Rohith Shanmugam

Dedicated Quality Assurance professional with over 2 years of hands-on experience in food manufacturing, specialising in poultry processing. Skilled in HACCP, BRC/BRCGS standards, GMP, and microbiological testing. Proven track record of maintaining food safety compliance, managing CCPs, conducting internal audits, and supporting external customer and third-party audits. Eligible to work in the UK.

Quality Assurance Officer - ABIS Foods and Proteins Pvt. Ltd. - India

(2022-10 - 2025-01)

Worked in a high-volume poultry processing facility, responsible for food safety and quality compliance across all key production stages.

• Collected hourly samples from grinder head and processing lines using representative sampling protocols; tracked samples by lot number to match production batches for rapid issue identification
• Performed Salmonella and pathogenic bacteria testing using BAX system PCR protocol (USDA FSIS approved method) on ground poultry products; documented test results and managed sample hold procedures
• Monitored chill tank operations by checking water temperature, chlorine concentration levels (2-50 ppm range), and immersion time to control pathogenic bacteria growth; created daily temperature logs
• Supervised incoming live poultry by conducting visual health inspections for lesions, abnormalities, and deformities; rejected non-compliant birds before processing and documented findings for traceability
• Supported metal detector verification checks on finished products and calibrated equipment according to maintenance schedule; documented verification data and investigated metal detection failures
• Prepared audit documentation for BRCGS, FSSC, and customer audits including supplier approval records, SOPs, HACCP verification documents, and preventive maintenance schedules
• Identified product non-conformances during production floor inspections and initiated root cause analysis using structured problem-solving approaches; documented all findings in deviation reports
• Maintained traceability records by documenting batch information, processing parameters, and test results in production logs; ensured data could be accessed quickly during recall simulations
• Conducted Campylobacter, E. coli, and moisture content testing on samples using calibrated laboratory equipment; entered results into quality databases and flagged out-of-specification products
• Assisted in gap analysis preparation for BRCGS certification by reviewing current procedures against standard requirements; helped develop missing SOPs for metal detector verification and preventive actions

Quality Assurance Intern - ITC Limited - India

(2022-08 - 2022-09)

Supported quality and laboratory operations within a biscuit manufacturing environment during a structured internship placement.

• Performed daily moisture analysis on biscuit samples using calibrated moisture analysers; recorded readings and compared results against product specifications to identify drying or moisture issues
• Tested incoming water supply for microbial contamination using standard laboratory protocols; prepared samples, conducted culture testing, and reported results to ensure water safety for production
• Assisted with sensory evaluation panels for finished products by scoring appearance, texture, and taste against standard reference samples; documented panel scores and identified flavour or texture deviations
• Prepared microbiological test samples by aseptically handling samples, performing serial dilutions, and plating on agar media; incubated samples and counted colonies to support contamination monitoring
• Verified pH levels in product batches using calibrated pH meters; documented readings and supported quality decisions for product release or hold when values were outside acceptable ranges
• Maintained laboratory cleanliness and equipment calibration logs by scheduling regular verification checks on all instruments and documenting calibration status

Master's Degree - Food Innovation and Technology - University of Greenwich (2025-01 - 2025-12)

Bachelor of Technology - Food Technology and Processing - Karpagam Academy of Higher Education (2020-06 - 2024-04)