Latin America is home to a rich and varied culinary landscape, yet it also faces significant challenges in ensuring food safety across restaurants, hotels, cafés and convenience outlets. In response to growing consumer concerns, NSF International—an independent global public health and safety organization headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan—has rolled out its Checked by NSF™ seal across Latin America, providing a transparent, third-party verification of food safety and hygiene practices.
Each year, unsafe food accounts for an estimated 600 million cases of foodborne illness and 420 000 deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. That equates to nearly one in ten people falling ill from contaminated food, with children under five particularly vulnerable, accounting for roughly 30 percent of these fatalities. Such statistics underscore the critical need for reliable indicators that consumers can trust when choosing where to dine or purchase prepared foods. World Health OrganizationWorld Health Organization
Bridging the Transparency Gap
Traditionally, finding credible food-safety information about a given establishment can be cumbersome for Latin American consumers. While some jurisdictions publish inspection reports, the data may be outdated or hard to access. The Checked by NSF mark addresses this gap by signalling, at a glance, that an independent audit was conducted on a specific date, and that the venue meets rigorous hygiene and handling standards derived from the U.S. FDA Food Code 2022, adapted to align with local regulations.
“Displaying the Checked by NSF seal, whether on-site or online, represents a competitive advantage for food service operators,” explains Ronald Gonzalez, Director of NSF’s Food Services division for Latin America. “It demonstrates an establishment’s commitment to consumer safety and elevates confidence in brand quality, setting certified venues apart from their peers.”
A Three-Phase Verification Process
The Checked by NSF certification unfolds in three distinct stages:
- Policy Review
NSF experts examine the business’s existing food-safety and hygiene policies, ensuring they meet the standards specified by both the FDA Food Code and applicable local laws. - On-Site Facility Audit
Trained auditors visit the premises to verify that written policies are properly implemented in practice. They inspect food handling, storage, preparation areas and overall facility cleanliness. - Routine Monitoring
To maintain integrity, NSF conducts follow-up visits at frequencies determined by risk factors and local requirements, confirming ongoing compliance with hygiene and safety protocols.
Impact on the Foodservice Industry
By offering a clear, recognizable seal of approval, Checked by NSF empowers consumers to make informed choices and fosters a culture of accountability among food operators. For multi-unit chains and independent establishments alike, the programme can drive operational improvements, reducing the risk of foodborne incidents, minimizing reputational damage, and potentially lowering insurance premiums.
Moreover, this initiative aligns with broader One Health and Global Food Safety efforts, which emphasize the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Transparent certification schemes like Checked by NSF complement public-sector inspection regimes, reinforcing best practices at every step of the food chain.
Looking Ahead
NSF International plans to expand the programme’s reach across major urban centres in Latin America over the coming year, targeting high-traffic hospitality and retail outlets. As demand for reliable food-safety assurances grows, hotels, restaurants and food-service chains that adopt Checked by NSF early will be well-positioned to capture discerning customers and demonstrate leadership in public health stewardship.
In a region where culinary tradition is a point of pride, Checked by NSF offers both consumers and businesses a simple yet powerful tool: a seal that speaks volumes about safety, quality and trust. By raising the bar for hygiene transparency, NSF’s latest programme represents a meaningful step toward safer, more resilient food systems throughout Latin America.
