Q: What is SALSA?
A: SALSA stands for Safe and Local Supplier Approval. It is a web based, not-for-profit approval scheme with the aim of helping small food producers meet the standards that national and regional buyers demand. It is backed by many large retailers and food service companies who understand the difficulty faced by small producers when trying to implement Quality Assurance standards, and was officially launched in March 2007, after a successful pilot took place with 15 small food and drink producers based in the Shetland Islands, the Isle of Arran and Dumfries and Galloway.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: To become a member you must register on the SALSA website www.salsafood.co.uk. This costs £50 + VAT, and will give you full access to the website. Once registered, you will be required to pay £400 + VAT for your first audit. SFQC also offers support for businesses that require QA/mentoring advice and this is charged at a daily rate by SFQC.
Q: Am I eligible for funding support?
A: It may be possible to access funding support from Local Enterprise Companies or Business Gateways. In the Highlands and Islands, SFQC have been contracted to provide QA mentoring/advice to food processing businesses based there. To access this support, businesses are required to contact their Local Enterprise Company (LEC) in the first instance. At the discretion of the LEC, a request will then be forwarded to SFQC via Development Partners.
Q: Who will be my auditor/mentor?
A: SALSA’s aim is to provide locally based, independent auditors and mentors The mentors/advisers retained by SFQC are technically qualified, experienced and registered with the Institute of Food Science and Technology as Auditors & Mentors.
Q: What will an audit entail?
A: The main focus of an audit will be to ensure that food safety controls, HACCP and Management systems and appropriate documentation is in place and that premises are properly maintained. Further information is available in the SALSA Scheme Audit Standard and User Guide available in the scheme downloads section.