Sanitation endorsements

My HD is a bit behind in times. They seem to be hesitant about the ETL endorsement. You see, they allow allow "NSF or its equivalent" for equipment. A piece that I am looking at doesn't have the NSF sticker, but has an ETL one.

I need to convince them that ETL is a certification body, certifying ANSI and NSF - but they don't seem to want to agree to it.

Any suggestions?

Why not do an internet search and build your case from there?

Jack

Already exhausted that avenue. 

I personally know that ETL is a certifying body. It's easy for me to do the digging on the Net - but getting a multi-layerd bureaucracy to actually use the Internet, click on links, and do research is another story.  They deal much better with hard copies and legal documents.

I am looking for suggestions about providing evidentiary support referencing ETL equating or being equal to NSF.

I would be interested to hear from those that were able to successfully use an piece of ETL endorsed equipment where their HD allows only NSF or its equivalent.

What is the equipment??

A LP Castle Comstock Griddle/burner table top. 

I contacted Comstock, and they gave a 1 sentence reply to the effect of - It's certified to NSF 8, there should be an EFL sticker on the unit.  That was in response to me telling them about the above scenario, and asking whether or not their equipment is NSF certified.  It would seem pretty clear and obvious, but you have these old little HD guys running around with their quadfocals on searching for a NSF sticker on the equipment, and if they don't see one bells and whistles start going off.

I know this company and have been to their factory in Quincy Illinois right on the Mississippi River. In fact I own two pieces of their equipment that I bought from them at the factory. I had a small problem with the char broiler and they corrected it asap.

Although they are small, and many family members are employed there, I would not be satisfied with that answer.  You need to contact them again and speak to someone higher up the food chain. I think if memory serves there are two brothers that run most everything and you need to get one of them on the phone.

I’d re present my case and follow up with a letter and email, including pictures, if appropriate.

AZdog


Already exhausted that avenue. 

I personally know that ETL is a certifying body. It's easy for me to do the digging on the Net - but getting a multi-layerd bureaucracy to actually use the Internet, click on links, and do research is another story.  They deal much better with hard copies and legal documents.

I wouldn't expect them to do a lot of research, I'd instead re-do the research print the material and present it to them. Does your Health Department have an appeal process? Ours does although they usually have their minds made up in advance. LOL You may also have better luck with you State Health Department.

From their (Castle Stov)e web site:
The company is a member of the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufactures (NAFEM) and has a NAFEM Level 1 Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP) on staff and serving on the Board of Directors of NAFEM.
http://www.castlestove.com/static2/index.asp
As a last resort I’d contact NAFEM.
 

I just got off the phone with someone at the department, and after sending them to a lot of websites they said they would accept it.

But wow, trying to spell-out  URLs over the phone is not the easiest thing to do but got it done.

I really get frustrated at the HD because they don't allow ANYTHING in a trailer that is not NSF.  No little microwaves, no consumer appliances of any type, cutting utensils etc...  man it is a major pain.

Then I see pictures of these concession trailers for sale on ebay, and it's like just the opposite. They probably don't have a single piece of NSF equipment in them, or they have 1 and then like 10 other appliances are ones that you can buy from Walmart etc.

Thanks for the advice. Now I have to try to get laminate countertops approved.