World Food Day: A Global Call to Action for Food Security and Sustainability

In many parts of the world where agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy and provides sustenance for millions, World Food Day holds particular significance. This is a time to reflect on the challenges faced by the food industry, from small-scale farmers to large agricultural corporations, and to emphasise the importance of food safety, sustainability and innovation in addressing these challenges.

As a global leader in public health and safety, NSF is dedicated to supporting food safety initiatives and helping businesses implement best practises that ensure the well-being of consumers. Around the world, NSF works closely with companies in the food and beverage sector to develop and implement rigorous standards that guarantee the safety, quality and sustainability of their products.

Here are some of the ways NSF supports food safety and sustainability:

1. SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification
   SQF is a globally recognised food safety and quality programme designed to manage food safety risks and improve product quality. By achieving SQF certification, companies demonstrate their commitment to a safe, controlled food production process, ensuring compliance with global food safety regulations. NSF helps companies implement SQF standards, from initial assessment to certification, ensuring that all processes are aligned with industry best practises.
2. FSSC 22000 certification
   FSSC 22000 is one of the leading global food safety certifications, recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). It provides a framework for managing food safety responsibilities and ensuring compliance with international food safety regulations. NSF supports organisations through the FSSC 22000 certification process by providing guidance on implementing effective food safety management systems, ensuring that companies meet regulatory requirements and protect consumer health.
3. HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) certification
   HACCP is an internationally recognised methodology for identifying and managing food safety risks. NSF offers HACCP certification services that businesses use, to proactively prevent foodborne illnesses by identifying critical control points in their production processes. This ensures that every step in the food supply chain is monitored to mitigate risks and comply with safety regulations. By implementing HACCP, companies can improve consumer confidence and protect public health.
4. SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit)
   SMETA is one of the world’s most widely used ethical audit formats, evaluating working conditions, environmental impact and business ethics across supply chains. NSF provides SMETA auditing services that companies adopt to ensure ethical sourcing and compliance with global labour standards. Through SMETA certification, businesses demonstrate their commitment to ethical sourcing, improving transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.
5. Food testing and analysis
   From our accredited labs, we support every sector of the food industry to meet the growing demands of customers, regulators and end users. Together, we make an important contribution to food safety and consumer health protection – with innovative analysis and technical know-how. From raw materials to ready meals to animal feed, we can examine the composition of different types products, perform nutritional analysis, test for contaminants, detect pathogens and more. We can also perform testing of packaging to ensure food safety.
6. Food equipment and food contact materials certification
   Once food has moved from the farm to the fork, NSF shines as a pioneer in hygiene standards for food service equipment products. We work with clients to ensure compliance with hygienic design in the production of food service equipment products. With over 75 standards and protocols for food equipment products, we have certified thousands of products against these standards for use in restaurants and commercial kitchens.
7. Food safety and hygiene audits
   Retailers, food service and hospitality businesses also look to NSF to conduct independent, 2nd-party food safety and hygiene audits for grocery stores, restaurants, hotels and many other types of organisations. Our independent audits are designed to keep food safety standards high and consistent cross multiple locations, for peace of mind, brand protection and added consumer confidence.

On World Food Day, NSF reaffirms its commitment to advancing food safety and sustainability across the globe. From ensuring the integrity of the supply chain to promoting best practises in food production, NSF plays a critical role in helping companies navigate the complex challenges of today’s food system.

By collaborating with businesses and organisations to develop sustainable solutions, NSF is helping to create a future where food security is a reality for all. As we continue to face challenges related to climate change, resource scarcity, and the growing demand for safe, nutritious food, the work of NSF will be increasingly vital in ensuring that our food systems remain resilient and capable of meeting global needs.