NSF Celebrates 80 Years of Improving Human and Planet Health

12 September 2024

NSF has been pioneering public and environmental health since 1944 by developing and implementing public and environmental health standards.

ANN ARBOR, Mich, September 12, 2024 – NSF, a leading global public health and safety organization, today celebrates its 80th anniversary at its headquarters, offices and laboratories around the world. Founded in 1944 as the National Sanitation Foundation, NSF has evolved into a global services organization at the forefront of standards development, product certification, and testing, serving industries, governments, and consumers in 180 countries.

For eight decades, NSF has been at the forefront of protecting human and planet health. Where you need us the most, you'll find NSF. We leverage science, innovation and partnerships to enable safe and sustainable food, clean water and life-enhancing products. From ensuring the safety of the water you drink to certifying the food in your grocery store, NSF works behind the scenes to keep consumers safe and the planet healthier every day.

Pedro Sancha, President and CEO of NSF

Throughout its legacy, NSF has remained committed to scientific excellence, rigorous testing and transparency. Its iconic blue NSF certification mark has become synonymous with safety, quality and integrity, instilling confidence in consumers, retailers and regulators. As a trusted third-party certification organization, NSF has helped businesses and manufacturers demonstrate that their products meet the highest standards of health, safety and compliance, and governments protect the health of its citizens and the environment.

From its humble beginnings at the University of Michigan, NSF has expanded its reach to become a trusted name worldwide. Its mission is carried out by thousands of world-class scientists, engineers and experts. Over 300,000 audits and 600,000 tests are performed annually, ensuring the safety and quality of countless products that impact the daily lives of millions of people globally.

Key Milestones and Achievements:

1952: Released initial food equipment standards, setting the benchmark for the food service industry.
1970s: Played a crucial role in developing federal guidelines for the Safe Drinking Water Act.
1996: Recognized as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center on Drinking Water Safety and Treatment.
2003: Developed NSF/ANSI 173, a voluntary consensus standard for dietary supplements.
2014: Designated as a Pan American Health Organization/WHO Collaborating Center on Food Safety, Water Quality, and Indoor Environment.

NSF was built on a foundation of trust and partnerships. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we look forward to continuing to innovate to protect people and the planet in a rapidly changing global landscape. Our mission has never been more critical. The world needs NSF to tackle its most pressing public health challenges, from addressing the presence of PFAS and nano plastics in our water systems to building a more resilient and ethical food supply chain as we journey to a safer and more sustainable future.

Pedro Sancha, President and CEO of NSF

In celebration of the occasion, NSF has launched a commemorative e-book (NSF Celebrating 80 Years) detailing its 80-year journey and how the organization is innovating to support a future with safe and sustainable food, clean water and cutting-edge health products for all.

For more information on NSF, visit nsf.org.

About NSF

NSF is an independent, global services organization dedicated to improving human and planet health for more than 80 years by developing public health standards and providing world-class testing, inspection, certification, advisory services and digital solutions to the food, nutrition, water, life sciences and consumer goods industries. NSF has 40,000 clients across all continents and is a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center on Food Safety, Water Quality and Medical Device Safety.