Quartz Is the Ultimate Food-Safe Surface

According to a study published by the National Institute of Health, nearly half of home kitchens tested harbored foodborne pathogens, mostly on countertops and refrigerator door handles. It’s assumed much of this comes from improper food handling and can be mitigated through safer food prep practices and cleaning methods. Beyond that, there are food-safe surfaces that don’t harbor dangerous bacteria. This is essential in most commercial kitchens but can also be reassuring to homeowners who value hygienic kitchen countertop options.

To be considered food-safe, surfaces must be nontoxic and nonporous, and have structural integrity, meaning they won’t break down under normal conditions and cause surface chips or flakes to get into your food. Companies can demonstrate their commitment to food safety by obtaining certification from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), an independent and accredited third party.

Why Quartz Wins

NSF certification ensures harmful chemicals or bacteria won’t seep into the tiny interstices of nonporous surfaces and hang out there waiting to potentially contaminate future food prep. Countertops made from stones like granite or marble are porous at a microscopic level and need to be regularly sealed to prevent the absorption of contaminants.

Quartz surfaces are nonporous, meaning there are no tiny pores for moisture, raw chicken juice, or mold to hide in. Cambria surfaces are NSF-51 certified. This certification verifies the passage of independent health and safety testing and ensures Cambria’s quartz surfaces comply with FDA food safety regulations. That means homeowners can be confident that every Cambria quartz surface meets the highest standards for cleanliness and performance. 

Why “Food-Safe” Matters

Food safety in commercial kitchens is much more than a nice-to-have, it’s crucial for public health. That’s why having nonporous surfaces like stainless steel or quartz is popular in restaurant settings—it can make passing regulatory health inspections easier because food-safe surfaces are easier to clean and maintain. The long-term durability of Cambria is a bonus in high-traffic commercial settings.

The thoughtfulness of food-safe material choice is often extended beyond restaurants to places like healthcare and senior living residences where vulnerable populations can have compromised immune systems. Since food-safe surfaces like Cambria are easily cleaned and don’t require chemical sealants, they can be a vital line of defense against the spread of foodborne illnesses in communities where cherished friends and family members visit or reside.

Beyond being food safe, Cambria natural quartz surfaces are available in a variety of popular designs and colors. So, beauty and style never need to be secondary to hygiene considerations. Choosing Cambria for your home means you can enjoy life in luxury interiors and still roll out pizza dough or prep vegetables directly on your kitchen countertops without worrying about hidden bacteria. That peace of mind comes without any need for periodic sealing like other stone countertops require.

How to Verify Food-Safe Countertops

Not all countertop surfaces are created equal, including all quartz surfaces. Choosing food-safe Cambria quartz surfaces is a wellness investment in the long-term health of your kitchen’s ecosystem. Whether you’re packing lunches for your family or hosting a dinner party for friends, the surfaces you prep on are just as important as the ingredients you use.  So, here are a couple reminders when you’re ready to upgrade to food-safe kitchen countertops:

• Look for the Seal: Check the manufacturer’s website for the NSF or Greenguard logo verifying the product has passed independent health and safety testing and is nontoxic and nonporous.
• The “Sealer” Test: If a stone surface requires a chemical sealer to be stain resistant, it is inherently porous and therefore not food-safe.