Microbiologist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Objective 

To ensure that microbial load of raw material, WIP, finished product, process lines and environmental samples are within specifications.

The Microbiologist is responsible for conducting microbiological analysis on raw and packaging material, work in progress, finished product, returned goods, product contact surfaces, food manufacturing environmental samples, sanitation media and any other media that may affect the overall microbial conformance of the product.

Job Purpose

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1. Monitor the sanitation process and  production procedures with special reference to sensitive areas including:

-‘clean packaging rooms ( milk, ketchup mayonnaise etc)’

      - ‘cold fill processes ( Condiments area etc)’

      - ‘ press areas on pasta lines’

      - ‘packaging systems on pasta lines.

1. Clean and tidy laboratory work area.
2. Perform routine laboratory tests and preparations including Standard Plate Count, Yeast and Mould, Lactobacillus, Salmonella, Total and Faecal Coliforms, and other food borne pathogens, identification of organisms by staining methods  and magnification and other applicable techniques.
3. Arrange for testing by external labs as directed by Corporate Quality Function and microbiological testing schedule.
4. Perform Microbiological tests on the media of the Standard Sanitation Operating Procedures to ensure the delivery of commercially sterile process lines and environment. This includes the testing of flush water samples, surface swabs, chemical solutions etc, based on Microbiological schedule.
5. Monitor production processes and operating procedures to prevent or detect microbiological cross-contamination of products. Provide feed back to Plant management and Quality Management as needed.
6. Approve products for release, based on microbiological results.
7. Supply information to maintain the Microbiological Hold and Release Reports and Programs.
8. Support the investigation and reporting on spoilage, claims, work in progress material and pest infestations.
9. Work with Corporate Quality and R&D teams, by testing new and existing products and processes to ensure shelf stable products.
10. Support the Food Safety initiative by assisting in the development and implementation of microbiological standards and training of workers in microbiological concepts and principles.
11. Maintain adequate stocks of laboratory supplies for microbiological testing.
12. Assist in the completion of Consumer Complaint reports and other relevant reports.
13. Assist other team members when needed and foster a team environment.
14. Comply with quality and safety systems (e.g. GMP and OSHA).
15. Undertake any other task that may be necessary to achieve the company’s objectives. Management has the right and responsibility to operate the plant in a safe and efficient manner and may change job assignments to reflect this.

 This document will be revised periodically in order to ensure its relevance to the operation of the company.