ARASELE BENITEZ AVONZA
Harrisonburg,VA
Summary
Personable and diligent with strong commitment to ensuring food safety and quality. Well-versed in food safety regulations and adept at conducting thorough inspections and analyses. Capable of significantly enhancing public health through meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict standards.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
General Production
Cargill
06.2025 - Current
- Operate on high speed poultry processing line packaging fresh meat products (split breasts, thighs, drumsticks and specialty cuts) according to product specifications.
- Accurately portion and load designated pieces (3-5 pieces per package depending on product type) into vacuum-seal pockets while maintaining line efficiency.
- Rotate across multiple production positions including product loading, pocket wiping, seal inspection, boxing, and palletizing.
- Remove excess brine prior to sealing to ensure proper vacuum integrity and prevent contamination.
- Inspect vacuum-sealed packages for proper seal, air removal, and leaks; pull and rework defective product.
- Pack finished product into labeled boxes (4 units per case) in compliance with customer and plant requirements.
- Assemble and stage corrugated cases to maintain continuous production flow.
- Palletize finished cases according to distribution standards, ensuring correct label orientation for customer receiving.
- Maintain adherence to food safety, sanitation, and USDA regulatory standards in a fast-paced production environment.
- Perform incoming product inspections using Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) procedures.
- Record six temperature readings per load to verify compliance with food safety requirements.
- Document supplier details including establishment number, plant of origin, date, time, and purchase order from bill of lading.
- Verify and record NAE (No Antibiotics Ever) or conventional product designation.
- Ensure accurate documentation and traceability for regulatory compliance.
- Worked in the lab on a daily basis testing production batches to make sure finished products met company specifications and USDA food safety standards.
- Pulled samples from each batch, ground and blended the meat properly, and prepared them for testing to make sure the results were accurate and representative of the product being produced.
- Performed final blend testing by weighing and mixing samples before running them through lab equipment to check fat percentage, phosphate levels, sodium, and salt content.
- Operated and maintained lab equipment used to measure fat and phosphate levels, making sure machines were functioning properly before use.
- Calibrated pH meters, thermometers, and temperature probes regularly to ensure accurate readings. Documented calibration checks and reported any inconsistencies.
- Checked and recorded product pH levels and internal temperatures to confirm compliance with safety and quality requirements.
- Entered test results into Excel spreadsheets and internal systems to maintain batch records and ensure proper documentation and traceability.
- Communicated test results to supervisors and production leads, especially when results were outside of specification, so corrective action could be taken quickly.
- Maintained a clean and organized lab environment and followed sanitation procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
Food Inspector / Consumer Safety Inspector
Food Safety & Inspection Service
06.2024 - 03.2025
- Conducted daily sanitation and pre-operational USDA inspections.
- Worked with management on corrective actions.
- Reviewed establishment records for accuracy.
- Completed pre-op, documentation checks, sampling, and NR submissions.
- Monitored processes for regulatory compliance.
Food Safety and Quality Assurance Technician
Cargill
02.2023 - 01.2024
- Calibrated thermometers and maintained records.
- Checked incoming raw materials met quality levels.
- Recorded samples in Excel for testing.
- Pulled samples and conducted fat testing with Foss equipment.
- Documented shift issues and non-compliance findings.
- Performed facility inspections.
- Verified repairs and corrective actions.
- Communicated findings with management.
Education
High School Diploma -
Turner Ashby High School
Bridgewater, VA01-2014
Skills
- HACCP & GMP compliance
- USDA inspection protocols
- Food safety regulations
- Product sampling & lab testing
- Equipment calibration
- SOP enforcement
- Documentation & reporting
- Sanitation verification
LANGUAGES
Spanish — Native/Bilingual
Timeline
General Production
Cargill
06.2025 - Current
Food Inspector / Consumer Safety Inspector
Food Safety & Inspection Service
06.2024 - 03.2025
Food Safety and Quality Assurance Technician
Cargill
02.2023 - 01.2024
High School Diploma -
Turner Ashby High School