ANN ARBOR, Mich. and GUELPH, Ontario – The Guelph Food Technology Centre (GFTC) and NSF International have merged, the companies announced Feb. 5.

GFTC specializes in food safety certification, training, quality and technical solutions, while NSF International is a global public health and safety organization with a background in food safety and training. The merger will offer clients expanded services including training, auditing and certification for seafood, organic and global food safety certifications. The new organization will be known as NSF-GFTC.

"The globalization of the supply chain creates a need for global solutions" said Kevan P. Lawlor, NSF International President and CEO. "Adding GFTC's food safety expertise to our global food division will enable us to expand services to Canadian and multinational companies to help strengthen their food safety practices and stay competitive."

In addition to expanded services, NSF-GFTC clients will have the support of a global network of laboratories in Europe, China, Latin American and the US.NSF-GFTC will use proceeds from the merger to establish GFTC Legacy Inc., a funding source for Univ. of Guelph undergraduate scholarships, cooperative education and internships. Programs to improve innovations for food processors; scholarship trusts and GFTC member training will also benefit from GFTC Legacy.

"We share NSF's same values and vision," said Petra Schennach, GFTC president and CEO. Our services are the ideal complement to NSF's excellence in providing food safety certification, auditing, training and technical services. We look forward to providing a broader array of food safety services to members and clients both domestically and abroad."