SALSA

The Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) is a rigorous food safety certification scheme which assists local and regional food and drink producers who supply their products to national and regional buyers. It was launched in March 2007.

The SALSA scheme removes many of the practical barriers preventing small producers from directly supplying local retailers and caterers. Developed jointly by the BRC, National Farmers' Union (NFU), Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and the British Hospitality Association (BHA), SALSA received start-up funding from Defra and Scottish Enterprise and enjoys the support of the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Producers and small manufacturers wishing to gain approval are audited prior to certification. IFST oversees the auditing and approval process and manages administration of the scheme.

The scheme is supported by DEFRA and the Food Standards Agency and has been welcomed by many of the UK's leading retailer and foodservice buyers who require a robust food safety certification to support their local sourcing needs. Because SALSA is designed specifically for small producers and manufacturers who wish to supply at a local level, the cost of gaining approval is much lower than for other approval schemes (like the BRC Global Standard) which are designed for larger operations.

For more information visit the SALSA website ( www.salsafood.co.uk ) or contact info@salsafood.co.uk

Those on the IFST Register of Professional Food Auditors and Mentors may apply to become SALSA auditors and mentors directly through the SALSA site. Click here for information on how to join this Register.