Perishable Quality Inspector - Cold Chain & Food Safety

Wakefern Food Corp.; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 56,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company  匹

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Wakefern Food Corp. in Elizabeth, NJ, seeks a Perishable Product Inspector to safeguard product quality and food safety across the distribution network.

You will perform inbound and outbound inspections, monitor temperatures and labeling to ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF standards. The role supports the cold chain, requires a four-year degree or current enrollment, and involves early morning to evening shifts.

Qualifications

• Four year College degree, or presently enrolled with a minimum of 60 credits, or equivalent work related experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of USDA AMS Grade Standards, inspection methodologies, and perishable product evaluation across multiple commodity groups.
• Strong understanding of FDA Preventive Controls for Human Food, FSMA requirements, and foundational regulatory compliance principles.
• Working knowledge of HACCP systems, SQF Code, cold chain management, and food safety auditing practices.
• Strong attention to detail and sounds judgement
• Proven ability to apply sound judgment and make informed quality decisions in a fast-paced, highly time-sensitive operational environment.
• Proficiency in maintaining documentation, records, and reports.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional partners including Warehouse Operations, Transportation, Procurement, and Vendor Representatives.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact confidently with senior leadership, regulatory partners, inspectors, and external suppliers.
• Skilled in WMS, Rapid, iOS, and Microsoft 365 applications.
• Flexibility with regards to work schedule including days of the week, shifts, Holidays, and locations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced inspections of inbound perishable products using enhanced evaluation methods to verify compliance with detailed product specifications, USDA grade standards, and internal QA benchmarks.
• Inspect transportation equipment for cleanliness, sanitation, and evidence of cross-contamination prior to unloading
• Monitor and document product temperatures using calibrated thermometers and time/temperature monitoring devices
• Perform organoleptic evaluations (appearance, odor, texture) to assess product quality and wholesomeness
• Validate labeling, packaging integrity, traceability data, and regulatory labeling elements to ensure retail and food safety compliance.
• Examine all packaging for proper labeling and enforce all packaging and labeling requirements of the FDA, USDA, and USDC.
• Conduct daily outbound inspections of in-stock perishable products prior to shipment
• Verify product condition, packaging integrity, labeling accuracy, and temperature compliance during staging and loading
• Identify non-conforming product and initiate appropriate disposition and corrective actions in accordance with established Quality Assurance procedures

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

WMS

Rapid

iOS

Microsoft 365

Job description

Wakefern Food Corp. in Elizabeth, NJ, seeks a Perishable Product Inspector to safeguard product quality and food safety across the distribution network.

You will perform inbound and outbound inspections, monitor temperatures and labeling to ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF standards. The role supports the cold chain, requires a four-year degree or current enrollment, and involves early morning to evening shifts.