NSF-Certified Food and Beverage Lighting
Our food-safe LED lights have been rigorously tested and certified by NSF International or are ETL listed to NSF Standard 2 requirements.


High Bay Lights
High bays provide intense illumination for larger spaces, recommended for ceilings at least 18 feet from the ground. We carry UFO (round) and linear (rectangular) NSF-certified high bays. Our NSF-certified high bays are often used for processing and manufacturing. Selectable CCT and wattage are available. These NSF high bays are IP69K rated, ensuring they can withstand high-pressure washdowns.


Strip Light Fixtures
Our LED NSF strip light fixtures provide uniform lighting, which can be used to provide task lighting above work stations. Link strips together to create a longer run. Optional motion sensors are available to power lights off automatically after a period of inactivity. These hold DLC Listings to ensure they meet strict standards of energy efficiency.


Tubes
The NSF-certified LED tube lights can upgrade existing lighting in work areas or be used in new applications. These come in 2 feet or 4 feet, but we also carry an 8-foot option with two 4-foot sections that can be linked together to replace an 8-foot fluorescent tube. Choose one of our selectable CCT options for increased flexibility. Type B (ballast bypass) and Type A/B Hybrid (ballast compatible or ballast bypass) options are available.


Vapor Tight Lights
LED vapor-tight lights are constructed with sealed housings to prevent water, dust, and other particles from entering. Our NSF vapor-tight lights are available with selectable CCT and wattage. They’re backed by ETL or UL certifications to verify they’ve been tested and meet strict safety standards, as well as the DLC Premium Listing, indicating they operate with an even higher energy efficiency and provide great light quality. They are commonly installed in commercial kitchens or walk-in freezers.
Importance of NSF-Certified Lighting
Food processing, preparation, and storage facilities require specialized lighting fixtures designed to avoid contamination and maintain a sanitary environment. The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is a non-profit organization that certifies and sets sanitation standards for products used in these spaces. Adhering to these NSF standards for lighting ensures that your facility remains safe and sanitary.


What Classifies A Fixture As Being NSF-Certified?
There are multiple specifications a light fixture must meet in order to be considered “NSF-Certified.” The primary design feature of food-safe lights is that they are easy to clean and wash, therefore eliminating contamination. NSF-compliant light fixtures must be shatterproof to prevent the fixture from breaking and contaminating the facility. Instead of glass, most lights employ a durable polycarbonate lens and aluminum housing. The body design of food-safe light fixtures must also minimize bacteria and food build-up. They should be made of anti-corrosive materials, such as stainless steel hardware, and shed water and debris easily.
Any NSF-certified light fixture must also have an IP65 rating or above to prevent water, dust, and other particles from entering. Fixtures with an IP69K rating are built to withstand high-temperature, high-pressure washdowns that take place during facility cleanings. In addition to standing up against high psi hose-downs, a high IP rating also ensures that NSF-certified lighting can be installed in harsh, damp environments.
What Does It Mean If A Light Is ETL NSF Std. 2?
NSF Standard 2 is the most common type of NSF sanitation compliance for non-food zones, splash zones, and cold storage areas. Instead of certifying light fixtures directly through the NSF, this certification can be listed through other organizations, such as the ETL or UL. If a light is ETL listed to NSF Standard 2, that means the light has been certified by the ETL to meet all NSF Standard 2 requirements. Our selection of food-safe lights is either directly NSF-certified or ETL-listed to NSF Standard 2.
Locations That Require NSF-Certified Lights
A wide range of locations utilize NSF-certified lights. Facilities used for food processing, food preparation, food storage, refrigeration, kitchens, and sanitary areas all require food-safe lights. NSF-certified lighting is also commonly used in treatment plants, manufacturing plants, wet locations, hospitals, laboratories, healthcare facilities, industrial kitchens, laundromats, and car washes due to their high IP rating and durable construction.
Additional Benefits Of LED Food-Safe Lights
LEDs are the smartest option for NSF-compliant lighting in food-safe facilities. Upgrading your lighting to LEDs ensures that your space receives sufficient illumination for food preparation while also reducing maintenance and energy costs. LED high bays and tube lights also last significantly longer than their metal halide and fluorescent counterparts. Our fixtures have an L70 lifespan ranging from 50,000 to 75,000 hours. Browse our NSF-certified LED food processing lights and see the difference they can make in your facility.


