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The Mission, Values and History of NSF

Posted Date:2018/12/12

Mission

NSF International is dedicated to being the leading global provider of public health and safety-based risk management solutions while serving the interests of all stakeholders, namely the public, the business community and government agencies. Our mission is carried out by over 2,500 global employees, including microbiologists, toxicologists, chemists, engineers, and environmental and public health professionals.

Values 

When it comes to our people and the way we work, we possess six core values. We demand the highest ethics and integrity from our professionals. We operate using sound scientific principles. We respect and care for each other. We promote personal and professional growth and foster innovation and creativity. We demonstrate social and environmental responsibility. And finally, we are committed to winning and being the best.

Our History 

Our beginning: NSF International was founded in 1944 as the National Sanitation Foundation. Using a transparent, consensus-based process, we developed our first standards for the sanitation of soda fountain and luncheonette equipment in the early 1950s. This became the process by which we develop all of our public health and safety standards.

Our name: As we expanded services beyond sanitation and into global markets, we changed our name to NSF International in 1990. The letters NSF honor our original name. 

Our process: To develop uniform, consensus-based national standards, we bring together regulators, industry, consumers and public health experts. Our scientists, engineers and public health professionals test to these standards or protocols.

We have developed more than 90 public health and safety American National Standards and over 30 protocols for appliances, food equipment, drinking water filters and other products. Products that meet these standards bear the NSF mark.

What is Third-Party Certification?

Third-party certification means that an independent organization has reviewed the manufacturing process of a product and has independently determined that the final product complies with specific standards for safety, quality or performance. This review typically includes comprehensive formulation/material reviews, testing and facility inspections. Most certified products bear the certifier’s mark on their packaging to help consumers and other buyers make educated purchasing decisions.

NSF Certification

Recognized by regulatory agencies at the local, state, federal and international level, NSF certification demonstrates that a product complies with all standard requirements. NSF conducts periodic facility audits and product testing to verify that the product continues to comply with the standard.

NSF’s programs include testing and certifying drinking water treatment products and water filters, commercial food service equipment and a wide array of consumer products such as bottled water, nutritional supplements, private label goods, personal care items and home appliances (washers, dryers and dishwashers).

Why Do Companies Seek NSF Certification?

Independent, third-party testing and certification through NSF helps organizations:

· Demonstrate compliance with national or international standards and regulations

· Demonstrate independent validation and verification of their commitment to safety and quality

· Increase credibility and acceptance with retailers, consumers and regulators

· Benefit from enhanced product quality and safety

The NSF mark

The NSF mark is your assurance that the product has been tested by one of the most respected independent certification organizations in existence today. It is valued by consumers, manufacturers, retailers and regulatory agencies worldwide. 

The NSF certification mark on a product means that the product complies with all standard requirements. NSF conducts periodic unannounced inspections and product testing to verify that the product continues to comply with the standard.

The mark also provides:

· Knowledge that an impartial review against established criteria or guidelines has been conducted

· Evidence that product labeling and claims have been objectively reviewed by a trusted third party

· A way to differentiate your product from your competitors’ and gain advantage in the market

· Evidence of your organization’s company-wide commitment to quality, compliance and safety

· Backing by a team of professionals dedicated to public health and safety operating in more than 170 countries around the world