British Sandwich & Food to Go Association facts for kids

The British Sandwich & Food to Go Association (BSA) is an organization that helps the sandwich industry in the United Kingdom. It was started in January 1990 and is based in Chepstow. The BSA works to make sandwiches and other "food to go" items even better. They do this by setting high standards for making food. They also give awards to the best sandwich makers and shops each year. These awards are called the Sammies. The BSA is run by J&M Group, Ltd., which also manages other food groups like the Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Society.

The group was first called the British Sandwich Association. In 2015, they changed their name. This change was made to include the wider "food to go" market. This means they now cover more than just sandwiches.

What the BSA Aims to Do

The British Sandwich Association is the main voice for the UK sandwich industry. Here are its most important goals:

• To protect the quality of the sandwich industry. They set technical rules for making sandwiches. They also encourage improvements in the industry.
• To encourage excellent and new ideas in sandwich making.
• To give useful information to everyone in the industry.
• To encourage more people to eat sandwiches.
• To speak for all the people who make, deliver, and sell sandwiches. They share the industry's ideas and concerns.

How the BSA is Organized

The BSA is a non-profit organization. It is run for its members by Food Events & Things (FEAT) Ltd. This company is in charge of all the BSA's activities. FEAT also runs other similar groups. These include the Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Association and The Café Society.

Who Guides the BSA

A special group called the Management Committee guides the BSA. This committee helps decide what the association should do. It is made up of members who are chosen each year. The committee includes a chair and a vice-chair. It also has members from different parts of the industry. These include sandwich makers, shop owners, and suppliers. This mix helps make sure all parts of the industry are heard.

Becoming a Member

Any organization involved in the sandwich industry can become a full member of the BSA. This includes shops, suppliers, and manufacturers. To join, they must show they meet the BSA's minimum standards. These standards are found in their Codes of Practice.

For companies that make food or supply high-risk items, the BSA sends its own auditor. This auditor checks their production areas and systems. For suppliers of lower-risk items, other proof of good standards might be enough.

Shops that sell food must have a rating of at least three from the Food Standards Agency Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. This shows they have good hygiene.

Only full members can call themselves 'Members' or use the BSA symbol. Others can get information from the BSA. But they cannot say they are members or use the BSA symbol.