SPE ("Sanitas per Escam")

SPE certification demonstrates that in addition to taste, a restaurant or foodservice operation values health, sustainability and a commitment to the greater good. When choosing where to eat, consumers can be confident that an SPE establishment will offer sustainable, balanced choices. It operates as a tiered scoring system that awards one, two or three stars to foodservice establishments. The more an establishment is aligned with SPE’s guiding principles, the higher they will score.

SPE has been adapted to different industries so in restaurants to apply for the certificate the establishment must complete SPE’s questionnaire and submit documentation to verify responses. The questionnaire will evaluate the operation – sourcing and sustainability, nutrition and menu balance, and training and transparency – and the plate – whether it uses nutrient-dense ingredients and minimal quantities of saturated fat, adheres to portion guidelines, utilizes healthy cooking techniques, and uses antibiotic-free animal proteins. The more steps a restaurant takes toward a nutritious, sustainable menu, the higher the score. 

Depending on the score achieved the restaurant will be certified with:

- 1-star Certification (overall score of 30-50%): A 1-star restaurant will offer a small number of dishes that meet SPE’s criteria for a balanced plate.

- 2-star Certification (overall score of 50-80%): A 2-star restaurant will feature whole grains, legumes and vegetables across menu with an increased number of dishes that meet SPE’s criteria for a balanced plate; have preference for seafood and poultry over meats; use unsaturated oils for cooking; include nutrition information available for guests; make stocks, sauces and dressings in house, etc.

- 3-star Certification (overall score of 80% or more): A 3-star restaurant will include vegetables, whole grains and legumes in most dishes, with most dishes meeting SPE’s criteria for a balanced plate; avoid deep frying or flame-grilling; avoid highly processed products with artificial colors, flavors or other ingredients of concern; consult with RD for nutrition guidance and staff trainings, etc.

SPE Certificate

Hence, apart from the improvement of market image and the increment of customer satisfaction SPE Consulting provides expertise about the industry related to recipe and menu development, nutrition analysis, legislative compliance, allergen and gluten-free expertise and nutrition and sustainability assessment. Thus, SPE is backed up by:

- Unsurpassed culinary and nutrition experience: Over 30 years of combined nutrition, culinary and sustainability expertise.

- Rock-solid scientific foundation: Scientific Committee to create a charter of guidelines and practices that form the basis of our culinary and nutritional consulting services.

- Skilled application of technology: Software-based nutrition analysis and genuine understanding of food, cooking as well as nutrition itself.

- Proprietary approach: SPE focuses not just on health, but also on the Sourcing, Preparing and Enhancing of food which considers ingredients, preparation and kitchen practices.

Also, there is a quality control process behind the certification to ensure that establishments are continually meeting the standards. SPE quality control process includes onsite visits by quality control specialists, purchasing and menu reviews, process improvement and corrective action plans.

References:

SPE (2016). Available from: http://specertified.com/how/certification/restaurant-certification