This position is to help ensure that all products meet legal and company specifications for food safety and standard of identity before leaving the premises. This is accomplished by testing ingredients, in-process samples and finished product per Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products protocols and placing out-of-spec product on-hold immediately and reporting any deviations from specifications to the Supervisor/Manager. Major Duties & Responsibilities: - Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Tests finished products to ensure chemical and microbiological compliance with Savencia Cheese USA and legal requirements
- Demonstrates basic working knowledge of SQF, FDA, USDA, PDA, and customer requirements
- Performs a variety of chemical and physical analyses on incoming, in-process and finished product which include but are not limited to: Moisture, Total Solids, Fat tests (Gerber Method), Salt, pH, residual oxygen, leak detector, and titratable acidity.
- Enters analytical data into LIMS software.
- Maintains testing equipment in working order by completing preventative maintenance, simple repairs, and calibration checks.
- Performs basic microbial plating, interpretation, enumeration, data entry, and trending on in-process, finished product, and shelf life retains.
- Supports the environmental monitoring program by collecting and testing surface, air, drain, hygiene, pathogen swabs (Zone 1-4), and water samples. Enters and trends data in database.
- Performs monthly scale verifications and quarterly thermometer verifications.
- Maintains a product retains library and evaluates product at average age and end of code for quality, micro, and sensory conformance. Enters data, trends data, and reports information to department manager.
- Identifies non-conformances on finished product and places affected product on hold in SAP. Retests product as needed to determine disposition.
- Communicates non-conformances clearly to operations and provides guidance on possible corrective actions.
- Maintains a working relationship with the Sanitation department by collecting, testing, and communicating deviations for wash water testing, ATP swabs, and Pre-Op Inspections as needed.
- Supports QA Manager during regulatory, 3rd party GFSI, and weekly internal inspections.
- Demonstrates knowledge of the site’s HACCP/Food Safety Plan, pre-requisite programs and GMPs.
- Reviews food safety documentation and verifies CCP and preventive control records for deviations or failures. Communicates issues to QA Manager. Places product on hold that may be affected by deviations.
- Provides technical support to operations for questions regarding product quality and food safety.
- Trains other departments on customer complaints, non-conformances, good documentation practices, GMPs, and audit findings.
- Supports the Appendix N testing program by preparing materials and maintaining PMO documentation.
- Maintains regular, predictable attendance.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements: - High school diploma/GED and 2 years of experience working in a lab environment or BS degree in biology, microbiology or food/dairy science with no experience.
- Ability to speak, read, write and comprehend English.
- Previous food industry experience, particularly in cheese and/or dairy applications.
- Knowledge of LIMS software.
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