Asha Prasad

About Asha Prasad

I am an experienced food safety professional with a PhD in Food Safety and over a decade of experience in the food industry. I possess a forward-thinking and strategic mindset, with extensive experience leading high-performance teams and driving organizational quality and food safety initiatives. I implement best practices to maintain product safety and quality standards.I have in-depth knowledge of the food industry\'s complex regulatory landscape and the ability to tackle emerging challenges. I am an expert in developing and executing comprehensive quality and food safety management initiatives that ensure compliance with regulatory standards, enhance customer satisfaction, and support business growth. I am well-versed in the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and lean manufacturing practices.My experience includes leading various food safety audits, such as the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification, Food Safety System Certification (FSSC), the National Organic Program (NOP), Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), kosher, non-genetically modified organism (non-GMO), as well as regulatory and customer audits. I am adept at implementing robust quality management systems that align with regulatory and industry standards, drive continuous improvement, and conduct comprehensive risk assessments.As a proven leader in cross-functional collaboration, team training, and strategic planning, I consistently deliver measurable results and exceed organizational goals. I am known for effectively integrating food safety best practices, significantly reducing food safety incidents and increasing customer trust.

Experience

1. Director of Food Safety & Quality

   Tarrier Foods

   Apr 2022 — Present · Columbus, OH, US

   As a Director of Food Safety and Quality at Tarrier Foods Corp, my responsibilities include:· Lead a team of 10 to 15 professionals, including quality technicians, a quality supervisor, and a quality control manager.· Lead audits for customers, regulatory bodies, and the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) for gluten-free, halal, and kosher certifications.· Maintain certifications for SQF, kosher, gluten-free (GFCO), and Halal standards.· Ensure fulfillment of food safety and quality standards for a diverse customer base, including food manufacturers, fast-food restaurants, and retailers.· Develop and implement HACCP plans to guarantee the safety and quality of various finished products.· Track the production plant’s food safety objectives (KPIs) related to prerequisite and food safety plans.· Review inspection reports to identify non-conformance issues and establish effective corrective actions for continuous improvement.· As a certified SQF practitioner, ensure adherence to relevant standards and regulations, as well as customer requirements, to maintain high food safety and quality standards.· Address customer complaints promptly through corrective and preventative actions.· Enhance production equipment, processes, procedures, and team performance to strengthen the food safety program.

Education

• North Dakota State University

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Food Safety

  2007 — 2013

• University of Mumbai

  Master of Science (MSc), Organic Chemistry

  2001 — 2003

• University of Mumbai

  Bachelor of Science (BSc), Chemistry

  1998 — 2001