What Does the NSF Stamp Mean & Why Is It Important To You?
“Around the world, NSF International represents technical excellence in public health and safety, and the NSF mark is a symbol of this expertise.” -www.NSF.org
What is NSF?
NSF International (formerly the National Sanitation Foundation) is a third-party company that does a complete check of various foodservice equipment and supplies to ensure they meet or exceed NSF’s standards for cleanability, sanitation, and food protection. They test the essential parts that include materials, construction, design, and performance before they are confirmed eligible for the NSF stamp.
Why is NSF important?
While it is not required that you use NSF kitchen equipment at your restaurant, hotel, bar or home, it is highly recommended. When you see an NSF stamp on a product you know:
- The product was evaluated and reviewed by an impartial third party inspector
- The product labeling claims are true and tested by a trusted third-party
- Evidence the company is committed quality, compliance, and safety
Health Code Compliance: NSF closely monitors the jurisdictions for the Health Code Department so when you are buying an NSF product, it is sure to pass the test for local, state and federal health codes. Health inspectors can quickly verify compliance of NSF restaurant equipment just by seeing the stamp which can help speed up the process. Save yourself the headache of compliance issues and get the products you already know are approved.
Protecting Customers and Operations: The CDC estimates that roughly 48 million people gets sick from a foodborne illness every year, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die. Those staggering numbers can be frightening to consumers and commercial kitchens alike. Simple processes like looking for proper equipment and following appropriate food handling guidelines can help reduce the risk. Looking for products with the NSF stamp is a good place to start, especially if you are making a big investment on kitchen equipment like refrigerators, ice machines, food prep equipment, dinnerware, thermometers, cleaning products and more.
So regardless of if you are feeding hundreds at a restaurant or event, or just your family at home, look for the NSF stamp on your next foodservice item purchase and keep your customers, family, friends, and investment protected.
WANT MORE?
See NSF: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS by Lee Davis of SEFA
www.NSF.org or Contact Us Today
