Director of food safety lays out strategy for improvement
Who: Bob Ziel has joined J&J Family of Farms, in Loxahatchee, as director of food safety and social responsibility. His role is an important one, as the company — established in 1983 — implements new processes to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act. J&J specializes in growing cucumbers, bell peppers, squash, green beans and eggplant; and manages over 14,000 acres of production fromtheir own farms and partners and operations in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Arizona and Mexico.
Why I’m good fit for this job: I bring strong interpersonal skills into a technical role that is critical to ensuring safe, high quality produce Resume Experience: Previously, director of food safety, McEntire Produce, Columbia SC; directed food safety and quality for companies such as Kraft and Con Agra
Education: Bachelor’s of Science, Microbiology, Valparaiso University; MS Food Science, Rutgers University
Recognition: Six Sigma Green Belt
Community Volunteer: Prison and Homeless Myth-busting What don’t people know about this business: All the hard work behind the scenes
Biggest on-this-job surprise: How many people are great at what they do and enjoy it
My favorite vegetable: Asparagus Misconception about: “farm to table” marketing: The many steps it takes getting there On the job Topgoal: To develop aworld-class food safety and social responsibility culture
Typical day: Lay out a strategy, work the plan, be flexible and continuously improve
Industry wisdom: In a fast changing world, expect the unexpected and adapt quickly
What’s new: Spray wash versus flume wash for cut produce
Professional development: United Fresh Technical Council unitedfresh.org
Advice to young person entering this industry: Learn something new every day and apply it Onthe side Hobby: Salt Water Fishing and Rugby
Travel: Tahiti and Bora Bora