New Standard Issues 2026
SALSA Standards are Changing. New issues of all four SALSA Standards are now available and from the 1st September 2026, all SALSA audits will be conducted against these new issues.
The new issues keep SALSA aligned with the latest legislation, evolving best practice, and buyer expectations.
1st September 2026
From the 1st September 2026, all SALSA audits will be conducted against the new issues. The earlier you start preparing, the more confident you will feel at the audit.
Watch our ‘Guide to the new SALSA Standards Issues’. It explains the key changes across all four SALSA Standards, why they’ve been updated, and exactly how to prepare.
Download the new Standard Issues here
Find Out More
We are running four Standard webinars in June to give you a detailed picture of how each Standard has changed:
- Food & Drink Production - Tuesday 23 June, 10am BOOK HERE
- Brokers, Storage & Distribution - Tuesday 23 June, 1pm BOOK HERE
- SALSA plus Cheese - Wednesday 24 June, 10am BOOK HERE
- SALSA plus Beer - Wednesday 24 June, 1pm BOOK HERE
You can also join the drop-in Q&A sessions in July and August to have your questions answered directly by the SALSA team. Check this website and our social media for dates to book.
Start Preparing Now / Get Audit Ready
There are many resources available to support your transition to the new Standard issues. SALSA members have access to exclusive support resources via their membership portal.
Summary of Changes (Everyone)
An overview of what's new across the standard.
Preparing for the Changes - A Member Guide (Members Only) View Member Area
A detailed explanation of the changes, with practical advice on how to adapt your food safety management system.
New Digital Self Assessment with Interpretation Guide (Members Only) View Member Area
A new digital tool that can be used to work through the new issue of the Standard section by section and view detailed, clause-by-clause guidance for every requirement.
Interpretation Guide (Members Only) View Member Area
Detailed, clause-by-clause guidance for every requirement in the new issue.
Self Assessment Checklist (Members Only) View Member Area
Work through the new issue of the Standard section by section. A structured tool to help you identify what needs updating before your next audit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Standards are affected?
All four SALSA Standards are being updated:
- Food & Drink Production - Issue 7
- SALSA plus Beer - Issue 5
- SALSA plus Cheese - Issue 7
- Brokers, Storage & Distribution – Issue 2
When are the new issues available?
New issues of all four SALSA Standards are now available. View and download the new documents on this page.
When do the new issues go live for audit?
From 1 September 2026, all SALSA audits will be conducted against the new issues.
Why are the Standards being updated?
The Standards are reviewed and updated periodically to ensure they reflect current best practice in food safety and remain aligned with the expectations of buyers, enforcement bodies and the wider food and drink industry.
Are membership or audit fees changing?
No. There is no change to membership or audit fees as part of this update.
Will my next audit be against the new issue?
Possibly. From 1 September 2026, all audits will be conducted against the new issues, regardless of when your audit falls. There is no transition period.
What do I need to do to prepare?
- Start by reviewing the new issue for your Standard. You can download it on this page.
- Watch the ‘Guide to the new SALSA Standards Issues’
- Register to attend one of our Standard Specific webinars: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the meeting.
- Use the Interpretation Guide to understand what each requirement asks for and what evidence you’ll need.
- Then work through the new Digital Self-Assessment Checklist to identify where your food safety management system may need updating.
Is the Interpretation Guide / Self-Assessment checklist available to non-members?
No. Both are exclusive to SALSA members. Now is a great time to join SALSA!
Will the webinars be recorded?
Yes. Recordings will be uploaded to the SALSA YouTube channel after the live sessions, so anyone who can’t attend on the day can still watch.
Can I attend more than one webinar if I’m in multiple schemes?
Absolutely. Members in more than one scheme are welcome to attend as many webinars as are relevant to them.
Can I work with a SALSA Mentor to prepare?
Yes. Working with a SALSA Mentor is a great way to get focused, one-to-one support tailored to your business. Visit SALSA Mentoring for more information.
My audit is in September/October 2026, will I have enough time to prepare?
We’d encourage you to start reviewing the new Standards as soon as possible, attend your scheme’s webinar in June, and make use of the Interpretation Guide and the Self-Assessment Checklist. If you would like additional support, consider working with a SALSA Mentor.
My audit isn’t until next year, do I still need to prepare now?
You have more time, but we’d still encourage you to start familiarising yourself with the new issue sooner rather than later. Attending a Standard-specific webinar and watching the ‘Guide to the new SALSA Standards Issues’ now means you can make changes gradually rather than leaving everything until close to your audit.
What are the main changes?
For SALSA members there is a detailed ‘Summary of Changes’ on their Membership Portal.
Can non-members join the webinars?
Yes. The live webinars are open to everyone, including prospective members. Register your place here:
