Equipment and process reviews are based on an examination of engineering drawings or of actual equipment, often with the participation of design engineers. This program is closely associated with the Plant Inspection Program. Most of the review activity concerns newly developed technology and machines for which guidance and policy must be developed. Dairy Programs' staff members also participate in the efforts of the 3-A Sanitary Standards Committees for the development of dairy equipment standards. Sellers can request grading services to assure that products meet specific grade or contract requirements and have good keeping quality properties.
Buyers can request grading services to assure that products have uniform high quality.
Those wishing to use the services must request them, qualify for them, and pay a fee commensurate with the cost of providing them. Two examples of such services are the grade label program for butter and Cheddar cheese, and the acceptance service for volume buyers. Under the grade label program, consumer packages bear an official identification indicating the U.S. grade. As a part of the acceptance service, the user has all deliveries examined by USDA to certify that they meet specifications. This assures compliance with purchase announcement specifications and helps assure that the products will maintain their quality.