CHERYL SANTUCCI
ELMHURST,IL
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated Food Quality Consultant with over 35 years of experience in developing and enhancing food safety and quality systems. Expertise in training employees on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and creating comprehensive quality manuals tailored to specific documented standards. Proven track record in implementing effective quality and food safety systems, fostering a culture of compliance and excellence among staff. Committed to driving continuous improvement and ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality across all operations.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Quality Food Systems Consultant
Higher Standards, Inc.
09.1999 - Current
- Experience working with manufacturing facilities in dry powder packaging, nut roasting, snack mixes, chocolate enrobed nuts and blended snack products, dried grocery products: breadsticks, breadcrumbs, French fried onions, marshmallows, marshmallow crème topping, sesame dots, tortilla chips, icing and lollipops, ensuring production and products meet expected standards.
- Using the knowledge of QA/QC guidelines and activities, compliance regulations, resources, and experience to meet each individual customer’s requirements.
- Provided the above services to the following types of companies:
- Food Service Supplier -Showing measurable quality attributes
- Dry Powder Co-Packing Operation – Providing a dry powder slush mix across the Mid-west
- Crouton Manufacturer / Onion Canning Operation- Monitoring and future tightening of specifications
- Canned Seasoning Manufacturer – Troubleshoot quality issues from incoming materials
- Flavor Company – Created quality program for flavored products
- Dry Powder Blender, Packer, and Co-Packer – R&D and quality program development
- Hors D’ Oeuvres Manufacturer – create and improve quality standards throughout the facility
- Coffee/Cappuccino Manufacturer – trial runs
- Nut Roaster/ Candy Enrober Packer – development of quality systems for facility
- Goal oriented – determine project goals, devise appropriate plan according to quality standard requirements.
- Self-starter – identifying project details and starting work as soon as possible to achieve the end goal.
- Detail oriented – conscientious in conducting quality systems and supporting programs that meet the desired end outcome.
Director of Quality
Asianic, Inc.
09.1998 - 09.1999
- Led a cross-functional team to develop and execute comprehensive quality assurance plans for products and services.
- Monitored staff organization and suggested improvements to daily functionality.
- Determined quality department standards, practices, and procedures.
Quality Assurance Director
Mama Tish’s Italian Specialties.
01.1995 - 09.1998
- Managed the QA and R&D departments
- Developed new products for customers including a fast-food chain
- Ran USDA juice inspected Italian Ice cups for schools
- Supplied Food service and grocery
Quality Assurance Director
Elgin Dairy Foods, Inc.
09.1989 - 01.1995
- Managed the QA/QC Department
- Fast food chain requirements including Microbiology, SPC and training.
- Audit preparation and customer audits
- Presentations for the large restaurant chain
- Met the requirements for large retail account.
- Fat test requirements
- Titratable Acidity requirements in addition to another lab testing
- Changed methodology and therefore sanitation program effectiveness.
- Sanitation
- TQM Training
- Enhanced product quality by implementing comprehensive QA processes and procedures.
Laboratory Technician
Dean Foods.
09.1987 - 09.1989
- Hired as the third shift lab technician
- Microbiological, physical fat testing, antibiotic testing daily
- State Certified Lab Technician
- Vitamin Fortification of Milk
- Sanitation verification for all plant equipment after clean/prior to startup
- Validated fat percentages for different types of products produced.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Dairy Science
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 09.1983 - 05.1987
Skills
- FSPCA - PCQI Preventive Controls for Human Foods
- HACCP
- FDA Food Defense 101
- Food Product Recall
- Food Recall and Food Defense Workshop
- GMP/HACCP Implementation
- Crisis Management and Food Defense Specialist
Additional Training Classes
- ASQC SPC (Statistical Process Control) Training
- HACCP Training
- GMP
- TQM
- Sanitation
- Food Safety and Security
- Food Defense
- Recall
- FSVP
- Allergen Training FARRP University of Nebraska
- GFSI Audit training, SQF, ISO, FSSC 22000
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Skills Certifications
- FSPCA - PCQI Preventive Controls for Human Foods
- HACCP
- FDA Food Defense 101
- Food Product Recall
- Food Recall and Food Defense Workshop
- GMP/HACCP Implementation
- Crisis Management and Food Defense Specialist
Affiliations
- AIMFES (Associated Illinois Milk Food and Environmental Sanitarians)
- Chicago IFT
- Hinsdale Humane Society