Sangeeta Thakur, Food Safety Specialist

Sangeeta Thakur

Food Safety Specialist

Casinetto Trading LLC

Location
United Arab Emirates - Dubai
Education
Master's degree, Micotoxicology & Seed Pathology
Experience
11 years, 2 Months

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Work Experience

Total years of experience :11 years, 2 Months

Food Safety Specialist at Casinetto Trading LLC
  • United Arab Emirates - Dubai
  • My current job since November 2020

• Draft, review and maintain updated the QAQC/HACCP documentation (Pre-requisite Programmes (PRPs), HACCP plan, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in line with the local applicable food safety rules and regulations.
• Track the non-conformances, issues NCRs against liable parties and monitor the closure.
• Perform emergency drills and mock recalls (to test the traceability system) and draft recommendations for improvement.
• Carried out quality test as per the HACCP plan (hand swab, water, microbiological test).
• Conduct supplier audits and support the completion of Corrective Actions post audits.
• Maintained and updated Food Safety Management System (FSMS) to facilitate procedure enhancements, revision changes and overall process control.
• Communicated with process owners to convey requirements of technical and process improvements inline with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and ISO 22000:2018.
• Interfaced with client before and during process of auditing activities.
• Planned and executed ISO engagements under direction of management team.
• Coordinated internal audit processes, scheduled & conducted internal & supplier audits with operations team.
• Assisted in documenting processes, work instructions and flow charts to foster collaboration.
• Reported audit findings to management within defined timelines resulting in corrective actions from stakeholders.
• Identified control gaps in processes, procedures and systems through research and assessment and suggested methods for improvement.
• Developed and implemented corrective actions to bring business areas in line with standards.
• Packaged and sent food product samples to clients and outside laboratories for testing and evaluation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of industry best practices regarding labeling and packaging.
• Provided guidance on improved quality control measures, good manufacturing practice (GMP) to increase customer satisfaction.
• Developed recommendations to reduce hazards by improving gear, behaviors & procedures guided by Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
• Performed physical inspections of samples to detect disease and assess purity or cleanliness.
• Provided food handlers refresher basic food hygiene (BFH) & wellbeing training and developed materials for presentations.
• Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in identification of root causes to support teamwork.

Food Safety and Hygiene Officer at Puranmal Restaurants LLC
  • United Arab Emirates - Dubai
  • August 2019 to October 2020

• Reviewed & monitored organization's food preparation, handling, storage, and transportation processes in line with organization's Food Safety Management System (FSMS).
• Recommended control measures and modifications to existing procedures to control hazards.
• Liaise with Dubai/Abu Dhabi/ Sharjah Municipality for maintenance & implementation of new regulations and fulfil local by-laws.
• Carried out Calorie estimates for restaurant menu across outlets and coordination with management.
• Created & maintained database of nutritional facts for calorie menu which can help consumer make informed and helpful decision about meals and snacks.
• Managed and ensured proper stock management of products (roastery, sweets, confectionaries, beverages etc.) in coordination with the section supervisors. Occasionally provided feedback on promotional activities for stock clearance.
• Managed hygiene and deep cleaning of kitchen preparation, roastery, pot wash etc. areas.
• Monitored packaging, labeling, restocking of roastery and souvenir items.
• Assisted Vendor / Supplier Audits according to the regulatory requirement.
• Assisted in the 3rd party audit of organization.
• Conducted refresher Basic Food Hygiene (BFH - Dubai), Good Hygiene Practice (GHP-Sharjah), Essential Food Safety Training (EFST - Abu Dhabi) to all Food handlers on regular basis.
• Assisted in closure of customer complaints & municipality observations with conformance and record for matters related to food safety & hygiene.
• Assisted in determination of root causes of non-conformances and device methods for prevention of recurrence.
• Coordinated with Calibration team, Pest control team, OHC (Occupational Health Certificate), Grease Trap Management, FOOD Watch, Kitchen Hood Team, Waste management, Maintenance Department to ensure that equipment and facilities meet local food safety standards.
• Reviewed and followed up on the microbiological results from food laboratory.

