SALSA Go!

SALSA is a robust and effective food safety certification scheme which is appropriate for smaller food producers and processors.

Retail, foodservice and Scotland’s public sector view local sourcing as a key objective. However, buyers frequently require assurance that the business operates to a recognised industry standard, this is a fundamental part of their due diligence and typically it requires affiliation to an independent third-party certification scheme such as SALSA.

Not having an independent third-party certification can be a fundamental barrier for businesses who seek to trade in markets where this is required.

SALSA approved suppliers can demonstrate that they operate to standards that are recognised and accepted across the industry and exceed the minimum standards expected by enforcement authorities as well as help open-up new opportunities to expand your business. 

This opportunity is appropriate for smaller and early-stage food and drink producers across all product categories.

This funded opportunity is time-limited and shall not extend beyond 12 months from the start date given. During this time businesses will be supported towards making a confident, audit-ready application to SALSA. 

SALSA Approval is only granted to suppliers who can demonstrate to an auditor that they are able to produce safe and legal food and are committed to continually meeting the requirements of the SALSA standard.

The programme will deliver expert support and guidance; however, a big part of the success will be dependent on the response from the business itself, a successful application leading to accreditation is not automatic.

Applications are being continuously received for this programme and places are limited.

Scotland Food & Drink will fund SALSA to work closely with you up to the point you are able to make a confident audit ready application.

To participate a small contribution is required.

• For Scotland Food & Drink member organisations the one-off cost is £375 +VAT.

• Businesses that are not members of Scotland Food & Drink will be required to make a one-off contribution £650 +VAT. 

For Scotland Food & Drink members your contribution is circa 25% of the actual cost of the support that will be provided by SALSA.

• When your business is “audit ready” you will have to meet the annual cost of SALSA registration and audit. This is typically £715 + VAT depending on the scale and complexity of the business.

Once you are successfully certified by SALSA there could be some internal business costs to ensure you maintain the Certification. SALSA will give advice on the likely implications of this for the business, but on-going support and costs are not funded by Scotland Food & Drink.

The first stage will be for SALSA to carry out a prequalification assessment, a self-assessment and then ultimately a Mentor Gap Analysis, which will identify current business strengths and weaknesses matched against SALSA requirements. If suitability to work toward Certification is confirmed we will ask you formally, to commit to the programme.

Only then will you be asked for your contribution.

The programme includes the following;

• Prequalification - this will ensure your eligibility for the programme.

• Induction welcome pack and “Monthly Motivation” newsletters

• Access to the SALSA Schemes online resources and telephone helpline

• Introductory assessment. A Self-Assessment Questionnaire will be completed by you and submitted to SALSA for joint review, by telephone interview.

• 2 Days SALSA Mentoring with a product technical specialist. Delivered on-site where possible, or remotely by prior agreement.

• A bespoke Action Plan for implementing the SALSA Standard and tailored guidance on how to comply.

• Closing review by telephone interview with SALSA.