Food Safety Officer

The Food Safety Officer (FSO) is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of wheaten flour products by conducting inspections, enforcing food safety regulations, investigating complaints, and educating food handlers on best practices. The role focuses on identifying and controlling food safety hazards, maintaining hygiene standards, and implementing corrective actions to prevent contamination or foodborne illnesses, thereby ensuring public health protection and full legal compliance.

Key Responsibilities Food Safety

• Conduct regular, prioritized inspections and audits of suppliers to assess compliance with hygiene and food safety standards.

• Enforce applicable local, national, and international food safety legislation and standards, including issuing verbal or written warnings, statutory notices, or recommending legal action when required.

• Investigate foodborne illness outbreaks, customer complaints, and food safety incidents to determine root causes and implement corrective actions, providing timely feedback to customers.

• Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of food safety management systems such as HACCP, GMP, and other quality assurance programs, ensuring systems are updated in line with current legislation and standards.

• Ensure implementation, compliance, and successful certification of current Food Safety Assessment (FSA) levels and pass annual external audits.

• Monitor workstations and production processes and collect food or water samples for microbiological and chemical analysis.

• Develop and conduct food safety training programs for staff and management to promote a strong food safety culture.

• Maintain accurate documentation and records of inspections, incidents, corrective actions, and reports for management and authorities.

• Conduct food safety risk assessments and implement preventive measures.

• Chair and conduct regular food safety meetings.

• Record, track, and monitor all Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs).

Quality Control

• Schedule laboratory testing for product verification.

• Analyse laboratory results and provide feedback and recommendations to senior management.

• Approve, manage, and file Certificates of Analysis (COAs).

• Demonstrate sound knowledge of laboratory equipment and testing procedures.

• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for laboratory equipment.

• Schedule external verification and calibration of laboratory equipment.

• Interpret wheat flour quality parameters and understand their impact on baking performance.

Cleaning & Hygiene

• Liaise with relevant departments to ensure cleaning programs meet food safety standards.

• Evaluate cleaning methods, chemicals, and equipment for effectiveness.

• Monitor outsourced services such as pest control and contract cleaning.

• Ensure work practices comply with safety and hygiene regulations.

• Monitor personal hygiene practices, including wound and injury control.

• Arrange and oversee weekly laundry services.

• Ensure all staff consistently use the required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Risk Assessment & Auditing

• Conduct regular risk assessments across operations.

• Perform internal audits and monthly GMP audits.

• Evaluate and update product and process specifications as required.

• Ensure continuous improvement of food safety and quality systems.

Minimum Requirements Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Food Science, Microbiology, Environmental Health, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.

• Relevant certifications such as HACCP, FSSC 22000, or ISO 22000 are highly advantageous.

Experience & Knowledge

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in Quality and Food Safety.

• In-depth knowledge of food safety legislation, regulations, and industry standards.

• Proven experience in managing and maintaining an FSSC 22000 food safety management system is essential.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to work independently with integrity and objectivity.

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

To apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV to recruit@pronel.co.za