The HyGEN Excellence Awards advance food safety by recognizing and empowering emerging professionals who champion hygienic design principles in their daily work. Through this program, we aim to:

• Elevate the importance of hygienic design in food safety conversations across all industry sectors
  Inspire innovation in equipment design, sanitation processes, and methodologies that improve public health outcomes
• Build community among rising food safety leaders worldwide, creating networks that drive collective progress
• Create pathways for professional development, industry engagement, and career advancement opportunities
  Showcase excellence that others can learn from and emulate, raising standards across the industry

By celebrating those who advance hygienic design, we're investing in the future of food safety and strengthening the entire industry's commitment to protecting public health.

We envision an industry where hygienic design expertise is recognized as essential to food safety success—where talented professionals receive the visibility, support, and opportunities they deserve to make lasting impact.

The HyGEN Excellence Awards create a platform for emerging leaders to share their innovations, connect with peers across sectors and geographies, and shape the future of our industry. We're building more than a recognition program; we're cultivating a global community of excellence that will drive food safety innovation for decades to come.

By celebrating those who advance hygienic design today, we're investing in safer food systems for tomorrow—systems that protect consumers, strengthen businesses, and elevate industry standards worldwide.

The 3-A SSI HyGEN Excellence Awards recognize outstanding professionals across diverse sectors of the food safety and hygienic design industry. Nominees are evaluated within their professional category to ensure diverse representation across all sectors.

While nominees are evaluated within their category to ensure balanced representation, all awards recognize the same standard
of excellence. There are no separate quotas or rankings by category—only recognition of outstanding achievement.

The professionals advancing hygienic design often work behind the scenes—improving equipment, refining processes, and solving complex sanitation challenges. Their contributions directly impact public health, yet their work rarely receives the visibility it deserves.

The 3-A SSI HyGEN Excellence Awards change that narrative by:

Validating Expertise – Professional recognition acknowledges the specialized knowledge and dedication required to excel in hygienic design

Accelerating Careers – Award recipients gain visibility to industry leaders, opening doors to new opportunities and advancement

Inspiring Others – Showcasing excellence motivates peers and emerging professionals to pursue innovation and continuous improvement

Elevating the Field – Public recognition raises awareness of hygienic design's critical role in food safety, attracting talent and resources to the industry

Building Networks – Recipients join a prestigious alumni network, creating collaborative relationships that drive future innovation

Supporting Retention – Recognition reinforces the value of food safety careers, helping organizations retain top talent

The HyGEN Excellence Awards represent more than a moment of recognition—they create lasting impact for recipients, their organizations, and the industry:

For Recipients

• Career advancement opportunities and enhanced professional credibility
• Platform to share innovations through speaking engagements and publications
• Access to 3-A SSI's network of industry leaders and technical experts
• Complimentary participation in the Summit for Hygienic Design
• Ongoing engagement opportunities with 3-A SSI initiatives

For Organizations

• Public recognition demonstrating commitment to food safety excellence
• Enhanced recruitment and retention of top talent
• Increased visibility among customers, partners, and regulatory agencies
• Association with 3-A SSI's trusted reputation
• Validation of investment in hygienic design and employee development

For the Industry

• Spotlight on innovations that raise standards across all sectors
• Documentation of best practices others can learn from and replicate
• Inspiration for emerging professionals considering food safety careers
• Strengthened connection between research, regulation, and practical application
• Global community united around hygienic design excellence

2026 marks the inaugural year of the 3-A SSI HyGEN Excellence Awards—an opportunity to be part of something transformative from its very beginning. As we launch this program, we're establishing a legacy that will recognize and empower food safety leaders for generations to come.

The inaugural class of HyGEN Excellence Award recipients will set the standard for all future honorees. They'll become founding members of an elite community, helping shape the program's evolution and serving as role models for emerging professionals worldwide.

This is your chance to nominate the innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers who deserve recognition—and to be part of building a program that will elevate the hygienic design profession for years to come.

HyGEN Excellence Award recipients are honored at 3-A SSI's annual Summit for Hygienic Design—the premier gathering of food safety and sanitary design professionals. Winners receive complimentary registration to the Summit, where they'll be celebrated during a dedicated awards ceremony and networking reception.

The Summit brings together hundreds of equipment manufacturers, food processors, researchers, consultants, and regulatory experts from around the world to:

• Share best practices and emerging technologies
• Explore innovations in hygienic design and sanitation
• Network with industry leaders and peers
• Advance standards development and adoption
• Address current challenges in food safety

It's the perfect venue to recognize those who exemplify excellence in our field—surrounded by peers who understand the dedication, innovation, and expertise required to advance hygienic design principles.

Summit Highlights:

• 200+ attendees 
• Technical presentations and workshops
• Equipment demonstrations
• Standards development updates
• Networking opportunities with industry leaders

The food safety industry is filled with talented professionals who deserve recognition for their contributions to hygienic design. Whether you're nominating a colleague, team member, or yourself, we want to hear about the innovations and leadership that are advancing our field.

Review the eligibility criteria, gather your supporting materials, and submit your nomination by February 27, 2026.

About 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc.
3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. has been the trusted authority in hygienic design for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries for over 85 years. As a non-profit organization, 3-A SSI brings together stakeholders from across the industry—processors, equipment manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and academia—to develop voluntary sanitary standards and accepted practices that enhance food safety through proper equipment design and installation.
Our standards are recognized globally as the benchmark for hygienic equipment design. Through collaborative working groups and rigorous technical review, 3-A SSI ensures that equipment and systems meet the highest sanitary requirements, protecting both consumers and businesses.
Mission Statement:  It is the mission of 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. to enhance food and hygienic process safety through the development and use of 3-A Sanitary Standards and 3-A Accepted Practices.
Vision Statement:  Advancing Food Safety Through Hygienic Design
Core Values

• Collaborate across industry – We bring together diverse stakeholders to develop consensus-based standards
• Commitment to food and hygienic process safety – Safety is our primary driver in everything we do
• Trusted hygienic design resource – We maintain credibility through technical rigor and industry expertise