NSF International today announced the first call for nominations for its 2007 Food Safety Leadership Awards (FSLA) Program. Foodservice operators, manufacturers, researchers and members of academia may be nominated.

NSF staff will review nominations for each award category, and forward this information to each selection committee member. An independent expert selection will then evaluate all nominations.

Nominations are divided into six categories: technology breakthroughs, research advances, equipment design, product development, packaging innovation and systems improvements.

Also, nominations for a special lifetime achievement award are also being accepted. Nominations will be accepted through Thursday, March 15, 2007.

Award winners will be announced at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, which will take place on May 19, 2007, Booth #3438 in Chicago, Illinois at McCormick Place Convention Center.

Nomination information is available at http://www.nsf.org/business/newsroom/fs_awards_nomination.asp or by calling 800-NSF-MARK ext. 5627.

“The food safety leadership awards program continues to be a tremendous success," said NSF Vice President William Fisher. “This is our fourth consecutive year honoring outstanding achievements in the foodservice industry. This year’s winners will join a group of leading food safety professionals who share in NSF’s ultimate commitment–to protect the consuming public.”