NSF Acquires DNA-Based Testing Laboratory AuthenTechnologies

NSF International, a provider of auditing, testing and certification services for the dietary supplement, natural product and food industries, has acquired AuthenTechnologies, which provides next-generation DNA-based species identification services. AuthenTechnologies employs a highly specific and sensitive method capable of identifying almost any species using shorter segments and validated reference materials, NSF said, including the detection of unexpected contaminants, even those that cannot be distinguished morphologically or chemically. AuthenTechnologies’ next-generation DNA sequencing can identify materials consisting of a single species or a mixture of many species, as well as screen for GMOs, allergens, fillers and filth for a range of leading natural and consumer product companies.   

“For more than 70 years, NSF International has helped establish product quality and safety standards for a wide range of industries utilizing the best science and technology available. The superior next-generation DNA test methods currently in use by AuthenTechnologies will enable NSF International to continue this work, particularly for industries facing new challenges associated with global food and dietary ingredient supply chains,” said NSF Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Lori Bestervelt. “As the food supply chain becomes more complex and regulations continue to evolve and become more rigorous, this technology is becoming essential to achieving regulatory compliance and brand protection while preventing issues associated with fraud, mislabeling and adulteration.”

“The only way to ensure safe and high quality, compliant products is to know what’s in them.  And the most sensitive, specific and reliable method to identify organisms -- from microbes to plant allergens -- is using DNA.  We’ve developed a more highly specific DNA methodology capable of identifying a single organism to a complex blend of unlimited ingredients. Joining NSF International will bring our unmatched capabilities in DNA-based testing to customers in the food, dietary supplement and natural product industries worldwide,” said AuthenTechnologies Co-founder Danica Harbaugh Reynaud.

Going forward as NSF AuthenTechnologies, it will become a center of excellence within NSF’s global network of ISO/IEC 17025-accredited, state-of-the-art laboratories, the company said. It will continue to be led by co-founder Dr. Reynaud, who joins NSF as global director of scientific innovation.

For more information about NSF AuthenTechnologies’ DNA testing capabilities, contact Dan Reynaud at 707-430-7556 or danreynaud@nsf.org or Dave Trosin at dtrosin@nsf.org or 734-827-6856, or visit the AuthenTechnologies website.  Current NSF customers may also contact their existing business development manager or project manager for more information.