NSF Launches Checked by NSF™ Program in Latin America for Food Safety Verification

ANN ARBOR, MI – NSF, a leading global public health and safety organization, today has announced the launch of the Checked by NSF seal in Latin America for food safety and hygiene verification. Based on the FDA Food Code 2022 and aligned with local legislation, the Checked by NSF mark allows food establishments such as restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, among others, to demonstrate their commitment to food safety to customers.

According to food safety data and news published by the WHO in 2024, 600 million people become ill annually from foodborne illnesses and 420,000 die each year as a result of eating unsafe food. Therefore, it is important for consumers to know how to find food safety information about an establishment. However, such a search can be a challenge for the food industry.

Proof that an establishment has been assessed according to food safety regulations is a way to ensure transparency in food safety and hygiene. This not only strengthens consumer confidence in brands but also raises awareness among everyone involved, from business owners to end customers, about the risks posed by inadequate management.

The Checked by NSF seal, displayed online or in-store, means that NSF auditors verified, on the specified date, that the food hygiene and safety policies were being applied at the location displaying the Checked by NSF mark. Therefore, "it represents a competitive advantage for the establishment, as it highlights the company's responsibility and commitment and also allows it to differentiate itself from its competitors," says Ronald Gonzalez, director of the Food Services division for Latin America.

The Checked by NSF certification program consists of three phases:

• Phase 1: Policy Review: The NSF team verifies whether the establishment's current policies meet the requirements of the food safety and hygiene regulations that govern the Checked by NSF program.
• Phase 2: Facility Visit: Auditors verify that everything in the policies has been properly implemented and is being used in practice, inspecting food handling, storage, and preparation, as well as facility cleanliness.
• Phase 3: Routine Monitoring: Auditors return to the facility as frequently as required to verify continued compliance with food hygiene and safety standards.

Learn more about the Checked by NSF seal (in Spanish).