Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Dine Safer™ Food Safety Best Practices Program?
• Who can participate in the program?
• What are the benefits to restaurants and other foodservice establishments?
• Will the foodservice establishments undergo the same inspections as they would with the Rhode Island Department of Health?
• What will auditors be looking for?
• What requirements will restaurants and other foodservice establishments need to meet in order to receive NSF Dine Safer™ Certification?
• What are the benefits to consumers?
• What are the benefits for the regulatory community?
• How can I get involved?
• Who is NSF International?

Question/Answer

What is the Dine Safer™ Food Safety Best Practices Program?

The NSF Dine Safer™ Food Safety Best Practices program provides an enhanced level of confidence in your quality assurance programs. The program, which will be administered by professionally accredited staff, brings together Rhode Island Department of Health regulations and industry best practices to ensure that restaurants and other foodservice establishments have the best food safety, workplace safety and sanitation practices in place.

Only restaurants and other foodservice establishments that meet all requirements and achieve the Dine Safer™ certification are permitted to display the Dine Safer™ Mark in their establishment. This Mark highlights your outstanding food safety commitment and demonstrates to consumers that you have met all Rhode Island Department of Health regulations as well as industry best practices.

How will NSF and the Rhode Island Department of Health work together to provide food safety solutions?

Who can participate in the program?

All foodservice establishments within the State of Rhode Island, including:

• Full- and quick-service restaurants
• Convenience stores
• Cafeterias
• Assisted living
• Daycare
• Luncheonette/snack bar
• Catering services or commissionaire
• Hotels
• Foodservice and facility management companies

What are the benefits to foodservice establishments?

Experienced and seasoned auditors will help foodservice establishments go above and beyond standard food safety requirements. This will help restaurants and other foodservice establishments clearly differentiate themselves from the competition - when it comes to sales, brand equity and customer satisfaction. Enrollment in the Dine Safer™ Food Safety & Best Practices Program demonstrates an overall commitment to food safety and offers a unique point of difference as a leader in the industry.

The Dine Safer™ Mark will be awarded only to establishments that meet all requirements demonstrating leadership in food safety and quality initiatives. The Rhode Island Department of Health and NSF International will also feature your establishment as a facility that makes food safety a top priority.

The NSF Dine Safer™ Mark may be displayed prominently in the certified foodservice establishment including:

• Entranceway on doors and windows
• Advertising materials & coupons
• Hostess stand
• Menus
• Table tents
• Employee signage
• Facility and corporate website

NSF and the Rhode Island Department of Health will also publicize your dining establishment's participation in the program to local media.

Will the establishments undergo the same inspections as they would with the Rhode Island Department of Health?

Yes, the audit forms are equivalent to those used by the State.

What are auditors looking for?

Compliance to FDA's Food Code requirements and the NSF Certification Guideline for Food Safety which include requirements for Industry Best Practices in food safety, workplace safety and sanitation. The pass/fail criteria are designed to accommodate quality/safety plans and exceed state licensing requirements.

What are the steps to certification?

• Desk validation of the facility's quality and safety plan
• Desk validation of the facility self inspection tool
• Verification through semi-annual audits to ensure food code requirements and best industry practices are being followed
• Corrective action documented for all items of non-compliance
• Follow-up audits to ensure ongoing compliance

What are the benefits to the consuming public?

Peace of mind … as a restaurant and foodservice establishment you can demonstrate compliance with all of Rhode Island Department of Health regulations and the Dine Safer™ Program. When consumers see the NSF Dine Safer™ Mark prominently displayed they can be assured that your establishment takes food safety seriously.

What are the benefits for the regulatory community?

The State of Rhode Island now will be able to focus more of its time and resources on restaurants and other foodservice establishments that face challenges in complying with food safety regulations, knowing that the establishments certified to the Dine Safer™ program are complying with state regulations. This proactive approach will also help set higher food safety standards throughout the industry.

How can I get involved?

Please visit complete the online form or contact Patrick Pimentel, MS, General Manager, NSF Retail Food Safety Programs, at 734-827-6893 / pimentel@nsf.org or Thomas Nerney, Compliance Officer, Rhode Island Department of Health, at 401.222.7717 / Thomas.Nerney@health.ri.gov.

What is NSF International?

Since 1944, NSF International, an independent, non-profit organization, has been committed to protecting public health and safety worldwide. NSF helps protect the public by certifying products and writing standards for food, water and consumer goods. 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.