Easier food safety audit is launched

A new food safety scheme is to be launched this month to help small manufacturers meet customer requirements and comply with the law without spending a fortune on full audit schemes.

The 'Safe and Legal' scheme, developed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) in association with the British Hospitality Association, the Food and Drink Federation and the National Farmers' Union, is aimed at regional producers.

According to consultant Kevin Swoffer, formerly head of technical services at the BRC who has been driving the initiative, many small and regional suppliers don't need to have a full BRC audit. "But they need something to reassure customers that they are doing what is reasonable to achieve continuous safe food status."

He added: "If you've got fewer than 10 staff and you're selling products to a handful of local retailers and foodservice outlets, this is ideal for you."

The scheme, supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, will be audited by a team of food safety experts co-ordinated by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST). The IFST will build up a register of professionals so that it can identify a local expert to audit the supplier, said Swoffer.

However, an important part of the scheme was that the expert could also provide advice and guidance, he added.