Esther Akinfolarin
Edmonton,Canada
Summary
Result-driven and passionate quality assurance professional with over 5 years of experience in meat safety, quality assurance, and HACCP coordination within federally inspected meat processing facilities. Proven leadership provided to high performing QA teams. Adept at managing quality assurance programs and ensuring adherence to CFIA, HACCP, BRC, and MPIP standards. Possess a strong academic background, with a Master's degree in Animal Science (Meat Science). Experienced in conducting validation programs, such as chilling, moisture retention, and other critical control points in poultry processing. Committed to staying updated with the latest trends and regulations to enhance food safety practices. Seeking to leverage my expertise, drive continuous improvement, as a Quality Manager.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
HACCP COORDINATOR
Sofina Foods Inc.
Edmonton, Canada
09.2021 - Current
- Providing guidance and leadership to QA teams, and ensuring tasks are conducted and completed as required.
- Managing the ongoing review and enhancement of quality assurance programs, focusing on HACCP plans, SOPs, and Prerequisite Programs to ensure compliance with CFIA, BRC, MPIP, and other regulatory standards.
- Playing a key role in preparing the plant for, and successfully passing, BRC, Animal Welfare, and customer audits, demonstrating high standards of compliance and operational excellence.
- Conducting comprehensive root cause analyses and implementing corrective and preventive actions to address internal audit nonconformities, customer complaints, and audit findings.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including production, maintenance, and sanitation, to align quality objectives with overall operational goals.
- Spearheading the training of new and old staff on GMPs, HACCP, MPIP, and quality-related procedures, enhancing the overall knowledge and compliance within the plant.
- Conducting validation programs such as chilling, moisture retention, and other critical control points in poultry processing, ensuring product safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Perform ante-mortem inspections and ensure compliance with the Modernized Poultry Inspection Program (MPIP) during poultry processing, maintaining high standards of food safety and animal welfare.
- Ensuring continuous improvement of food safety culture across all departments.
- Performs microbial testing, such as E. Coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter, including pre-operational environmental and equipment tests using TPC and ATP swabs.
- Staying updated with the latest technology trends that can enhance advancements in food safety to continuously improve processes and implement innovative solutions.
- Perform other duties required.
HACCP COORDINATOR
Canadian Premium Meats Inc.
Lacombe, Canada
10.2020 - 08.2021
- Led animal welfare, GMPs, and SQF third-party audits as required.
- Managed a team of three QA technicians, ensuring quality standards are met.
- Addressed CFIA CARS through corrective actions and preventative measures, ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Managed the HACCP system, SOPs, and Prerequisite Programs to ensure compliance with CFIA-CVS and other regulatory standards.
- Coordinated microbiological sampling and testing, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data used for quality control and regulatory reporting.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including production, maintenance, and sanitation, to align quality objectives with overall operational goals.
- Performed document reviews, control, and safekeeping.
- Performed other duties as required.
FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE TECHNICIAN
Canadian Premium Meats Inc.
Lacombe, Canada
09.2019 - 09.2020
- Conducted daily inspections and verifications of critical control points (CCPs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain high standards of food safety and quality.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of corrective actions for identified nonconformities, ensuring continuous improvement in product safety and quality.
- Supported the preparation and maintenance of documentation for regulatory audits, contributing to the plant's successful compliance with HACCP and SQF standards.
- Analyzed data trends to identify potential quality issues, facilitating proactive measures to prevent product defects, and improve overall quality.
Education
MASTER OF SCIENCE - ANIMAL SCIENCE (MEAT SCIENCE)
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta08.2019
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - AGRICULTURE (ANIMAL SCIENCE)
Osun State University
Nigeria08.2015
Skills
- Team leadership
- Staff and employee training
- Regulatory Compliance (CFIA, HACCP, BRC, MPIP)
- Process Validation (Chilling, Moisture Retention, CCPs)
- Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions
- Data analysis and trend monitoring
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Attention to detail
Awards
- Women in Agriculture Student Sponsorship Conference Award (AWC), 2018
- Ramsey Boyd Scholar Award, 2019
- Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology Scholarship Trust, 2019
- Canadian Society of Animal Science Student Award, 2019
Certifications Training
- GMP and HACCP Implementation, Alberta Food Processor - SGS ACADEMY, Canada, 08/20
- MPIP Training & Examination, 2022/2023
Interested In
Manager, Quality Assurance Role
Timeline
HACCP COORDINATOR
Sofina Foods Inc.
09.2021 - Current
HACCP COORDINATOR
Canadian Premium Meats Inc.
10.2020 - 08.2021
FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE TECHNICIAN
Canadian Premium Meats Inc.
09.2019 - 09.2020
MASTER OF SCIENCE - ANIMAL SCIENCE (MEAT SCIENCE)
University of Alberta
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - AGRICULTURE (ANIMAL SCIENCE)
Osun State University
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