What's Happening?
Perdue Farms, a family-owned food and agricultural business, is actively seeking an Internal QA/Food Safety Auditor. This role is crucial for strengthening food safety and quality across the company's
Live Operations, which include Breeders, Hatcheries, Feed Mills, and Grow Out facilities. The auditor will be responsible for supporting the implementation and continuous improvement of food safety and quality programs, ensuring compliance with established SOPs and biosecurity standards. Key duties involve updating food safety and quality standards based on audit results, serving as a liaison between internal teams and external auditors like the USDA, and analyzing data to recommend continuous improvements. The position also entails designing and delivering training programs for associates on live production food safety and Perdue’s Process Verified Programs. Candidates are expected to have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific or business field and a minimum of three years of audit experience, with prior poultry industry experience preferred.
Why It's Important?
This hiring initiative by Perdue Farms underscores the critical importance of food safety and quality assurance within the U.S. agricultural and food manufacturing sectors. By investing in a dedicated Internal QA/Food Safety Auditor, Perdue Farms aims to maintain and elevate its compliance with stringent regulations, including those from the USDA, and industry guidelines such as the National Chicken Council Animal Welfare Guidelines. This commitment directly impacts consumer trust and public health, as robust internal auditing processes help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure product integrity. For Perdue Farms, a strong food safety record is vital for brand reputation and market competitiveness. The role's focus on continuous improvement and training also highlights a proactive approach to risk management, which can lead to operational efficiencies and reduced potential for costly recalls or regulatory penalties. Ultimately, this position helps safeguard the quality of poultry products reaching American consumers.
What's Next?
The successful candidate for the Internal QA/Food Safety Auditor position will immediately begin working to enhance Perdue Farms' existing food safety and quality programs. This will involve conducting compliance audits, analyzing data from systems like SafetyChain and Power BI, and collaborating with various teams to drive consistency and accountability. The auditor will also be instrumental in ensuring Perdue Farms remains compliant with USDA regulations, including GMP, SSOP, and HACCP, and will contribute to cross-functional projects aimed at process improvement. Ongoing training programs for associates will be a continuous effort, ensuring that all personnel are up-to-date on best practices and company standards. The role's emphasis on data analysis and continuous improvement suggests a dynamic and evolving approach to food safety, with regular updates to programs and standards based on audit findings and risk assessments.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the immediate operational benefits, Perdue Farms' emphasis on this role reflects a broader industry trend towards increased transparency and accountability in food production. Consumers are increasingly demanding higher standards for animal welfare, food safety, and sustainable practices. By strengthening its internal auditing capabilities, Perdue Farms is not only meeting regulatory requirements but also responding to evolving consumer expectations. This proactive stance can differentiate the company in a competitive market and build long-term brand loyalty. The role also touches upon ethical considerations in animal agriculture, as the auditor will be familiar with auditing Process Verified Programs related to poultry care and animal protein-free practices. This commitment to responsible food and agriculture practices can influence industry benchmarks and encourage other companies to adopt similar rigorous standards, contributing to a more ethical and safer food supply chain across the U.S.
