Nine companies have attained the new Scottish Seafood Association (SSA) standard, developed to improve the nation’s processing sector. Of the nine, six are also being assessed for Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) accreditation.
Developed by the SSA trade body and funded by industry – including the Aberdeenshire Council, Scotland Food & Drink, NESFLAG (EMFF), the Scottish government, and Seafish – the SSA Standard incorporates the training of staff, guidance on aspects of the business, factory audits, and mentoring.
“A significant part of the remit of the SSA is to drive up standards across the sector in Scotland – putting the ‘pro’ in processing if you like,” SSA Chief Executive Jimmy Buchan said. “We are determined that all of our processor members will gain the SSA Standard, giving seafood consumers the confidence that the highest standards of food hygiene and processing practices are being upheld.”
The companies meeting the standard were: Seafood Sourcing Ltd., Enterfoods, Jack Taylor Ltd., GMR Seafoods Ltd., Braehead (SFO Enterprises Ltd., J H Milne Peterhead Ltd., Sustainable Seafoods Peterhead Ltd., Jack Fish Co. Ltd. and Messers J Smith. The first six of these are awaiting the results of their SALSA audits.
“Through the SALSA and SSA accreditation, the Scottish Seafood Association is ensuring the industry is improving both its skills base and standards,” Suzanne Robertson, Aberdeenshire Council business development executive, said. “It is also making the seafood industry a far more attractive career choice for many within our communities.”
Photo courtesy of the Scottish Seafood Association
