NSF, a health and safety standards authority for certification, has unveiled its latest certification guideline, NSF 537: PFAS-Free Products for Nonfood Compounds and Food Equipment Materials, to confirm that products are free from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
While PFAS are commonly used in nonstick, water-repellent, and grease-proof products, including food equipment and nonfood compounds like food-safe lubricants and sanitizer, the class of chemicals has been linked to serious health concerns such as liver disease, cancer, and developmental delays in children.
The certification can apply to manufacturers of food equipment materials, nonfood compounds, and chemicals. The new guideline leverages NSF’s laboratory and testing capabilities to confirm that products are PFAS-free.
“With growing concerns and new regulations being introduced on PFAS in our environment and food supply, NSF 537 represents a significant leap forward in consumer safety and transparency,” announced Sam Cole, director of Food Contact Evaluation at NSF. “This certification will empower forward-thinking manufacturers to clearly distinguish PFAS-free products, giving both retail and food businesses and consumers confidence and peace of mind,” he added.
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Cole suggested that the certification offers a commitment to meeting evolving regulations, “consequentially opening up exporting opportunities,” and advancing sustainable operations, he said.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences identifies contaminated water and food as primary sources of PFAS exposure.
Key Features of NSF 537 Certification
The NSF 537 guideline includes the following elements:
- Evidence-based framework: Developed with specialist food industry knowledge and aligned with existing state regulations.
- Thorough formulation review: Ensures no intentionally added PFAS are present in product ingredients.
- Comprehensive testing: Requires minimal to no detected levels of total organic fluorine (TOF) with annual retesting.
- Rigorous disclosure requirements: Mandates manufacturers to confirm the absence of PFAS additives, post-consumer recycled materials, and minimal cross-contamination.
- Certification mark: Products meeting NSF 537 standards will carry the official NSF PFAS-Free certification mark.
- Public listings: Certified nonfood compounds and food equipment materials will be listed in the NSF White Book™ and NSF’s Certified Food Equipment directory.
The certification process requires nonfood compound products to be registered under NSF’s Nonfood Compounds Guidelines or certified by NSF to ISO 21469, while food equipment materials must comply with NSF/ANSI Standard 51.