Food Safety and Hygiene Officer at Savour Catering LLC
  • United Arab Emirates - Dubai
  • January 2018 to July 2019

• Conducted inspection and audits of premises to ensure compliances with Food Safety and Quality Standards.
• Ensured that all food is handled, prepared, stored, served and transported in satisfactory manner.
• Responsible for internal auditing for Site operations.
• Investigated compliances such as customer complain etc.
• Prepared of buffet tags taking into account common food allergens.
• Reviewed calorie estimates with management to cater right nutrition to high risk group.
• Advisory to respective managements for better nutrition options and menu design.
• Involved in development of meal plan in line with client requirements and manage change as needed.
• Determined root causes and advice on methods for prevention recurrence.
• Liaise daily with the Manager, chefs, and kitchen staff to keep one line of communication.
• Liaise with the personnel and Training Department in providing hygiene training for all food handlers.
• Managed and check sanitary standards kitchen, Food preparation area and client premises.
• Maintained documentation on all hygiene and food safety standards throughout the operation.
• Ensured staff is fully aware of high-risk areas for the food -borne illness and make them sure that food served to our client are safe to consume.
• Coordinated with engineering and maintenance department to implement preventive & corrective maintenance.

Food Safety and Hygiene Officer (Freelance) at Sinicon Project Management and Consultancy
  • United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi
  • April 2015 to December 2018

• Verified that operations are in compliance with hygiene and food safety standard.
• Verified compliance with food and hygiene regulations, licensing conditions and codes of practice relating to food operations.
• Advised food handler on proper food handling practices and provides food hygiene training for all new hires and trainees.
• Identified key areas of risk in various food operations and advice preemptive remedial action.
• Provided technician advice on product labeling.
• Coordinated cleaning programme in all F&B areas (general cleaning), identifying trends and making recommendation for improvements.
• Monitored pest control performance and liaise with Pest Control Company for any pest control issues.
• Maintained documentation on all hygiene and food safety standards throughout operations.

Food Safety and Hygiene Officer at Hotel Sriyash Regency
  • India - Bhagalpur
  • December 2004 to December 2006

• Managed quality control of entire product line including raw and finished products.
• Routine process control review and report preparation.
• Conducted review of the products with respect to quality aspects, shelf life, etc.
• Managed and maintained an effective pest control system.
• Managed and reviewed food complaints effectively.
• Conducted training in food safety and hygiene for the food handlers.
• Prepared cleaning schedules and ensured their implementation along with chief, staff training.
• Ensured Food Hygiene and Sanitation at all production areas, dishwashing utilities, receiving and storage areas.
• Made staff fully aware of high-risk areas for the food -borne illness and ensure that food served is safe to consume.
• Conducted daily inspection regarding hygiene & sanitation conditions of all production, storage areas etc.
• Coordinated with engineering and maintenance department to implement preventive & corrective maintenance.

Education

Master's degree, Micotoxicology & Seed Pathology
  • at TMBU
  • August 2004

Masters in Science - Micotoxicology & Seed Pathology

Bachelor's degree, BSc. Botany
  • at TMBU, Bhagalpur
  • August 2002

Specialties & Skills

Food Safety
Labour Legislation
Recruitment
Foodwatch
Food Industry best practices
Quality Control & Assurance
Internal Audits
Understanding of Dubai Food Code
Risk analysis
Dubai Municipality (DM) Approved Internal Food Safety Trainer

Languages

English
Expert
Hindi
Native Speaker
Arabic
Beginner

Training and Certifications

PIC Train the Trainer (Training)
Training Institute:
TIS
Dubai Municipality (DM) Approved Internal Food Safety Trainer (Certificate)
PIC Level 03 (Certificate)
FSSC 22000 Internal Auditor (Certificate)
ISO 22000:2018 Internal Auditor (Certificate)
HACCP Level 03 (Certificate)
Food Safety Level - 4 (Certificate)