SALSA Mentors

As SALSA Mentors we offer support to businesses throughout Scotland and Northern England who are looking to gain their SALSA site certification. Our support comes in a variety of forms tailored to meet your business’s needs, this may be by offering advice and knowledge on the latest SALSA standard or via the creation of a new, bespoke food management strategy. If you feel like your business might benefit from our mentorship and advice, then feel free to get in touch.

What is SALSA Accreditation?

SALSA is a food safety certification scheme developed for small food processing businesses who are not at the stage that requires BRCGS Approval. SALSA stands for ‘Safe and Local Supplier Approval’, it is available to food businesses operating in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. 

salsa-certificate

Do I need to be SALSA Accredited?

No. No matter the size of your business you do not need to be SALSA accredited; however there are many companies throughout the UK who will only do business with SALSA Approved or BRCGS approved suppliers, so as a business you might find you have more opportunities by becoming a SALSA approved site.

What are the benefits of SALSA certification?

  • New market opportunities.

  • Protects your brand and your customers.

  • Confidence that your business has demonstrated full legal, safety and quality compliance.

  • Allows you to do business with retailers, manufacturers, ingredients companies and food service organisations who specify certification as part of their approval process.

  • Reduce the number of product recalls, rejected products and customer complaints.

  • Access to guidance and support.

  • Lower cost than other schemes such as BRCGS, making it ideal for smaller businesses.

What Are the SALSA Certification requirements

  • UK Based

    The business must be producing or packaging a product in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.

  • Operate from a commercial premises

    Operate from a dedicated commercial kitchen or facility, not domestic.

  • Be classed as a SME

    Less than 50 Staff and less than £10million turnover.

How do I Obtain SALSA Approved Status?

  1. Go to the SALSA website, register and join SALSA.

  2. Download the free resources, read and then benchmark yourself against the SALSA Standards. If you’re unsure about any part of this process, this is where mentoring can help.

  3. Once you feel ready for the audit, call SALSA to let them know you’re ready for an auditor. You’ll need to ensure your audit and membership are paid for by this point.

  4. After calling SALSA, an auditor will be in touch within 5 days to arrange your audit at a time convenient to you. Note: If this is your first audit then it can be arranged anytime within 12 months of payment.

  5. After the audit takes place, SALSA will review the documentation and if no corrective actions are required, certification approval will be provided within 28 days.

How long after my audit until I can expect my certification?

Once your audit is complete, you should expect to wait up to a maximum of 90 days before you receive your certificate.