The Island Cheese Company and Uncle Roy’s Condiments and Seasoning became the first companies in Britain to achieve SALSA certification at the International Food Exhibition at London’s Excel last month.

Receiving their Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) certificates from Lady Sylvia Jay, chair of Food from Britain, the two companies were among 15 Scottish producers chosen to pilot the scheme earlier this year.

Launching the scheme at the exhibition, Lord Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food and Farming, said: “SALSA will open new opportunities for producers to supply retailers and caterers both nationally and locally.

“Retailers, caterers and national organisations will also benefit by increasing their range of locally produced food, knowing it meets the necessary legislative requirements.”

He added that that the public had an appetite for knowing where its food came from.

“Feeding that appetite will ultimately lead to better rewards for retailers and farmers who give consumers what they want: more sustainable farming practices and a healthier society.”

Developed jointly by the British Retail Consortium, National Farmers' Union, Food & Drink Federation, and the British Hospitality Association, SALSA gives national buyers the assurance that locally sourced food meets fundamental legal, food safety and due diligence requirements.

The scheme, which has received start up funding from DEFRA, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise, and has also been endorsed by the Food Standards Agency, is now fully operational.

Suppliers, buyers and auditors can register online at www.salsafood.co.uk