How is an approved supplier defined?

• A. A supplier who has been inspected and meets safety and reliability standards
• B. A supplier with the lowest price
• C. A supplier who sells only local products
• D. A supplier who has never been inspected

Answer: (A)

An approved supplier is one that has been evaluated and meets safety and reliability standards. This means the supplier has been inspected or audited, demonstrates proper food-safety practices, and can provide documentation showing they meet required standards. Approval isn’t about paying the lowest price or selling only local products; it’s about trustworthiness and the ability to deliver safe, compliant products. A supplier that has never been inspected does not meet the criteria for approval, since there’s no verified assurance of safety and reliability.