Shetland Smokehouse, a family-owned and operated business, is leading the way in HACCP training, according to Improve, the Food & Drink Skills Council.
Date:
Fri, 15 Jul 2011
Source:
Improve
Improve:
Website
Shetland Smokehouse and its sister company, Cluny Fish, are both respected names across the globe and their superb range of quality ready-to-eat fish products are exported to customers all over the world.
Competing with the big UK players was never going to be an option, so the business concentrates on unique products as well as on exports.
In 2010, Shetland Smokehouse became the first SALSA-certified business for a completely new and unique range of products soon to be launched.
Exports account for over 80% of sales and include continental Europe and Asia, with a large proportion going to the USA.
An article on the Improve website outlines the cmopany's journey: "In 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appeared to be applying more rigorous attention to both the product and the HACCPs of seafood imports.
"Shetland Smokehouse fell short of FDA inspectors who were no longer happy with the standard of HACCP training, despite meeting internationally recognised Codex Alimentarius guidelines.
"Specialist help was needed and provider of food industry technical support, Inverness-based Food Technical Services (FTS), as HACCP and seafood specialists, were appointed to assist.
"Staff training and mentoring plans were developed and implemented and key staff were trained to bespoke versions of the REHIS (Royal Environmental Health Institute Scotland) certificates in Food Safety and HACCP, where all candidates passed.
"A complete review and representation of the HACCP system was undertaken and a replacement HACCP (adopting Campden BRI and Codex Alimentarius guidelines) was implemented with detail targeted at the appropriate levels for the EU and the FDA.
The US-based importer happily received a copy of the HACCP for the FDA, and reported back with satisfaction. Trade with this client and others in the USA remains strong, which with weak markets in Southern Europe is welcome news for the Smokehouse."
Details on the support, HACCP guidance and training services can be found at Food Technical Services.
Shetland Smokehouse.
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