3A-Dairy Approved Plastic Materials
3A-Dairy is a voluntary organization that provides standards of construction for milk, cheese, butter and ice cream processing equipment. The organization covers the requirements of plastic materials for multiple-use as product contact surfaces in equipment for production, processing, and handling of milk and milk products. The criteria for approval of plastic materials are specified in 3A standard 20-18, and include: cleanability, bacterial treatment, repeat use conditions, and FDA compliance. Materials are tested for compliance by the material supplier. Supporting documentation must be available as required by a food inspector.