ANN ARBOR, Mich. — NSF International (NSF) has announced the launch of a new Beverage Quality Certification Program. The program expands the scope of NSF's bottled water program to test, audit and certify natural mineral waters, flavored and functional beverages.
NSF currently certifies approximately 200 bottlers in more than 60 countries. Each of these bottlers voluntarily undergo extensive product testing and unannounced, bottling facility audits, which encompass every aspect of the operation from water source to the filling room.
NSF performs extensive product testing for more than 160 chemicals, inorganic, radiological and microbiological contaminants. As part of the certification process, bottlers also are required to submit a toxicological review of all ingredients.
Certification and testing to both United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and European Union (EU) requirements are available. Functional beverages also must meet requirements set forth by NSF's Dietary Supplement Certification Program to verify that the contents of the bottle match what is indicated on the product label.
