lower risk suppliers, evidence of appropriate standards from a recognised independent source may, in some cases, suffice. Retail members of the association must have a rating under the Food Standards Agency Food Hygiene Rating Scheme of at least three. Only full members of the association are permitted to call themselves ‘Members’ or to use the BSA symbol. Those who simply want to have access to the information resources of the association, without the benefits of full membership, can become Subscribers to International Sandwich & Snack News Information Services. However, they must not call themselves members, use the BSA symbol or in any way infer or pass themselves off as Members. Auditing, Technical Support Services & Code of Practice The association provides a wide range of technical support services to members. These include: Codes of Practice have been established for all sectors of the industry, including manufacturing, retailing and sandwich bar operation. There are also guidelines for sandwich vending and for mobile catering which have been put together with the Automatic Vending Association (AVAB) and the Mobile and Outside Catering Association (MOCA). The standards set by the BSA are now widely acknowledged as the minimums required for safe sandwich making and form part of the ‘Food Industry Guide to Good Hygiene Practice; Sandwich Manufacturing’ produced with the Food Standards Agency and published by the Stationery Office. Technical Audits As part of its membership scheme, the association's auditor visits sandwich manufacturers and high risk suppliers on a regular basis to ensure that they continue to comply with the BSA standards set out in its Codes of Practice. One of the features of the BSA audit is its consistency, with the same auditor visiting all manufacturers and suppliers. In the case of sandwich bars the association looks for evidence of good standards via the Food Standards Agency Food Hygiene Rating Scheme but may also seek confirmation by way of an independent report confirming compliance with the BSA standards. Consultancy, Advice and Assistance Through the association, members have access to a large resource of information and assistance. Each year hundreds of calls are made to the association from people seeking advice and help on anything from where to obtain particular products to issues relating to health and safety or VAT. In addition, the association provides full members with free access to a 24-hour legal help-line service staffed by solicitors. Technical Group As well as