Sanitation

When purchasing equipment, look for models that have been tested and certified by recognized agencies that certify products and write standards for food, water, air, and consumer goods. Three prominent agencies are NSF International (www.nsf.org, formerly the National Sanitation Foundation), CSA International (www.csa-international.org), and Underwriters Laboratory (www.ul.com). These three agencies are accredited by ANSI, the American National Standards Institute, as Standards Developing Organizations (SOOs). They are also accredited by ANSI to certify equipment (such as baking and other commercial food equipment) against the American National Standards that have been developed by each of these SOOs. The standards, and the certifications of these three agencies, are recognized internationally. Products meeting their testing requirements are labeled or marked accordingly. Criteria govern such factors as design and construction (for example, sealed joints and seams as well as accessible and component parts), materials used (for example, nontoxic materials, smooth and easily cleanable surfaces), and performance testing.