hauling dairy products, continue to be updated and reconsidered, said Steve McWilliams of Walker Stainless Equipment Co.

He made the comments at the National Tank Truck Carriers 2006 Cargo Tank Maintenance Seminar October 16-18 in Nashville TN.

The first 3-A Sanitary Standards were developed in the late 1920s through the cooperative efforts of the International Association of Food Industry Suppliers (IAFIS), the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) and the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF). Until 2003, use of the 3-A Symbol was authorized on the basis of a statement of conformance signed by the applicant. A new third party inspection requirement was introduced in 2003 for 3-A Symbol holders and new applicants. Phase-in of the new requirement, known as the Third Party Verification (TPV) program, began in 2003 and will continue through 2006. The TPV requirement becomes effective for specific groups of equipment that show the 3-A Symbol in each calendar year.

The 3-A revisions being considered include determining if a vehicle is sold or repaired, could its 3-A certification be voided. Another proposal would allow a repaired trailer to remain certified, if the repair facility were properly authorized to conduct the work. Consideration also is being given to the compliance of vents used on the tank trailers.