food-regulatory-advisor/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — food regulatory advisor

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 45-2011.00 (Agricultural Inspectors).

Task statements

• [Core] Interpret and enforce government acts and regulations and explain required standards to agricultural workers.
• [Core] Inspect food products and processing procedures to determine whether products are safe to eat.
• [Supplemental] Inspect agricultural commodities or related operations, as well as fish or logging operations, for compliance with laws and regulations governing health, quality, and safety.
• [Supplemental] Inspect or test horticultural products or livestock to detect harmful diseases, chemical residues, or infestations and to determine the quality of products or animals.
• [Supplemental] Verify that transportation and handling procedures meet regulatory requirements.
• [Supplemental] Collect samples from animals, plants, or products and route them to laboratories for microbiological assessment, ingredient verification, or other testing.
• [Supplemental] Write reports of findings and recommendations and advise farmers, growers, or processors of corrective action to be taken.
• [Supplemental] Inspect the cleanliness and practices of establishment employees.
• [Supplemental] Monitor the operations and sanitary conditions of slaughtering or meat processing plants.
• [Supplemental] Take emergency actions, such as closing production facilities, if product safety is compromised.
• [Supplemental] Monitor the grading performed by company employees to verify conformance to standards.
• [Supplemental] Label and seal graded products and issue official grading certificates.
• [Supplemental] Examine, weigh, and measure commodities, such as poultry, eggs, meat, or seafood to certify qualities, grades, and weights.
• [Supplemental] Compare product recipes with government-approved formulas or recipes to determine acceptability.
• [Supplemental] Provide consultative services in areas such as equipment or product evaluation, plant construction or layout, or food safety systems.
• [Supplemental] Testify in legal proceedings.

Detailed work activities

• Advise others on farming or forestry operations, regulations, or equipment.
• Collect biological specimens.
• Examine animals to detect illness, injury or other problems.
• Inspect products or operations to ensure that standards are met.
• Maintain operational records.
• Mark agricultural or forestry products for identification.
• Measure physical characteristics of forestry or agricultural products.
• Package agricultural products for shipment or further processing.
• Send information, materials or documentation.
• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
• Warn individuals about rule violations or safety concerns.