Aravinda Sai Tallapalli
CHICAGO,IL
Summary
Results-driven Quality Assurance and Food Safety professional with 4+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing, research, and airline catering environments. Proven expertise in developing and managing HACCP, FSMA, GMP, and SQF systems, leading audits, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, strengthen compliance culture, and improve audit readiness through effective CAPA, risk management, and documentation control. Recognized for delivering operational excellence, reducing non-conformances, and ensuring regulatory and customer compliance in high-risk food production environments.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
6
6
Certification
Work History
FSQA Specialist
Flying Foods Group
CHICAGO, USA
10.2025 - Current
- Led and managed daily quality operations while supervising QA technicians across all production shifts.
- Reviewed and maintained QA/QC records in compliance with FDA, USDA, and HACCP requirements.
- Led root cause analysis (RCA) and implemented corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Monitored CCPs, OPRPs, and prerequisite programs to ensure HACCP compliance.
- Coordinated regulatory inspections and supported FDA and USDA audits.
- Prepared documentation for internal and third-party audits.
- Improved audit readiness through strengthened SOPs and preventive controls.
- Oversaw inspection of incoming materials and finished goods.
- Conducted daily GMP and food safety floor inspections.
- Performed ATP, Listeria, and environmental monitoring testing.
- Delivered employee training on GMPs, allergens, sanitation, and hygiene.
- Ensured compliance with PPE, safety, and personal hygiene policies.
Quality Assurance Technician
MSI Express
Rosendale, USA
05.2025 - 10.2025
- Conducted daily line audits for quality and regulatory compliance.
- Performed physical and analytical testing (pH, Brix, VC, Vitamin C).
- Approved or corrected production batches based on lab results.
- Conducted pre-operational inspections and preventive control checks.
- Verified CCP compliance and HACCP adherence.
- Investigated non-conformances and supported corrective actions.
- Conducted sensory evaluations and batch comparisons.
- Managed hold and rework processes to reduce waste.
- Supported new product launches and sampling programs.
- Trained production associates on GMPs and quality procedures.
Research Assistant – Food Safety Operations
Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH)
Chicago, USA
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Led quality and food safety oversight for controlled meal production under the Nutrition for Precision Health Study, ensuring full compliance with GMP, HACCP, and FDA regulations.
- Managed end-to-end preparation, packaging, and distribution processes, maintaining high standards of sanitation, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
- Supervised temperature controls, storage systems, and inventory management to prevent deviations and ensure product integrity.
- Developed, reviewed, and maintained critical documentation, including sanitation logs, inventory records, and monitoring reports for audit readiness.
- Conducted internal audits, record reviews, and risk assessments to identify process gaps and implement corrective actions.
- Performed sensory evaluations and quality assessments to validate product safety, consistency, and nutritional standards.
- Trained and guided staff on GMPs, hygiene practices, and food safety protocols to strengthen compliance culture.
- Supported continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce non-conformances, and improve quality outcomes.
Quality Assurance Lead
Heritage Foods
Hyderabad, India
07.2022 - 04.2023
- Led daily quality operations and supervised QA technicians across shifts.
- Coordinated implementation and verification of FSSAI, HACCP, FSMS, and preventive controls.
- Served as primary QA representative for production, sanitation, and maintenance teams.
- Led root cause analysis (RCA) and managed corrective and preventive action (CAPA) programs.
- Managed environmental monitoring and allergen control programs.
- Reviewed and approved batch records, COAs, and product release documentation.
- Led internal audits and supported corporate and regulatory inspections.
- Developed and delivered training programs on food safety, GMPs, and compliance.
- Conducted risk assessments and process validation activities.
- Oversaw hold, rework, and product disposition decisions.
- Monitored quality KPIs and prepared performance reports for management.
- Mentored junior QA staff and supported performance development.
- Strengthened audit readiness through improved documentation and systems control.
Quality Assurance Technician
Heritage Foods
Hyderabad, India
01.2022 - 07.2022
- Conducted daily GMP, hygiene, and food safety inspections across production and packaging areas.
- Monitored Critical Control Points (CCPs) and Operational PRPs as per FSSAI requirements.
- Collected and tested raw material, in-process, and finished product samples (pH, moisture, sensory, microbiological).
- Performed ATP swabbing and sanitation verification activities.
- Verified compliance with FSSAI.
- Maintained quality records, batch documentation, and inspection logs.
- Supported pre-operational inspections and line clearance activities.
- Assisted in internal audits, regulatory inspections, and customer audits.
- Identified quality deviations and reported non-conformances to supervisors.
- Supported corrective action implementation and follow-up.
- Trained operators on GMPs, hygiene practices, and quality checkpoints.
Education
Master of Science - Food Safety And Technology
05.2025
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
05.2023
Skills
- HACCP experience
- Root cause analysis
- Documentation management
- Employee training
- Regulatory compliance
- CAPA implementation
- CAPA management
- Risk assessment
- Data analysis
Certification
- FSPCA PCQI
- HACCP
- Advanced SQF practitioner
- Servsafe Manager
- FSMS Auditor ISO 22000
- Food fraud prevention
- Allergen Management
- GMP Part 117
Timeline
FSQA Specialist - Flying Foods Group
10.2025 - Current
Quality Assurance Technician - MSI Express
05.2025 - 10.2025
Research Assistant – Food Safety Operations - Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH)
01.2024 - 01.2025
Quality Assurance Lead - Heritage Foods
07.2022 - 04.2023
Quality Assurance Technician - Heritage Foods
01.2022 - 07.2022
Illinois Institute of Technology - Master of Science, Food Safety And Technology
Lovely Professional University - Bachelor of Science, Agriculture