SALSA Certified
Food Safety & Certification

Why Our SALSA Certification
Matters

SALSA — Safe and Local Supplier Approval — is the UK's leading food safety certification for small producers. Our Kirkcaldy kitchen holds it. Here's what that means, and why it matters to you.

Independently Audited UK Food Safety Standard Accepted by Major Retailers Renewed Annually
The Standard Explained

What Is SALSA Certification?

SALSA (Safe and Local Supplier Approval) is the leading food safety certification scheme for the UK's small and growing food and drink producers. It was developed by experienced food safety experts and reflects both the legal requirements of the industry and the best-practice expectations of professional food buyers.

SALSA is a non-profit joint venture between four major UK food chain trade associations, managed by the Institute of Food Science and Technology and overseen by an independently chaired Governance Committee.

To become SALSA-certified, a production facility must pass an independent, unannounced audit carried out by a qualified food safety professional. The audit covers every aspect of the operation — from ingredient sourcing and hygiene to traceability and staff training. It is not a self-assessment. It is verified, third-party, and renewed annually.

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Non-Profit, Industry-Led

SALSA is run as a joint venture by four major UK food trade associations, with independent governance. It exists to raise standards, not to generate profit.

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Independent Audit

Certification is only granted after an audit by a qualified, independent food safety professional. Almaz Foods cannot self-certify — it must be independently verified.

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Renewed Every Year

SALSA certification is not a one-time achievement. It is reassessed annually, which means our standards must be maintained consistently — not just on audit day.

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Required by Major Buyers

Many UK retailers and food service operators require SALSA accreditation before they will stock or purchase from a supplier. It is widely accepted across the industry.

For Customers & Buyers

What Our Certification Means for You

Whether you're a customer buying our products or a buyer sourcing for your business, SALSA certification gives you verified assurance — not just a promise.

01

Verified Food Safety

Our production facility has been independently assessed and confirmed to meet food safety standards. You don't have to take our word for it — it has been verified by a qualified third party.

02

Traceable Ingredients

SALSA requires full traceability throughout our supply chain. We know exactly where every ingredient comes from, so you can trust the provenance of what you're buying.

03

Consistent Standards

The same rigorous standards apply to every single batch we produce — not just the ones made during audit periods. SALSA is how we run our kitchen, every day.

04

Wholesale Ready

For restaurants, hotels, caterers, and retailers — SALSA means our products can be procured with confidence. We already meet the food safety bar required by major UK food service operators.

05

Legal Compliance

SALSA is built on the legal requirements of UK food law. Our certification confirms we are fully compliant with all applicable food safety legislation and labelling regulations.

06

No Shortcuts

Earning and maintaining SALSA certification is demanding. The fact that we hold it — and renew it — tells you something about the way we approach our work.

"We feel really proud of this achievement. It is a significant stamp of approval — and proof that we do things the right way."
Almaz Foods — on earning SALSA certification
Our Production Standards

What the Audit Covers

SALSA certification is awarded only after a full independent audit of our production facility. Here is what assessors verify before certification is granted.

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Food Safety Management

Documented food safety procedures, HACCP plans, and risk assessments covering every stage of production.

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Hygiene & Cleanliness

Strict hygiene standards for the kitchen, equipment, packaging areas, and personal hygiene protocols for all staff.

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Ingredient Traceability

Full traceability from raw ingredient sourcing through to finished product — so every batch can be traced back to its origin.

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Staff Training & Competence

All production staff are trained in food safety and hygiene. Records of training and competency assessments are maintained and reviewed.

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Allergen Management

Robust allergen controls are in place throughout production, with clear labelling and procedures to prevent cross-contamination.

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Supplier Approval

All ingredient suppliers are assessed and approved. We only source from verified suppliers who meet the standards required by the scheme.

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Product Labelling & Compliance

All product labelling is reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with UK food labelling regulations.

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Pest Control & Site Maintenance

Active pest management programme and regular maintenance checks to ensure the production environment meets required standards.

Work With a Certified Supplier

Ready to Source From Almaz Foods?

Whether you're a restaurant, hotel, caterer, or retailer — our SALSA certification means you can procure with confidence. Get in touch to discuss wholesale pricing, samples, and availability.

Wholesale Enquiry View Our Products
📍 Kirkcaldy, Fife KY1 3NL
📞 01592 651623
✉️ info@almazfoods.co.uk