NSF Launches Certification Guideline for PFAS-Free Products to Ensure Consumer Safety
On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, NSF, a prominent global public health and safety organization, announced the introduction of their latest certification guideline, NSF Certification Guideline 537: PFAS-Free Products for Nonfood Compounds and Food Equipment Materials (NSF 537). This guideline is a reflection of NSF’s extensive laboratory and testing capabilities and aims to confirm that products are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
PFAS are synthetic or manufactured materials that resist degradation and are often used in consumer goods, food equipment, and nonfood compounds such as food-safe lubricants, cleaners, and sanitizers due to their properties of being water or oil-repellent, nonstick, and grease-proof. However, these chemicals have been linked to detrimental health conditions, including liver disease, certain types of cancers, and delayed development in children. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the most common mode of exposure to PFAS is through consuming contaminated water or food.
Sam Cole, Director of Food Contact Evaluation at NSF, stated, “With growing concerns and new regulations being introduced on PFAS in our environment and food supply, NSF 537 represents a significant leap forward in consumer safety and transparency.” He further added, “This certification will empower forward-thinking manufacturers to clearly distinguish PFAS-free products, giving both retail and food businesses and consumers confidence and peace of mind.”
The key features of NSF Certification Guideline 537 are evidence-based, a thorough formulation review, comprehensive testing, rigorous disclosures, certification mark, and public listing. The guideline is backed by decades of specialist food industry knowledge and standards development and is based on existing limits in regulations. Technical review of product ingredients is conducted to confirm that there are no intentionally added PFAS. Comprehensive testing is also carried out to ensure minimal to no detected total organic fluorine (TOF) levels, with yearly retesting. Manufacturers are also required to attest that no PFAS additives or post-consumer recycled material are used in the product, and that manufacturing facilities minimize cross-contamination. Products that comply with the guideline are accompanied by the relevant official NSF certification mark, signifying their compliance. Additionally, certified nonfood compounds are listed in the NSF White Bookâ˘, and certified food equipment materials are listed in NSF’s Certified Food Equipment listing.
Cole further explained, “Certification to NSF 537 helps to reduce human exposure to these harmful chemicals while underscoring a commitment to meeting evolving regulations, consequentially opening up exporting opportunities.” He added, “By demanding NSF 537 certification, specifiers and buyers can further advance sustainable operations, including in food processing facilities, equipment manufacturing, and the retail, food service, and hospitality sectors.”
This certification guideline has been designed by food safety specialists, based on industry needs, in-depth food industry knowledge, and decades of standards development. To achieve certification, nonfood compound products must first be registered under NSF’s Nonfood Compounds Guidelines or certified by NSF to ISO 21469, Safety of Machinery, Lubricants with Incidental Product Contact-Hygiene Requirements. Food equipment materials must be certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 51: Food Equipment Materials to ensure that products meet minimum public health and sanitation requirements.
To learn more about NSF 537 and its significance in promoting consumer safety and reducing human exposure to harmful chemicals, please visit https://www.nsf.org/testing/certification-programs/pfas-free-products-for-nonfood-compounds-and-food-equipment-materials-nsf-537.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.