Q: How do I know if salmon are scheme approved?
A: Only product bearing the SSQC label are approved under the scheme. The label is only applied to product sourced from approved farms, processed at approved premises and subject to satisfactory residue analysis.
Q: How often are scheme members assessed against the scheme standards?
A: Farms are assessed twice each year with at least one of the assessments covering harvest operations. Low risk processors are assessed at six monthly intervals and high risk plants, e.g. those producing ready to eat products, at four monthly intervals.
Q: How are decisions on approval made?
A: All reports are submitted for consideration by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The TAC has representation from industry sectors, regulatory authorities and members of the public.
Q: How long does certification take?
A: This will depend on the applicant’s readiness for a full assessment against the standards. Certification can be achieved within 4 to 6 weeks of receipt of an application. However, this would be dependant on completion and verification of corrective actions against any non-compliances raised during the assessment.
Q: What if I disagree with the certification decision.
A : You can appeal against the decision, the appeals process is explained in your copy of the scheme regulations.
Q: Is the scheme compatible with organic standards?
A: Yes. We currently have members who are also certified to organic standards.