On June 7, World Food Safety Day, we celebrate the incredible strides made in food safety and public health. Leading the charge in this mission is NSF, a public health and safety organization. This World Food Safety Day, we take a closer look at NSF’s history, achievements, and ongoing commitment to public and environmental health.

NSF has been at the forefront of developing food safety standards in the United States for nearly 80 years. With its initial focus on food equipment standards, NSF has grown to play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of the food supply through a comprehensive and collaborative approach.

Historical significance and evolution
NSF was founded in 1944 by Walter F. Snyder, a grocery store worker in Ohio who saw the need for consistent sanitation and safety standards. Snyder, together with Dean Henry Vaughan and Professor Nathan Sinai from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, established NSF to address vital public and environmental health issues through scientific research and collaboration.

Harold Chase, MPH, NSF’s Director of Government Affairs, highlights the organization’s longstanding impact. “NSF was founded with a mission to develop standards for food equipment to ensure they are designed and manufactured in a sanitary way,” Chase said. Over the decades, the NSF certification mark has become recognized worldwide as a symbol of quality and safety. NSF standards ensure the safety of food, water, and health products, instilling confidence in consumers, retailers, and regulators alike.

In its evolution and growth, NSF has expanded its scope to address a wide range of food safety issues, adapting to new challenges and technological advancements. “Our initial focus was on food equipment, but now we are involved in everything from auditing supply chains to certifying organic and other consumer-driven claims,” said Chase.

Collaborative approach across regulatory levels
NSF’s influence extends beyond local health departments to state and federal levels. “We have strong relationships with health departments at all levels,” said Chase. “Our team includes former health inspectors who bring valuable insights and help us respond to questions and provide guidance on our standards.”

This multi-level engagement is crucial in a fragmented regulatory landscape. “Food safety in the U.S. involves various stakeholders, including regulators, manufacturers, and consumers,” Chase noted. “NSF excels at bringing these groups together to develop and implement effective standards.”

One significant aspect of NSF’s work is its interaction with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other federal agencies. “We work closely with the FDA on implementing the model food code,” Chase explained. “Our goal is to ensure that the food code reflects the latest science and best practices to protect public health.”

Addressing key challenges
One of the primary challenges NSF faces is the fragmentation of the food safety system. “Ensuring all stakeholders are on the same page is essential,” Chase emphasized. “We convene joint committees that include regulators, industry representatives, and consumers to discuss and address food safety issues.”

These committees are integral to NSF’s approach. “Through consensus-building, we can develop standards that are practical, scientifically sound, and widely accepted,” Chase said. “This collaborative process ensures that the standards are robust and effective.”

NSF’s collaborative efforts extend globally, with significant initiatives in various regions. “We conduct audits to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and work with major brands on their food safety programs worldwide,” Chase explained. “Our goal is to maintain high standards across different regions, benefiting consumers globally.”

Recent milestones and achievements
NSF’s recent achievements highlight its ongoing commitment to food safety. “In 2023, we certified our first client globally to the Global Gap Responsible Farming Label,” Chase shared. “We also launched food equipment evaluation programs in Europe and India, designed to comply with local regulations.”

These initiatives reflect NSF’s mission to improve and protect human and planetary health. “Having strong standards and ensuring compliance is vital,” Chase said. “A standard is just words on paper unless it is followed and assessed rigorously.”

NSF’s commitment to innovation is evident in its continuous development of new programs and certifications. “We are constantly evolving to address new challenges,” Chase noted. “For example, we have developed standards for emerging technologies and new food production methods, ensuring they meet the same high safety standards as traditional methods.”

Fostering a food safety culture
Creating a culture of food safety is a key focus for NSF. “Education and training are crucial,” Chase said. “We ensure food handlers understand best practices, such as separating preparation areas to prevent cross-contamination.”

NSF’s efforts to promote food safety culture extend to consumers. “Through our partnership with the Partnership for Food Safety Education, we educate consumers on simple steps like cleaning, separating, cooking, and chilling,” Chase said. “These practices are essential for preventing foodborne illnesses.”

Chase’s personal connection to food safety underscores the importance of these efforts. Growing up in northern Michigan, wher his father ran the local health department, Chase was exposed early to the significance of food safety. “I started washing dishes at a young age and later became a cook,” Chase recalled. “Seeing health inspectors check for the NSF mark on equipment was a formative experience that highlighted the importance of our work.”

Global perspective on food safety
NSF’s work is not confined to the U.S. “We are involved in global food safety initiatives, conducting GFSI audits and collaborating with international brands,” Chase said. “Our goal is to ensure consistent high standards across different regions.”

Chase highlighted the importance of water quality in food safety, particularly in emerging markets. “Clean water is critical for safe food production,” he said. “We work with global partners to ensure water used in food production is safe.”

NSF’s global reach includes partnerships with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and involvement in international standards bodies. “We are a Pan American Health Organization and a WHO Collaborating Centre on Food Safety, Water Quality and Medical Device Safety and an observer to the Codex Alimentarius,” Chase said. “These roles allow us to contribute to global food safety standards and practices.”

Looking ahead
As NSF continues to expand its global reach, the organization remains focused on addressing emerging challenges in food safety. “We are committed to improving and protecting human and planetary health,” Chase said. “Our work ensures that food safety standards are not just established but rigorously followed, benefiting consumers worldwide.”

NSF’s enduring commitment to food safety, driven by a collaborative and comprehensive approach, underscores its pivotal role in protecting public health. Through the dedication of professionals like Harold Chase and the collective efforts of various stakeholders, NSF continues to lead the way in setting and maintaining high food safety standards.

In addition to its food safety initiatives, NSF maintains close ties with academic institutions to foster the next generation of public health professionals. “Our president and CEO serves on the advisory board of the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health,” Chase said. “We also have a scholarship program to support students pursuing careers in public health.”

NSF’s engagement with educational institutions extends to practical training and collaboration. “We have hosted students from Michigan State University’s food safety program for lab visits and hands-on learning experiences,” Chase said. “These initiatives are part of our broader mission to cultivate future leaders in food safety.”

Building a resilient food safety network
NSF’s approach to food safety is holistic, addressing every aspect of the food supply chain. “From the design and manufacturing of food equipment to the final consumer education, we cover all bases,” Chase said. “Our work with coalitions and partnerships ensures that we can address complex challenges effectively.”

One such coalition is the Alliance for a Stronger FDA, which advocates for adequate resources for the FDA to fulfill its mission. “We believe in the importance of a strong and vibrant FDA,” Chase said. “Our membership in the Alliance reflects our commitment to supporting robust regulatory frameworks.”

NSF’s dedication to food safety is reflected in its continuous efforts to improve and innovate. “We are always looking for ways to enhance our standards and practices,” Chase said. “Whether it’s through new certifications, global partnerships, or educational initiatives, we strive to stay ahead of emerging challenges and protect public health.”

NSF’s comprehensive approach to food safety, from local inspections to global standards, illustrates its vital role in protecting public health. With a history of innovation, collaboration, and education, NSF continues to set the benchmark for food safety standards worldwide. Through the efforts of dedicated professionals, NSF remains committed to ensuring that food safety is upheld at every level, benefiting consumers and fostering a culture of safety and awareness.