Amber Wave

Food safety culture is still fairly new to the industry. More than ever, communication and transparency between food safety and regulatory and other departments such as R&D, procurement and production are vital to adequately interpret and apply evolving regulations. Food safety professionals in leadership positions must apply their knowledge of regulations quickly and effectively to ensure safe food for customers and consumers while matching the pace at which other departments or projects move.

Food safety and needs to be a forethought instead of an afterthought, preventive instead of reactive. Involving food safety and regulatory early in the process of choosing new equipment, formulating a new product, changing suppliers, etc. can help to control costs during the process instead of having to redo or modify after the fact.

“Because the food safety and regulatory landscape is ever evolving, it is important as a leader to be willing to change your way of thinking and being open to other’s thoughts; your way might not always be the right way just because you are in a leadership position.”

The overall cost of running a profitable business can affect retention of food safety and regulatory professionals. If current economic trends continue, companies may not be able to pay a wage that matches the level of responsibility and liability that comes with the position. Also, making sure that food safety professionals are supported in their role requires an adequately staffed food safety and regulatory department. However, as mentioned above, involving food safety and regulatory as a preventive partner in any project can save costs in the long run.

Because the food safety and regulatory landscape is ever evolving, it is important as a leader to be willing to change your way of thinking and being open to other’s thoughts; your way might not always be the right way just because you are in a leadership position. Showing that you’re always learning too empowers others to speak up, ask questions and feel comfortable knowing they can approach you with their thoughts and ideas.

If you are leaning towards choosing a career in food safety and regulatory, it is important to be patient throughout your career. You won’t know everything when you start your career or even after several years into it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask why the answer is what it is. Pay attention to what goes on in other departments; putting yourself in someone else’s shoes helps you to understand your part in their processes.