NSF Joins Ozark River® to Promote Food Safety and Handwashing at World Food Championships

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. and ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Ozark River Portable Sinks®, the official food safety partner of the World Food Championships (WFC), is collaborating with NSF, a global public health and safety organization, to build awareness about the importance of food safety and proper handwashing. During this year’s WFC event, Ozark River Portable Sinks®, certified to NSF/ANSI 169: Special Purpose Food Equipment and Devices, will be used at each of the 20 competition stations and will also be available to visitors in the main arena. The championships take place in Orange Beach, Alabama on November 8-14.

Ozark River Portable Sinks® produce hot water for dependable and economical handwashing for cooking stations, restaurants, caterers and schools. The faucet feature of the portable sink streams a half-gallon of water per minute which safeguards users’ hands and is compliant with local and state handwashing codes. Proper handwashing with hot water and soap can reduce the spread of germs, which is especially important for food safety as well as disease prevention and personal health.

The certification of the Ozark River Portable Sinks® to NSF/ANSI 169 establishes minimum food protection and sanitation requirements for the materials, design, fabrication, construction and performance of special-purpose food handling and processing equipment such as these portable sinks.

“Ozark River® invited NSF to partner with us for the World Food Championships because we share a commitment to proper handwashing that benefits everyone’s health,” said Martin Watts, CEO of Ozark River Portable Sinks®. “Certification to NSF/ANSI 169 shows our commitment to provide a tested portable sink for handwashing that can ensure a source of clean hot water to reduce cross-contamination and the spread of illness.”

“The partnership between Ozark River® and NSF is a natural fit as both organizations are dedicated to public health and safety with a commitment to sharing the importance of proper handwashing,” said Sarah Krol, Global Managing Director of Food Safety for NSF. “Joining Ozark River® at the World Food Championships offers NSF a great opportunity to demonstrate the importance of certified portable sinks for proper handwashing.”

NSF’s public health and safety mission is demonstrated through its food safety-oriented germ studies, food safety tips and Scrub Club®. Scrub Club® teaches proper handwashing techniques to prevent the spread of viruses and germs. Typically viruses and germs can live for 20 minutes to two hours on surfaces such as cafeteria tables, door knobs and desks. Scrub Club® is targeted to children, but is relevant for everyone including those in the food preparation and restaurant business Ozark River Portable Sinks® provide a convenient and easily accessible source of water to encourage good handwashing practices.

Editor’s Note: Media interested in more information can contact media@nsf.org or call +1 734 214 6242.

About NSF
NSF (nsf.org) is a global independent organization that writes standards, and tests and certifies products for the water, food, health sciences and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting human health and safety worldwide. With clients in more than 170 countries, NSF is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center on Food Safety, Water Quality and Indoor Environment.

NSF provides expertise and accredited food services across all supply chain sectors, including agriculture, animal feed and welfare, produce, processing, distribution, dairy, seafood, quality management software, retail and restaurants. Services include Global Food Safety Initiative, foodservice equipment and nonfood compounds certification, HACCP validation and inspection, label claims verification and certification, DNA and food package testing, product and process development, food fraud consulting and training, and organic and Certified Transitional certification through Quality Assurance International (QAI). We also offer expert auditing, consulting and training.

About Ozark River
Ozark River Portable Sinks® (www.Ozarkriver.com) is the premier manufacturer of NFS International certified hot water sinks. Its attention to quality has made them a leader in both innovation and service. All of their sinks feature instant hot water technology and convenient quick-connect tanks, giving customers the benefits of hot water without the expense of plumbing. 100% of the indoor and outdoor sinks are manufactured in its 40,000 sq. ft. facility located in Murfreesboro, TN.

About the World Food Championships
The World Food Championships (www.WorldFoodChampionships.com) features 500 culinary champions seeking food fame and fortune. The sixth annual event, scheduled for Nov. 8-14, 2017 at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, will conduct 10 category championships before culminating in a high-stakes Final Table showdown for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. For all WFC updates, follow World Food Championships on Twitter (@WorldFoodChamp), and Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships).