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What Is NSF Certification?

Millions of people take the safety of their food, water and consumer products for granted on a daily basis. Why? Because of three letters: NSF. NSF certification is your key to making sure that the products you use meet strict standards for public health protection.

Choosing a product certified by NSF lets you know the company complies with strict standards and procedures imposed by NSF. From extensive product testing and material analyses to unannounced plant inspections, every aspect of a product's development is thoroughly evaluated before it can earn our certification.

Most importantly, NSF certification is not a one-time event, but involves regular on-site inspections of manufacturing facilities and regular re-testing of products to ensure that they continue to meet the same high standards required to maintain certification over time. If for any reason a product fails to meet one or more certification criteria, NSF will take enforcement actions to protect you, including product recall, public notification or de-certification.

Products that earn NSF certification are said to be “NSF certified” or “NSF listed” and display the applicable NSF certification mark to show that they have been tested by one of today’s most respected independent product testing organizations.

How NSF Can Help You

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What’s New with NSF

  • NSF Launches Independent Certification Standard for Compact Products

    August 25, 2026
    New third-party certification verifies products cutting materials and shipping impacts while maintaining safety and performance.
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  • CELSIUS® Products Earn NSF Certified for Sport® Certification

    August 20, 2026
    CELSIUS® has earned NSF Certified for Sport® certification for select products, including the CELSIUS VIBES line, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality, transparency and consumer trust.
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  • Thomas Vyles Honored With 2026 Walter F. Snyder Environmental Health Award

    August 19, 2026
    The award honors Walter F. Snyder, co-founder and first executive director of NSF, and pioneers whose work advances environmental and public health.
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  • NSF Hosts First External Review Panel for ‘NSF/KWTC 555’ with Key Asian Water Authorities

    August 3, 2026
    Joint standard development gains momentum to enhance confidence in Asia’s water industry and advance drinking water safety.
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