
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2009
CONTACT: Greta Houlahan
Phone: 734-913-5723
Email: houlahan@nsf.org
NSF Annex G Certification of Italian Faucet Manufacturer Supports New Requirements for Low Lead Plumbing Products to Take Effect 1/1/2010
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – NSF International, a not-for-profit, public health and safety organization, today announced that MGS Progetti has become one of the first European faucet manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with Annex G. Certification to NSF’s Annex G, which contains requirements for low lead plumbing products, helps protect the public from exposure to lead.
The new section of NSF/ANSI Standard 61 - Annex G – Weighted Average Lead Content Evaluation Procedure to a 0.25 Percent Lead Requirement – includes requirements that mandate a maximum weighted average lead content of ≤ 0.25 percent. The new requirement applies to manufacturers of faucets, valves, water fittings, and other products that come in contact with drinking water.
“By obtaining certification from NSF International, we have been able to demonstrate how our unique products, meet the low lead content requirements of Annex G,” said Stephen Rinaldi, Managing Director, MGS Progetti. “We believe that by using lead-free stainless steel we provide high quality, environmentally-friendly and safer products.”
“I would like to congratulate MGS Progetti for taking the lead in meeting these new requirements by having their stainless steel products certified by NSF,” said Bob Ferguson, Vice President, NSF Water Systems. “By obtaining Annex G certification, MGS Progetti continues to reinforce to their customers worldwide that public health protection is a top priority.”
To receive certification, MGS Progetti met the new lead content requirement of ≤ 0.25 percent and the requirements of NSF/ANSI Standard 61, Annex G. Compliance is determined by a weighted average calculation involving the maximum percent lead content of material specifications and wetted surface areas. 
For meeting the new requirements, MGS Progetti’s products bear the NSF Annex G Certification Mark. MGS Progetti is also listed on the NSF Web site to demonstrate compliance with the new requirements.
To ensure ongoing compliance with the new lead requirements, NSF will conduct annual, unannounced inspections of the manufacturing facilities for certified products and re-test products on a regular basis.
For more information on NSF/ANSI Standard 61/Annex G requirements or NSF testing and certification services, visit NSF's Web site or contact Pete Greiner at 734.769.5517 or greinerp@nsf.org. A copy of Annex G as adopted in NSF/ANSI 61 – 2008 is available on NSF’s Web site.
Additional Background on the Development of Annex G
The annex was developed by NSF’s Lead Task Group with guidance from key regulators, proponents of the California lead bill, industry representatives and the NSF Standard 61 Joint Committee. The NSF Joint Committee is comprised of equal representation from public health, user communities and industry to ensure an open, transparent and consensus process.
Informational links:
About NSF International: NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, helps protect you by certifying products and writing standards for food, water and consumer goods (www.nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. Additional services include safety audits for the food and water industries, management systems registrations delivered through NSF International Strategic Registrations, organic certification provided by Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF Center for Public Health Education.