Christina DelaCruz, RDN
Garland
Summary
Regulatory affairs and nutrition science leader with 15 years of experience ensuring compliance of food, dietary supplement, and functional ingredient products under FDA, USDA, and DSHEA regulations. Skilled in regulatory strategy for innovation and renovation, ingredient qualification (GRAS, NDI), labeling compliance, and claims substantiation. Trusted advisor to cross-functional teams, with proven success translating complex regulations into compliant product launches, advertising, and consumer communications. Experienced in external advocacy, monitoring regulatory developments, and representing organizations with FDA, industry groups, and trade associations. Recognized for developing regulatory systems, building team capability, and advancing consumer trust through scientific accuracy and transparency.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager
HelloFresh
04.2018 - Current
- Ensure full regulatory compliance of food and dietary supplement portfolios with FDA and USDA regulations, covering product composition, labeling, advertising, and consumer communications.
- Lead regulatory qualification of ingredients (GRAS, NDI) and partner with R&D to validate recipes for new product launches and renovations.
- Develop and implement regulatory strategies to support innovation and renovation projects, providing stage-gate compliance review to enable business growth.
- Partner with Marketing and Legal to substantiate health and structure/function claims, balancing compliance with competitive product positioning.
- Build and manage digital documentation systems that streamline claims review, approvals, and substantiation tracking, improving efficiency and transparency.
- Represent the company in industry associations and regulatory forums, anticipating policy changes and advocating for science-based regulations.
- Provide training and coaching to regulatory staff and cross-functional teams, strengthening organizational regulatory knowledge and capability.
Manager, Nutrition & Labeling Compliance
Snap Kitchen, LLC
12.2016 - 04.2018
- Directed labeling compliance and consumer-facing communication for diverse food portfolios, ensuring alignment with FDA nutrition labeling rules.
- Collaborated with R&D and FSQA teams to advise on factory controls, product variances, and testing, addressing regulatory risks proactively.
- Translated scientific and regulatory requirements into consumer-friendly claims and messaging, improving trust and brand differentiation.
- Monitored emerging labeling regulations and integrated changes into company compliance strategy, enabling seamless regulatory transitions.
Nutrition Compliance Specialist
LSG Sky Chefs
03.2010 - 12.2016
- Conducted regulatory reviews of ingredients and finished products, including preparation of GRAS dossiers and NDI submissions.
- Ensured compliance of labels, menus, and digital marketing materials with FDA and USDA standards.
- Participated in external regulatory and industry forums to support advocacy and monitor evolving regulatory landscapes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Science & Human Nutrition - Dietetics Option
University of Hawaii At Manoa
Honolulu, HI05-2000
Skills
- Regulatory Compliance (FDA, USDA, DSHEA, CFR 101, FALCPA, Supplement/Nutrition Facts labeling)
- Ingredient Qualification (GRAS, NDI, ODI) & Recipe Compliance
- Health Claims, Structure/Function Claims & Substantiation
- Innovation & Renovation Regulatory Strategy (I&R)
- Cross-Functional Leadership (Marketing, R&D, Legal, FSQA)
- Regulatory Interpretation, Guidance & Advocacy
- Digital Regulatory Systems & Documentation Tools
- Training, Development & Regulatory Knowledge-Building
Timeline
Senior Manager
HelloFresh
04.2018 - Current
Manager, Nutrition & Labeling Compliance
Snap Kitchen, LLC
12.2016 - 04.2018
Nutrition Compliance Specialist
LSG Sky Chefs
03.2010 - 12.2016
Bachelor of Science - Food Science & Human Nutrition - Dietetics Option
University of Hawaii At Manoa