JOB DESCRIPTION

Provide leadership and expertise in the area of food labeling regulations as it relates to reviewing and approving corporate brand labels for nutritional, health/structure/function claims and regulatory labeling requirements. Develop and provide labeling education to Kroger staff on how to label consumer packages as it relates to nutritional labeling and other regulatory requirements. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of the company in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR). Demonstrate the company s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Coordinate the label approval process and prioritize work load within the Corporate Food Technology (CFT) team

- Review and approve consumer package artwork for nutritional and regulatory compliance requirements, such as font size, text placement, proper product name, claims, principle display panel, information panel, etc.

- Review CLAIMS on packaging, point of sale signs and marketing brochures for accuracy

- Interpret and make recommendations on independent peer review papers to substantiate health/structure/function claims

- Keep current with regulatory and technological changes that may affect labeling laws for the food industry by maintaining professional contacts with peers in industry, trade associations and government agencies

- Develop and lead training sessions for CFT staff members, packaging managers and others as to the requirements of labeling consumer packages

- Develop and issue food labeling metrics in order to reduce error rates by developing targeted training opportunities based on the metrics

- Demonstrate excellence in project planning, execution and timing through project evaluation and use of resources available to shorten the label approval process time

- Communicate technical labeling requirements to Quality Assurance/Product Development technologists, packaging managers, Corporate Brands category managers, Merchandising staffs and design labeling companies

- Travel as required for execution of essential job duties, including attending training seminars

- Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements

- Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles

- Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

- Must be able to work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum

- Bachelor's Degree food science, food safety, regulatory compliance or a related field

- 5 years of experience in consumer package label compliance, food science, food product development and/or food quality assurance

- Ability to comprehend and interpret FDA/USDA labeling regulations and postings in the federal register

- Effective communication skills for non-regulatory audiences

Desired

- Any experience with food labeling laws and regulations

- Food plant quality assurance manager

- Product development technologist

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