8 Facts About Quality Assurance Technicians

Last Updated on July 14, 2024

For most of us, when going on a trip like camping, we plan ahead. We prepare for rain by bringing a rain tarp or bringing an extra set of blankets when we know it’s going to get cold.

Quality assurance (QA) works the same way. It is a set of standards and procedures that must be followed if a product doesn’t meet them. For example, equipment must be properly cleaned between batches to prevent bacterial growth and allergen contamination.

But what happens if it is not cleaned properly? Not to worry, because Quality Assurance Technicians already have plans that state precisely what should be done in these circumstances. It’s because of these plans that we don’t see as many food-related illnesses. These professionals have made it their job to secure food safety by developing quality/safety plans and ensuring they are being followed.

 1. Quality Assurance Technicians Uphold Food Safety

Quality assurance technicians (QAs) ensure that the food we consume is safe and adheres to quality standards. They aim to prevent mistakes or defects that could affect the integrity of food before production even begins.

Quality assurance is a term used to describe the systematic effort taken to ensure that a product meets a set of standards and specifications. Mistakes are prevented in three main ways. Firstly, they work with operations, sanitation, research & development teams to determine what quality standards they want to uphold. This could include quality standards (e.g., colour, weight, or size) or safety-related standards (e.g., bacterial levels in samples or equipment cleaning procedures before or after production runs). QAs are key members in the corporate risk management framework, a structure that is used to identify, analyze, and respond to risks and opportunities. The quality assurance department is responsible for identifying safety risks within the manufacturing plant, communicating these risks to corporate management, and ensuring that corrective actions are taken.

Secondly, depending on the company’s size, QA conducts audits, which play a key role in verifying proper food safety practices in processing facilities. During audits, they review paperwork, inspect buildings, and analyze data trends related to food safety. Examples of non-compliance may include discovering rusted production equipment, improper employee food handling practices, and temporary fixes to machinery.

Finally, QA professionals help reduce product defects by providing advice on regulatory compliance and quality management systems. They stay knowledgeable about food safety regulations to ensure compliance with government requirements for production facilities.

In addition to the tasks mentioned above, here are some more examples of a QA technician’s day-to-day responsibilities:

• Write, revise, update, and maintain Quality Systems and food documentation.
• Ensure that standard operating procedures align with actions performed in the plant.
• Research and create new technical documents and reports.

2. Quality Assurance Technicians are Sometimes Called Quality Control Technicians

In some food processing facilities, QA technicians are known as quality control (QC) technicians or food safety specialists, even though their duties may vary slightly. In smaller companies, the food safety/quality department is often smaller to fit the company’s size. Therefore, a QA technician might take on roles that combine both QC and QA responsibilities. This includes tasks such as testing products, updating regulatory documentation, and conducting audits.

In larger companies, specialists rarely work in the lab testing samples. Instead, they spend more time at their computers addressing non-conformance issues, updating quality documentation, and managing supplier specifications.

3. Quality Assurance Technicians Have Science Degrees

The traditional career path for aspiring QAs often involves earning a bachelor’s degree in fields like chemistry, biology, or food science. Alternatively, attending college to complete degrees in quality assurance, regulatory affairs, or food technology is another pathway. Educational backgrounds in this field vary widely because QA technician roles differ significantly from one company to another. Some QA technicians may even start as production floor workers and transition into laboratory roles over time.

4. Quality Assurance Technicians are Knowledgeable About GMPs and HACCP

Understanding and maintaining organizational standards of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are essential duties for any QA. Additionally, QA technicians have a strong understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), an internationally recognized system for reducing the risk of safety hazards in food. HACCP focuses on identifying and controlling hazards before and during production. QAs are highly familiar with this system because they are dedicated to preventing quality defects before they occur.

Overall, understanding these systems becomes second nature to QAs, so much so that they could recite them from memory. They stay current with the latest food safety news because regulations are constantly evolving.

5. Quality Assurance Technicians See the Bigger Picture

Quality Assurance is responsible for anticipating potential problems that could arise in the future. For instance, every manufacturing plant should have a plan in place for recalling food products if a safety risk is identified post-distribution. A recall occurs when a product deemed unsafe for consumption has already reached stores. QAs have predefined plans outlining the steps to be taken in such situations. While they aim to prevent such occurrences, QAs ensure there’s a contingency plan in place.

6. Quality Assurance Technicians Complete a Lot of Paperwork

In food manufacturing plants, extensive tracking is essential. From the moment ingredients arrive at a facility until they leave, their movement is meticulously documented. Quality assurance technicians create documents used by production staff, whether via tablets or traditional pen and paper. These documents typically track:

• Entry of raw ingredients into the plant.
• Cleaning schedules for machinery and equipment.
• Quality checks are performed on in-progress products.

QAs not only develop these tracking documents but also ensure their correct implementation by staff.

7. Quality Assurance Technicians Receive Many Great Perks

There are numerous advantages to working in quality assurance. Firstly, it offers an in-depth understanding of complex organizations. To prevent quality defects, QAs assess every aspect of an organization, from management roles to daily production habits. This gives them a comprehensive view of operations at all organizational levels.

Secondly, working as a quality assurance technician makes one visible within the organization. While all roles in a food plant are visible to some extent, QA roles involve frequent interactions with production staff and external auditors, enhancing visibility and networking opportunities.

8. Quality Assurance Technicians are Problem Solvers, Detail-Oriented, and Effective Communicators

Being a quality assurance professional demands a diverse skill set, with certain skills standing out as particularly crucial:

• Problem Solving: QAs constantly seek ways to prevent issues before they arise. This involves anticipating potential quality problems, developing multiple solutions, and implementing preventive measures.
• Detail-Oriented: Documentary precision is critical for QAs to avoid non-conformance during audits. They ensure that safety procedures are meticulously followed down to the smallest detail, safeguarding consumers.
• Communication: While much of their work is computer-based, QAs interact with a wide range of people. Effective communication is essential for conveying problems and solutions clearly across varying educational and professional backgrounds.