The Guelph Food Technology Centre (GFTC), a Canada-based leader in food safety certification, training, quality and technical solutions, merged with NSF International, an Ann Arbor, Mich.-based global public health and safety organization. As a result, GFTC's current members and clients will benefit from a broad array of NSF food safety training, auditing and certification services that include seafood, organic and global food safety certifications as well as support from NSF International, the largest food safety certifier in the agriculture sector with a global network of auditors and testing laboratories.

Going forward, the organization will be known as NSF-GFTC, and will remain in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. NSF-GFTC clients will now have access to a wider range of technical resources to develop new products and meet global food safety standards, and clients will have the support of a global network of associated laboratories in Europe, China, the United States and Latin America.

"The globalization of the supply chain creates a need for global solutions. 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," says Kevan Lawlor , president and CEO of NSF International.

Proceeds from the merger will establish GFTC Legacy Inc., which will provide for University of Guelph undergraduate scholarships, cooperative education and internship opportunities; programs to help improve innovation for food processors; scholarship trusts for future Canadian food technologists; and GFTC member training reinvestment support.