FOOD SAFETY - FOOD LABELING SPECIALIST 34 33 FOOD SAFETY Food Labeling Specialist Food product labels help consumers make informed decisions about the foods that they eat. Labels serve multiple purposes from enticing you to purchase the product to providing allergen information. For some these labels can mean life and death such as those with severe allergies. Extensive work goes into a food label, as labels are highly regulated. In Canada, labels must adhere to the standards of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which covers everything from the locations of the food label to the best before dates. Because labeling food is a job within itself, food companies hire professionals to ensure that products are labeled correctly. Food labeling specialists play an integral role in food businesses. 1. Food Labeling Specialists are Responsible for Food Labels Food Labeling Specialists (FLSs) create and review new packaging proofs at all design stages to ensure the accuracy of grammar, ingredients and nutrition facts. All labels created for food products must be compliant with corresponding regulatory agency policies, regulations, and standards (e.g. CFIA, Health Canada, FDA, USDA). FLSs continually communicate with different parties during the food development process and ensure that critical documents are maintained according to company requirements. Additionally, they keep up to date with regulatory changes and updates as required by governing bodies. Food labeling specialists are responsible for database management and inputting accurate manufacturer specifications into labeling databases. These databases store information like product sizes, nutritional and ingredient information. They collaborate with different departments when specifications are missing pertinent information or an ingredient needs to be updated. 2. Food Labeling Specialists Have Educational Backgrounds in Science It’s not uncommon for food labeling specialists to have an education in food science, nutrition, life sciences or culinary arts. Because regulatory affairs is a profession that can expand to many other industries, sometimes FLSs have work experience in science, healthcare, engineering and business. However, within recent years, there has been a rise in the number of collegesoffering one to two-year certificates and degrees in regulatory affairs. These programs provide the skills and knowledge to pursue careers related to regulatory affairs within the healthcare, food, chemical and agrochemical industries. If a graduate is looking to enter this profession straight out of school, they should ensure that their schooling has coursework focusing on industry guidelines, such as those administered by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). These courses provide a Canadian focused foundational knowledge for when entering the industry. Food Labeling Specialist Creating the nutritional labels for your favourite products Curious on how to approach creating a nutritional label for a completed food product? Then check out Episode 47 of the FoodGrads Podcast where Valerie Ivanova talks about her process and some fun projects she’s participated in! Click the photo to tune in! George Brown College is an Education Partner of ours, check them out on FoodGrads! Click their logo below! Available Programs: Food and Nutrition Management, Food Safety and Quality Assurance - Food Processing George Brown College
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