NSF Certification: What It Means

In the food and beverage industry, ensuring public health is paramount. Organizations must consider that all products used in the manufacturing process must be made from materials that are safe for food contact. This is where NSF certification is crucial—products bearing the NSF seal are sanitary and safe to use around certain food and beverage environments. At Automation Products Group, Inc. (APG), we proudly offer several NSF-certified products. But what does NSF certification truly mean? Let’s take a look!

What is the NSF?

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) was founded in 1944. As an independent, international organization, NSF specializes in public health and safety, setting the benchmark for health standards, testing, and certification for food products. The NSF certification mark represents adherence to strict, standard requirements, making it a symbol of safety and high quality.

What Does NSF Certification Mean?

Products with the NSF certification signify that a product has been deemed sanitary and safe for certain food and beverage environments. The product undergoes thorough evaluation and lab testing to confirm they’re sanitary and safe for food environments. Additionally, a facility inspection is conducted to verify the product is manufactured in a facility that meets safety, quality, and sanitary requirements. Once the evaluation is complete and successful, the NSF certification is issued, allowing the NSF seal to be placed on labels and packaging, letting consumers know that the product is NSF certified.

To maintain NSF certification, the product must continue to undergo annual testing for recertification. Regular facility inspections are also integral to this process, ensuring that both the product as well as the facility is up to date.

Types of NSF Certification

There are several types of NSF Certification. Each certification is for a specific environment and usage of the product.

• NSF 169: covers specialty equipment devices that have complex or multiple functions such as refrigeration or heating equipment.
• NSF 61: covers products that come into contact with potable or drinking water in the United States.
• NSF 372: ensures that products contain no more than 0.25% lead content in drinking water system components.

Do APG Products Carry NSF Certification?

Yes! Several of APG’s stainless steel float switches are NSF 169 certified.

• FS-400 Vertical Float Switch: this compact float switch can withstand operating temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
• FS-410 Vertical Float Switch: this miniature float switch is less than 2.35 inches in length, bringing high performance to small spaces. These float switches come standard with Normally Open operation, but can be easily changed to Normally Closed by removing the e-clip at the bottom of the stem.
• FS-500 Horizontal Float Switch: this float switch has reversible switch orientation and three fitting configurations.

If you would like to learn more about how APG’s products are NSF certified, please reach out to one of our experts today!