Learn More From Our Knowledge Base


LED Food Industry Lighting
Operationally, food industry lighting is one of the tools organizations can use strategically to build resiliency and efficiency in their facilities, and increase the safety of both team members and customers.


What to Consider Before Purchasing Vapor Tight Lights
Vapor tight lights are designed to prevent moisture and water from entering the fixtures. They also provide better illumination than conventional fluorescent lights. These low-maintenance and versatile lights are greatly beneficial to businesses. Come check out the most important things to consider before purchasing vapor tight lights here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Having Certified Food Processing Lighting Protect Employees?
Our LED NSF Fixtures are shatterproof and sealed. Since these fixtures can undergo high-pressure washdowns, they reduce the risk of contamination. Additionally, our LED NSF certified lights have a great light output and don’t cause flicker, which ensures the best visibility when working.
What Are the FDA Requirements for Food and Beverage Lighting?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a few lighting requirements related to the food and beverage industry:
- Footcandle Requirements: For walk-in refrigerator units, dry storage, and warehouse areas, 10 fc and 108 lux are recommended. For utensil washing stations, restrooms, or self-serving areas, use 20 fc and 215 lux. A 50 fc and 540 lux is preferred in food preparation areas and dishwashing stations. – (FDA Food Code 6-303.11)
- Safety Precautions: Bulbs installed in these locations need to be shatterproof or shielded, and the fixtures should be corrosion-resistant and toxic-free. If the lights are installed in areas with high amounts of water present, it should be fully sealed and able to withstand washdowns. – (FDA Food Code 6-202.11, 21 CFR 110.20, 21 CFR 110.40)
-
Design and Installation: These fixtures should be built smoothly, easy to clean, and installed into a flush-mount or recessed ceiling. You can use diffusers for a more even light distribution. Diffusers will also contain glass from the lens in case the fixture breaks. – (FDA Food Code 6-202.11, 6-501.14, 21 CFR 110.20(b)(5))
What NSF Light Fixture Do I Need?
Use high bays for overhead lighting in areas with ceilings at least 18 feet off the ground. Use strip light fixtures or tube lights to illuminate long aisles or focused lighting for packaging.
How Do I Ensure Sufficient Lighting in a Food Processing or Preparation Facility?
There are a couple of variables to consider for safe and adequate lighting:
- CRI: Lighting in areas where food is being prepared, packaged, etc., should have an 80+ CRI to ensure color rendering so the food can be properly assessed to ensure its good quality.
- CCT: For the best visibility and focus, the food and beverage industry lighting should be natural or cool white (4000K-5000K).
- IP Ratings: Any fixtures installed in a food or beverage processing facility should have at least an IP65 rating. For areas installed near areas where water is more present or will require washdowns, choose a fixture with an IP69K rating.
How Can The Lighting I Choose Affect My Expenses?
Selecting LEDs over traditional lighting will cut down costs. LEDs have a lower expense profile due to reduced electricity costs and longer lifespans because of their increased energy efficiency. Additionally, these lights might be placed in harsher settings, and installing compatible NSF lighting will lead to low maintenance costs.
What Fixture Should I Use in Areas With Low and High Temperatures in My Food Processing Facility?
For lighting installed in freezers or storage areas, consider one of our vapor-tight lights, which can operate in temperatures as low as -40°C/°F. On the other hand, if there are areas of the food processing plant or kitchens where high temperatures are present, install one of our NSF high-temperature high bays, which can operate at temperatures up to 65°C or 149°F.





