Food Manufacturing Inspector
Job Description:Food manufacturing inspectors make sure companies meet hygiene and safety standards, and that products are safe to eat.
Job Category:What you will do:
In this job, you will:
- inspect conditions in slaughterhouses and processing plants
- carry out quality control checks
- test samples of raw ingredients and processed products
- analyse and present test results
- make sure production processes meet hygiene regulations
- train production staff in the importance of safety standards
- check labelling and packaging
- write quality reports
- advise companies about making improvements, and issue warning notices
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of public safety and security
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- the ability to analyse quality or performance
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- thinking and reasoning skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- organisational skills
Entry Requirements:
You’ll usually need:
- English, science & maths school qualifications (in the UK a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) )
- experience in food production
- excellent knowledge of food laws
Some employers will also expect you to have qualifications in food technology, biological science or chemistry. Others may ask for experience as a qualified environmental health officer.
You’ll also need food hygiene certificates.
Restrictions and Requirements
You’ll usually need a driving licence to travel between sites.
Working Hours and Environment:
You could work at a manufacturing plant or in an office.
Your working environment may be noisy and you’ll travel often.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience you could become a food safety manager, co-ordinating the work of a team of inspectors.
You could also move into environmental health or food science after training.