Public Health Organization NSF Launches Vegan & Cruelty-Free Certifications

Global public health and safety organization NSF has launched a vegan and cruelty-free certification program, known as NSF Protocol 543. This program sets rigorous requirements for various sectors including food and beverage, pet food, dietary supplements, personal care, cosmetics, and household products. The certification aims to meet the growing consumer demand for ethically produced and sustainable items, offering three certification options globally – NSF Vegan, NSF Cruelty-Free, and NSF Vegan and Cruelty-Free.

Products seeking vegan certification must adhere to strict requirements, such as ingredients not being derived from animals, no animal testing at any stage of product development, and supply chain verification. For cruelty-free products, ingredients and products must not be tested on animals, with similar supply chain verification processes. This certification is seen as a critical step forward in improving transparency and confidence in product claims for consumers, as well as providing a competitive advantage for manufacturers in addressing industry challenges.