NSF International, an independent global organization that writes public health standards, and tests and certifies products for the food, water, and consumer goods industries, has appointed Tom Chestnut as Vice President of NSF International’s Global Food Safety and Quality Division.
Chestnut has more than 25 years of food safety experience, most recently serving as NSF’s Vice President of Supply Chain Food Safety, helping companies throughout the global supply chain strengthen their quality assurance and food safety programs through auditing, testing and certification to the global food safety standards. Prior to joining NSF, Chestnut was with Darden, parent company of Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Bahama Breeze, for more than 20 years. There, he served as Vice President of Total Quality and International Director of Product Safety and Quality, and led the implementation of food safety protocols with suppliers throughout Asia, Mexico and Latin America.
Chestnut is highly regarded throughout the food safety industry and environmental health community. As an Environmental Health Professional with expertise in food safety and quality, he helped found the Food Safety Leadership Council and has been awarded Industry Sanitarian of the Year by the National Environmental Health Association. He served on the Board of Directors and as Vice Chair for the Conference for Food Protection, as former President and Vice President of the Industry Affiliate National Environmental Health Association, and as former Advisory Board Chair for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. He also worked closely with the National Fisheries Institute and the Global Aquaculture Alliance while at Darden. Chestnut earned his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health from Illinois State University in Normal, Ill, and began his career working with both state and local regulatory agencies in the environmental health field.
“Tom brings more than 25 years of food safety leadership and expertise to this key NSF role. He’s worked collaboratively with the food industry, regulators and food safety groups, earning the trust and respect of all. Tom has helped numerous organizations worldwide strengthen their food safety and quality assurance programs as part of NSF International’s mission to protect and improve human health and safety worldwide,” said NSF International President and Chief Executive Officer Kevan P. Lawlor.
“For nearly 70 years, the NSF name has been synonymous with quality, integrity and expertise in the food industry,” said Tom Chestnut. “As the food supply chain becomes ever more global and challenging, integrity and trust matter, now more than ever. Our goal is to continue building upon NSF’s wonderful food safety heritage to be regarded as the most trusted provider of food safety and quality solutions around the world.”
NSF International’s Global Food Safety and Quality Division provides a broad range of services to the food supply chain including agriculture, fresh produce, livestock, poultry, processed foods, seafood, dairy, organic foods, packaging and distribution, restaurants, retail and foodservice equipment in more than 120 countries. Complementary services, including consulting, multi-platform food safety training and robust global data management solutions have earned NSF a place as one of the world’s preferred providers of innovative, global food safety solutions.
For more information about NSF International’s Global Food Safety Programs visit NSF’s Food Safety webpage or contact Dan Fone at DFone@nsf.org.
About NSF International: NSF International is an independent organization that writes standards, tests and certifies products for the food, water, and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment (nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting human health and safety worldwide and operates in more than 150 countries. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment.
CONTACT: Greta Houlahan
NSF International
Phone: 734-913-5723
Email: houlahan@nsf.org
