Food Scientist – Quality Assurance Manager

Summary

Amanda Kehres, Quality Assurance Manager at Graeter's Manufacturing, discusses her role in ensuring the safety and quality of frozen desserts like ice cream, sorbet, and gelato. She highlights the importance of rigorous testing, including ATP testing for bacteria, and the oversight required for sanitation and food safety. With a background in microbiology and a passion for food science, Amanda emphasizes the significance of hands-on experience and the growing importance of food safety regulations like the Food Safety Modernization Act. Her work is crucial in preventing contamination and maintaining product consistency for consumers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Amanda Kehres is the Quality Assurance Manager at Graeter's Manufacturing in Cincinnati, Ohio, overseeing the safety and consistency of frozen desserts like ice cream, sorbet, and gelato.
• 😀 Her role involves ensuring products meet strict safety standards, including testing for harmful bacteria like E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella.
• 😀 ATP testing is a key tool used in the facility to check for bacteria, especially on employees' hands and various areas of the plant.
• 😀 Amanda spends time both on the manufacturing floor and in the office to ensure quality control and maintain thorough documentation for all production activities.
• 😀 All products must meet high-quality standards, with strict adherence to recipes and specifications, as well as safety protocols.
• 😀 Graeter's Manufacturing runs 24 hours a day, four days a week, with small batches of ice cream made in 32 French pots to ensure consistent quality.
• 😀 In case of any quality concerns, Amanda is trained to quickly notify her supervisor and take action, including issuing recalls if necessary, though no recalls have occurred yet.
• 😀 Regular recall drills are conducted at Graeter's to ensure the team knows what to do if a real recall situation arises.
• 😀 Amanda holds a certification as a Registered Microbiologist and recommends internships and hands-on lab experience for anyone pursuing a career in food science.
• 😀 Food safety has evolved significantly, with regulations like the Food Safety Modernization Act bringing greater awareness and responsibility to professionals in the field.
• 😀 For those interested in food science careers, Amanda advises focusing on math and science courses like anatomy, chemistry, and physical science in high school to build a strong foundation.

Q & A

What is Amanda Kehres' role at Graeter's Manufacturing?

Amanda Kehres is the Quality Assurance Manager at Graeter's Manufacturing in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of the company's frozen desserts, including ice cream, sorbet, and gelato.

What are the key responsibilities of a Quality Assurance Manager in food manufacturing?

A Quality Assurance Manager in food manufacturing is responsible for ensuring the consistency, safety, and quality of the products produced. This includes managing sanitation procedures, conducting testing for harmful bacteria, and ensuring that all production processes meet regulatory standards.

What types of bacteria does Amanda monitor for in the production process?

Amanda monitors for bacteria such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, which could potentially contaminate the products during production.

What is ATP testing and how is it used in food manufacturing?

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) testing is a quick method used to detect bacteria in a food manufacturing environment. It helps ensure that employees are maintaining cleanliness, particularly in handling food, and that overall sanitation practices are effective.

How does Amanda ensure that the ice cream produced at Graeter's meets quality standards?

Amanda ensures quality by overseeing the consistency of the ice cream, conducting regular testing, and ensuring all recipes and production processes are followed correctly. She also maintains a strong rapport with ice cream technicians and monitors the production records to ensure compliance with safety and quality regulations.

What role does documentation play in the food manufacturing process?

Documentation is crucial in food manufacturing to maintain a traceable record of all processes. This includes tracking production steps, charting temperature readings, and validating safety measures. It ensures that the company meets regulatory requirements and has a paper trail for every action taken in production.

What is the Food Safety Modernization Act and how does it impact the food industry?

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is a law that brings greater awareness to food safety practices, aiming to prevent foodborne illnesses rather than reacting to them. For professionals like Amanda, it highlights the critical role they play in ensuring the safety and quality of the food supply.

How does Amanda's hands-on experience on the production floor benefit her role as a Quality Manager?

Amanda's hands-on experience on the production floor allows her to understand the day-to-day challenges faced by ice cream technicians. It helps her identify potential issues, ensure adherence to quality standards, and resolve any problems quickly by being directly involved in the production process.

What are some qualifications required for a career in food science and quality assurance?

A career in food science and quality assurance typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Specialized certifications, such as Amanda's certification as a registered microbiologist from the American Society for Microbiologists (ASM), are also valuable in ensuring expertise in food safety and microbiology.

Why is it important for food scientists to have hands-on experience in labs during their education?

Hands-on lab experience is crucial for food scientists as it demonstrates practical competence and helps them understand the real-world applications of their academic knowledge. Internships and lab work provide exposure to various aspects of food safety, testing, and quality control, which is essential for their future careers.