Health and Safety Science
Independent chemical safety and toxicology risk assessments for food, beverage, water, medical device, consumer products and dietary supplements.
Companies face increasing pressure to validate product safety, demonstrate compliance, and proactively manage emerging chemical and contaminant risks. NSF Health and Safety Science (HSS) functions as an independent scientific authority providing toxicology, health risk assessment, and regulatory support to help brands bring safer, compliant, and trusted products to market.
We deliver science based evaluations, regulatory compliance support, and safety assessments that help manufacturers make confident decisions.
Why manufacturers choose NSF
As a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Water and Food Safety, NSF applies globally recognized scientific standards to safeguard human health. Our HSS program includes credentialed toxicologists and risk assessors who perform rigorous reviews, supported by external expert validation, to ensure alignment with global best practices. We also actively engage with professional organizations and academia on advances and challenges in toxicological methods and the application of cutting-edge technologies.
Our core services
Chemical risk and hazard assessments in support of certification, registration, and claims
HSS evaluates potential hazards, assesses exposure, and establishes criteria for:
- Standards 60/61/600: Water treatment chemicals and system components.
- Standard 173: Dietary supplement ingredients.
- Standard 527: Personal care and other consumer products.
- Nonfood Compound Registration: Food processing‑related contaminants.
- Safer Chemistry (EPA Safer Choice, ChemFORWARD Safer Verified): Supply chain alternatives.
Consultative safety assessments
HSS conducts customized, client-requested assessments to identify potential hazards related to:
- Cookware and containers.
- Food and supplement additives and contaminants.
- Drugs, drug delivery systems, and drug packaging.
- Environmental or agricultural contaminants.
Regulatory submissions
HSS supports clients in activities related to regulatory submissions and compliance, including:
- Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) notifications.
- New Dietary Ingredient Notifications (NDINs).
- Food Contact Notifications (FCNs).
- Proposition 65 assessments.
Expert consultation in toxicology and global public health
HSS provides expert opinions and consultation on risk assessment and related practices to inform global public health initiatives:
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on food and water safety.
- Coordination with national and international regulatory agencies.
- Lead international consortium of third-party certifying bodies to ensure consistent application of public health-protective standards for drinking water quality.
How we work with you
- 1
Define safety or regulatory question: We begin with a targeted scoping discussion to understand your specific needs and objectives.
- 2
Conduct hazard and/or exposure assessment: Our scientists evaluate hazard data, exposure scenarios, and global regulatory guidance.
- 3
Deliver actionable, science‑based conclusions: You receive a formal assessment report with clear conclusions addressing the specific question and recommended next steps.
- 4
Support your regulatory workflow: Submission of formatted finding to appropriate regulatory agency as needed.
Ready to advance the safety of your ingredients and products?
Our team helps you navigate complex chemical safety questions with clarity and scientific rigor. Whether you’re preparing a regulatory submission, assessing a new ingredient, or managing contaminant risks, NSF HSS provides the independent expertise you need.
Ready to get started?
Contact NSF Health and Safety Science to start your project or request a consultation.