CASE STUDIES
SFQC has been providing SALSA mentoring support to food and drink producers across Scotland since the scheme started.
This support aims to provide practical help and advice to business, from those who need ‘handholding' to develop QA systems from start to finish, to those who feel they are almost ready for audit but would benefit from an independent pre-audit check to confirm this.
Some feedback from producers we have worked with:
"Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your invaluable help given during the SALSA process. As well as peace of mind that we were on the right track your responses to my questions were always very helpful and informative. We passed the test and will now press on with making ice cream. Thanks again"
Kenneth Wilkie
Sales Director, The Caledonian Kitchens
"To us BRC accreditation was a step too far and we were limited by our building as to what we could do. When we were introduced to SALSA it seemed the ideal solution for several issues.
Whilst we have no interest currently in supplying the multiples we find that even smaller retailers are looking for suppliers who can prove that they comply with current food safety regulations. Now when asked by old or potentially new customers we tell them we are SALSA approved and point them to SALSA website to find out what that means. This suffices almost all of them.
From a moral and financial point of view we want to make sure that what we are selling is safe. The guidelines we had before were based on a mixture of what EHO was telling us and our own knowledge. Having SALSA guidelines to work to and being audited gives a peace of mind that was never previously available to us.
The SALSA mentoring scheme was fantastic, the mentor knew the food industry, its problems and worked with us to put in place systems that have stood us well. At the end of the day we spent a small amount on building repairs, and created some knew systems that staff needed trained on; however after the initial period I would say that maintaining the SALSA standard adds very little extra time to what we had been doing before, but gives us peace of mind knowing what we are producing is safe and saves us time in trying to satisfy customers with information for their due diligence."
Gordon Kinniburgh
Island Cheese Company, Arran
" Finally, huge thanks to [mentor] and [auditor] for their excellent assistance throughout the process. It was actually a pleasure to have people work with us on compliance rather than against us. So refreshing to have problem/solution rather than problem & "deal with it"..."
D Riccomini
MD, Aldomak Ltd
"Thanks again for all your help. We'd never have done it without you."
M McConnach
Partner, Caithness Biscuits
"... she really is a star [mentor] and takes the worry out of auditing and a tremendous support, just what small companies need and can rely on."
J Clark
Partner, Connage Highland Dairy
East Ayrshire Council
East Ayrshire Council pioneered the sourcing of local food from Ayrshire farmers and food producers for its council catering services, including school meals. SFQC teamed up with the Council to mentor a number of these local suppliers towards achieving SALSA certification as part of the Council's due diligence procedures.
East Lothian Council
East Lothian Council is extremely proud of the county's food and drink businesses who offer a wide variety of local and seasonal produce. East Lothian Council's Economic Development Division supported a number of their producers towards achieving SALSA certification via SFQC mentoring, as part of its commitment to increase the availability of that produce.