Blog Introduction
Hello, and welcome to my blog! As a microbiologist, I am deeply invested in promoting food safety and maintaining high-quality standards in manufacturing environments. With 15+ years of experience as a food safety professional, I have developed a wealth of skills and knowledge that make me particularly well-suited to work with start-ups and small to medium-sized companies. In fact, I have been involved in over 15 start-ups so far, and I am excited to share my insights and expertise with you.
During my time in school, I had the opportunity to complete two internships at P&G in Cincinnati, Ohio. In those internships, I worked in the microbiology labs of two of their brands: Pringles and Folgers. Although I had no prior experience working with food, those internships proved pivotal in my career, sparking my passion and deepening my knowledge in the food industry.
Upon graduating with a degree in Microbiology from Universidad del Este in Puerto Rico, I joined General Mills as a Quality Engineer. My time at the multinational company, which produced a wide variety of food categories, taught me invaluable lessons and allowed me to meet many wonderful people. In particular, I gained extensive knowledge of food manufacturing equipment, sanitary design, sanitation, process controls, and the best food safety practices. During my tenure, I witnessed significant shifts in the food safety landscape, particularly with new FDA regulations leading up to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
After leaving General Mills, I was hired in 2012 as a Quality Manager for a brand-new manufacturing plant. I was tasked with developing documentation, securing SQF certification, and managing the company's quality systems. This role marked the first of many start-ups I would work with, and while I brought a wealth of food safety knowledge to the table, I also learned extensively about Quality management, overseeing sanitation teams, pest control, and other critical aspects of running a successful food manufacturing facility. Working with smaller companies allowed me to understand the food safety field better and better navigate information silos.
Moving from one start-up to the next, my career took me to a different start-up focused on dietary supplements. This experience gave me a newfound understanding of the unique regulations that apply to the supplement industry. In just seven months, our team achieved NSF certification, and I maintained this certification while also expanding the team to 14 employees.
While not looking for a new opportunity, I was approached to become an internal auditor for a start-up company that made protein bars, a new category for me. I especially enjoyed visiting different types of food manufacturers all over the US and understanding how the teams in each facility figured out how to comply with regulations in their own way. This experience taught me how to ride that gray area and even embrace it when doing the right thing for your customer and end consumer. In addition, I got to know so many people that are still in my network today. As an internal auditor, I provided a lot of consulting for my suppliers while sharing best practices I had either implemented or witnessed. I also developed a soft spot for small and medium companies and the strain that following the regulation can cause on already spread-thin employees.
I founded my consulting company to cater to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Because I have a practical understanding of the regulations and guidelines that apply to all food manufacturing facilities, I derive immense satisfaction in creating programs tailored to small businesses unique needs, allowing them to implement and maintain sustainable growth.
As I reflect on my career path, I realize that each of my previous roles has significantly shaped me into a versatile food safety expert. Through this blog, I aim to share my insights, experiences, knowledge, and valuable tips and resources to aid your professional growth. Whether you're a novice or an experienced professional, I aspire to provide valuable insights and a glimpse into my zeal to guide companies toward compliance with regulations.
Understanding and complying with FDA, USDA, and FSMA regulations is critical to the success of any food business. By implementing the right food safety pre-requisite programs, companies can ensure regulatory compliance, enhance their reputation, increase customer satisfaction, and boost profits. As a food safety professional, I am passionate about helping companies navigate the complex world of regulations and achieve their goals. I hope this blog provides valuable insights, tips, and resources to aid you in your journey toward compliance and success. Remember, food safety is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral obligation to ensure the health and well-being of your consumers. So, let's work together to build a safer and healthier food industry.
This blog's author and owner of Abreu Food Safety Consulting firm is Rebecca Ruth Nereida Abreu Hernandez.
"Savor the flavor, but safety first!"