Food Regulatory Specialist

The Food Regulatory Specialist ensures that all food products comply with applicable local, national, and international regulations. This role involves monitoring regulatory changes, food label compliance with U.S. and Canadian food regulations, including FDA, CFIA, and customer requirements. This position involves verifying FSVP, supplier facilities, managing documentation, and ensuring proper labeling and packaging compliance. The Food Regulatory Specialist plays a key role in maintaining supplier relationships and ensuring ongoing compliance through audits and monitoring programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Packaging and Labeling Compliance:

• Create ingredient statements, allergen declarations, and nutrition fact labels to ensure FDA compliance.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal design teams for labeling requirements.
• Monitor packaging processes to comply with food labeling standards.

Regulatory Compliance Monitoring:

• Stay informed about updates in FDA regulations and food industry standards.
• Ensure imported products meet U.S. food safety requirements, including safety, sanitation, and labeling.
• Verify compliance with customer-specific requirements, including their Supplier Code of Conduct.

Pre-Project Preparation:

• Review Food Safety Audits to ensure compliance with general and specific requirements, including unannounced audits and certification bodies.
• Verify facility compliance using FEI# and identify potential import alerts or issues.
• Assist facilities without prior audits in preparing for compliance evaluations.
• Initial ingredient and label review to ensure legality.

Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP):

• Evaluate foreign suppliers and products to determine FSVP applicability and or HACCP.
• Collect and review required documents, including but not limited to hazard plans, supplier qualification plans, and environmental monitoring plans.
• Register facilities and manage documentation in compliance platforms.

Supplier Monitoring and Reevaluation:

• Maintain ongoing communication with suppliers to monitor compliance over time.
• Address compliance concerns promptly, including corrective actions and follow-ups.
• Monitor import alerts, refusals, or detentions

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration across teams.
• Proactive and organized approach to workload management.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on regulatory changes.

JOB QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

The following describes the general qualifications and physical, sensory, and mental abilities normally associated with performing the essential functions of this position.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in food science, Regulatory Compliance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in food labeling, food safety, compliance, or quality assurance.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements/Specialized Courses and/or Training:

• Proficiency in U.S. food safety regulations.
• Experience with compliance platforms.
• Familiarity with labeling regulations and packaging standards.
• Create U.S. compliant ingredient statements and review U.S. packaging for compliance.
• Be able to find solutions to regulatory challenges.

Language and Communication Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.