POSITION PURPOSE

The Labeling & Regulatory Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring all product labels, nutritional information, ingredient statements, allergen declarations, product claims, and regulatory content are accurate, current, and compliant with USDA, FDA, and applicable state requirements. This role manages label creation, review, approval, implementation, and document control processes while supporting food safety, quality assurance, product development, purchasing, and production teams. The Specialist serves as the primary resource for labeling compliance and maintains the integrity of product information through recipe reviews, ingredient database management, nutrition analysis software, specification management, and regulatory research. This position plays a critical role in preventing labeling errors, allergen risks, and regulatory non-compliance while ensuring labels accurately represent Gourmet Kitchen products.

Key Responsibilities:

Label Development & Regulatory Compliance

• Create, review, maintain, and update product labels for USDA, FDA, and CFIA regulated products.
• Generate Nutrition Facts Panels, ingredient statements, allergen declarations, claims, and required regulatory information using approved labeling software.
• Ensure finished product labels accurately reflect approved formulations and meet all federal, state, and customer requirements.
• Review product recipes and formulations to verify ingredient accuracy, allergen declarations, supplier information, and product claims.
• Conduct regulatory research and interpret USDA/FSIS, FDA, and applicable state labeling requirements.
• Prepare and submit labels through the FSIS Label Submission and Approval System (LSAS) when required.
• Review label changes associated with formulation updates, ingredient substitutions, packaging modifications, and regulatory revisions.
• Verify mandatory labeling components including net weight statements, nutrition information, ingredient listings, allergen disclosures, handling statements, safe handling instructions, lot coding, and date coding.
• Ensure all labels used in production are current, approved, and controlled. Label Control & Document Management
• Maintain label revision history, version control, approval workflows, and archived records.
• Establish and maintain controlled labeling documents in accordance with document control procedures.
• Maintain Product Specification Sheets and related customer documentation.
• File, organize, and retain labeling records according to company retention requirements.
• Manage master artwork approvals and coordinate implementation of approved labels.
• Collaborate with the GCP Manager Labeling and Compliance by submitting labels for secondary approval and use this position as a resource for compliance.
• Maintain electronic and physical labeling records in audit-ready condition.

I ngredients & Database Management Maintain ingredient database. Input new ingredients and supplier information into labeling and formulation systems. Collaborate with the GCP Document Compliance position for updated specifications, allergen information, and compliance documentation from suppliers. Review supplier documentation to ensure ingredient information supports label accuracy and regulatory compliance. Collaborate with Purchasing and Supply Chain teams to ensure ingredient approvals are aligned with labeling requirements. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Research & Development on new product launches and reformulations. Collaborate with Production, Purchasing, Quality Assurance, and Operations teams regarding label implementation and change management. Support customer requests for nutritional, allergen, ingredient, and specification documentation. Participate in customer audits, third-party audits, and regulatory inspections. Food Safety & Quality Systems Support

• Support HACCP, HARPC, SQF, allergen management, and food safety programs through accurate labeling practices.
• Assist in identifying and preventing allergen mislabeling risks.
• Issue hold tag notifications and label-related corrective actions when necessary.
• Investigate labeling deviations, nonconformances, and consumer complaints associated with labeling concerns.
• Support root cause investigations and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Report risks, nonconforming products, or regulatory concerns to Quality Assurance management.
• Ensure all work is documented accurately and completed according to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve labeling processes, document control systems, and regulatory compliance programs.
• Recommend system enhancements that improve efficiency, accuracy, and traceability.
• Support special projects and continuous improvement initiatives as assigned.

Operational Oversight:

• Oversight of pre-operational inspections and in-process monitoring activities, ensuring equipment and production areas meet hygiene standards prior to start-up and during changeover events.
• Oversight of the Organoleptic Sensory Evaluations by documenting sensory scores within Freshability and trend results.
• Review and verify batch sheets and product formulations, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and proper record retention through scanning and filing.
• Maintain and revise product labels, including boxing room labels and sample labels, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Document and track all label and batch record changes, ensuring proper version control.
• Oversee the quality assurance technicians to verify lot codes, expiration dates, and barcodes before production.
• Oversee the quality assurance technicians in conducting label checks on the production floor to ensure correct labels are applied and printed clearly.
• Support cross-functional teams and special projects as needed. Minimum Requirements
• Associate or bachelor's degree in food science, biology, microbiology, nutrition, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Two years of experience in food labeling, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, or the food industry is preferred.
• Knowledge of USDA/FSIS and FDA food labeling regulations is preferred.
• Exhibits excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Actively supports continuous improvement initiatives.
• Uses analytical thinking to identify root causes and resolve problems effectively to prevent recurrence.
• Highly organized and meticulous.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Benefits:

Annual Salary:

As Per company policy.

Hours:

Monday - Friday, full-time position. Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Health Care:

As per company policy

Pay:

$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person