SALSA announces key changes to its audit standard

Auditable from 3rd September, Issue 5 carries a number of key changes to meet the many and varied needs of smaller food and drink suppliers and the UK’s larger buyers.

Bonnie Joplin, SALSA Scheme development manager said, “In launching Issue 5, the SALSA Standard is updated to reflect the dynamic and changing requirements of the food industry in relation to food safety, whilst always remaining appropriate - and affordable - for the smaller producers and processors the Scheme supports.

“Clarified HACCP requirements now occupy a dedicated section of the standard, reflecting its importance in food safety management systems. The sections relating to management systems and documentation have been amalgamated and strengthened, and a new requirement for raw material risk assessment has been introduced and the focus on traceability has been increased. We are confident the changes in Issue 5 will serve to add weight to the value of SALSA for both the buyers and suppliers that use the scheme.”

According to SALSA, wide acceptance of the scheme and its standard has led to record numbers of buyers, including the UK’s leading supermarkets, foodservice organisations, public procurement bodies and independent businesses.

Bonnie continues, “We are delighted with the continuing success of SALSA and its growing reach among UK’s buyers. Supplier numbers have also climbed to over 1,500, with SALSA becoming the natural certification choice for the smaller producer. SALSA Approval allows them to demonstrate their strong credentials in food safety management and is often the key to raising their profile, opening new doors and concluding new contracts.”

Businesses can visit salsafood.co.uk to download Issue 5 and its supporting documents.