Description
Ensure the safety, quality, and compliance of food products by applying chemistry, microbiology, statistics, and engineering to testing, process control, and data review; analyze raw materials, in-process, and finished goods; develop and validate methods, specifications, and sampling plans; monitor manufacturing and storage conditions; investigate deviations and implement CAPA; and support regulatory, customer, and certification audits.
- • Perform analytical, microbiological, and sensory testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished foods against specifications and regulations.
- • Inspect incoming ingredients and packaging for identity, purity, stability, and suitability for processing.
- • Review batch records, test data, and certificates of analysis to determine product release.
- • Monitor processing and storage conditions; verify critical control points, sanitation, and environmental controls per HACCP and GMP.
- • Validate and implement analytical and rapid test methods; calibrate and qualify instruments.
- • Develop and maintain specifications, SOPs, sampling plans, and quality standards aligned with regulatory and GFSI requirements.
- • Conduct stability and shelf-life studies and trend quality data to detect shifts and risks.
- • Lead investigations of deviations, OOS/OOT results, and complaints; perform root cause analysis and implement CAPA.
- • Collaborate with production, R&D, engineering, and supply chain to troubleshoot quality issues and drive corrective actions.
- • Perform internal audits and GMP inspections of processing areas; verify sanitation and allergen controls.
- • Ensure label accuracy and compliance for allergens, additives, and nutritional declarations.
- • Support external audits, supplier qualifications, and customer inquiries with quality documentation.
- • Maintain training, data integrity, and continuous improvement activities; stay current with standards, methods, and regulations.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Agriculture
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
