In a landmark move that could reshape food safety standards, NSF has launched a pioneering certification program to verify products free from dangerous PFAS chemicals. The announcement on March 24, 2025, marks the first comprehensive effort to help manufacturers prove their food-related equipment and materials are free from these persistent environmental toxins.

The new program, formally known as NSF Certification Guideline 537, arrives as mounting evidence links PFAS exposure to serious health conditions, including cancer and developmental issues in children. These "forever chemicals," found in everything from nonstick cookware to food packaging, have become a growing concern for public health experts and consumers alike.

"This isn't just another certification — it's a crucial step toward safer food preparation and handling," explained Dr. Elena Martinez, an environmental toxicologist at Stanford University. "When these chemicals leach into food from equipment or packaging, they create a direct pathway into our bodies."

The certification process sets stringent standards beyond simple claims of PFAS-free status. To earn certification, products must contain absolutely no intentionally added PFAS and maintain total organic fluorine levels below 50 parts per million—a threshold that requires sophisticated laboratory testing to verify.

But the certification path isn't straightforward. Manufacturers must clear several hurdles:

• Food equipment materials must first meet NSF/ANSI Standard 51
• Nonfood compounds require either NSF Nonfood Compounds Guidelines registration or ISO 21469 certification
• Annual retesting of total organic fluorine levels
• Strict documentation proving no use of post-consumer recycled materials
• Implementation of cross-contamination prevention protocols

For food industry veteran James Chen, owner of Golden State Restaurant Supply, the certification couldn't come soon enough. "Our customers have been asking for PFAS-free guarantees for months," he said. "Now we'll finally have a way to provide that assurance."

The initiative includes a public verification system, with certified products listed in NSF's White Book for nonfood compounds and the Certified Food Equipment listing. This transparency allows businesses and consumers to verify claims of PFAS-free status easily.

Industry experts predict this certification could become the de facto standard for food equipment safety, particularly as states continue to enact stricter PFAS regulations. California and Maine have already banned PFAS in food packaging, with more states expected to follow suit.

The program's launch comes at a critical moment. Recent studies have detected PFAS in the bloodstream of 97% of Americans, highlighting the urgent need for systematic change in how these chemicals are regulated in the food industry.

"This certification program isn't just about following regulations—it's about leading the way toward a safer, cleaner future for food preparation," said Sam Cole, Director of Food Contact Evaluation at NSF. "We're giving manufacturers the tools to demonstrate their commitment to public health, while providing businesses and consumers the confidence they need in their equipment choices."

As the program rolls out, NSF will maintain a public database of certified products, making it easier for businesses to source PFAS-free equipment and materials. The organization expects to begin accepting certification applications immediately, with the first wave of certified products anticipated by summer 2025.