In the ever-evolving landscape of the food and beverage industry, ensuring the safety, quality and credibility of our products is crucial. At Taipec, we take pride in our commitment to excellence and this commitment is exemplified through our achievement of SALSA accreditation.
What is SALSA Accreditation?
SALSA, which stands for Safe and Local Supplier Approval, is a food safety certification scheme designed for food producers and processors. This accreditation is a demonstration of our dedication to operating at standards recognised and accepted across the industry.
SALSA approval is given to suppliers who can demonstrate to auditors that they can consistently produce safe and legal food.
SALSA is a non-profit joint venture that aims to provide affordable food safety certification and to support small businesses in the UK. SALSA certification was created by food safety experts and is built on a foundation of core principles and standards that cover every aspect of food production and processing. These principles include rigorous hygiene protocols, comprehensive traceability systems and quality control measures. At Taipec, we embrace and integrate these principles into our daily operations to deliver products of the highest quality.
The Process of Achieving SALSA Certification
The duration depends on how prepared you are and the approval process takes between 1 to 3 months. Here is a brief summary of the steps of achieving the SALSA certification and if you would like to see a more detailed version.
- Preliminary Requirements and Criteria
Before starting the certification journey, we ensure that our operations align with the preliminary requirements and criteria set by SALSA. This includes comprehensive documentation of our processes, ingredient sourcing and quality control measures.
2. Auditing and Assessment Phases
SALSA's auditors conduct thorough assessments of our facilities, processes and documentation to verify our compliance with their standards. This phase is a critical checkpoint to ensure that we meet industry expectations.
3. Continuous Compliance and Recertification
The commitment to SALSA does not end with initial certification. We are dedicated to continuous compliance, regularly reviewing and updating our processes to stay ahead of industry developments. Regular audits ensure that we consistently meet SALSA's high standards, reinforcing our commitment to quality.
Importance of SALSA Accreditation in the Food and Beverage Industry
The significance of SALSA accreditation extends beyond a mere certification; it has far-reaching implications for both businesses and consumers. SALSA accreditation instils confidence in our customers, assuring them that our products meet the highest safety and quality standards. This not only safeguards consumers but also positions us as a reliable supplier in the competitive market by showcasing our commitment to quality. Navigating the intricacies of the bubble tea industry involves the consideration of various factors, from storage practices to packaging. For instance, sealing tapioca balls in containers is imperative as exposure to air can lead to moulding or the refrigeration of popping pearls and jellies once opened, to maintain its freshness. The art of packaging plays a pivotal role as well-sealed packaging is a shield against potential contamination. In the legal part of the standard, they ensure that the organisation is complying with current food safety standards and food labelling.
How SALSA Accreditation Elevates Bubble Tea Quality
SALSA certification requires stringent checks on ingredient sourcing. This ensures that the raw materials used in our bubble tea meet the highest quality standards, contributing to the exceptional taste and freshness of our products. SALSA's focus on standardised processes includes strict hygiene protocols. This is particularly crucial in the preparation of bubble tea, where cleanliness impacts the safety and quality of the final product. SALSA's emphasis on quality control ensures that every cup of bubble tea we serve maintains a consistent flavour and quality.
A Glimpse into Taipec’s Journey to SALSA Accreditation
Our decision to pursue SALSA accreditation reflects our commitment to delivering the best possible products to our customers. We were successful in demonstrating our compliance for ‘brokers of importation, storage and distribution of ready for retail sale of oriental food products’. We took the steps required to meet SALSA's standards and are proud to be SALSA accredited.
Our commitment to the quality and safety of our products does not end at SALSA accreditation standards; it is a continuous journey. SALSA certification is sometimes considered as a ‘stepping stone’ to achieving other global standards. We still remain dedicated to upholding these standards as well as having pursued other certifications such as BRCGS, ISO9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015.