Samantha Edwards
Senior Consultant
Areas of Expertise: Food safety, quality control/management, SQF, laboratory management/testing, FDA regulatory compliance, cGMPs, internal audits, fermentation science
Education/Certifications: B.S. in Food Science Technology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Certified Food Safety HACCP Manager, SQF Certified, ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, Certified Cicerone, Certified Brewing Chemist
Samantha is a Senior Consultant at KTL with a diverse background in the food and beverage industry, with particular expertise in food safety and quality assurance. Prior to joining KTL, Samantha served in a variety of quality and lab management roles, with a specialized focus on beverage companies and fermentation science.
Through her previous positions, Samantha has developed in-depth knowledge of FDA food safety regulations as they apply in laboratory, manufacturing, and packaging settings. Highlights of her experience include the following:
- Inspected products, processes, equipment, and employees to ensure compliance with cGMPs and FDA regulations
- Organized and led HACCP assessments and monitored CCPs
- Managed internal audit teams and led audit preparation
- Managed laboratory operations and testing, including pH and gravity monitoring, titratable acidity, yeast counts and viability, microbiological testing, media preparation, packaged beer testing, ABV analysis and Certificate of Analysis creation, standard operating procedures, TTB formula and label submissions
- Managed quality and sanitation teams and evaluated all lines after the sanitation cycle
- Verified packaging, labels, ingredients, and finished products meet company standards
- Conducted and managed employee training (HACCP, food defense, allergens, foreign material, GMP, food safety)
- Managed Organic, Kosher, and SQF programs
- Performed incoming raw material inspections and identity testing, including loss on drying, sieve analysis, pH, refractive index, chromatography
- Acted as a liaison with USDA to manage and confirm compliance
- Ensured document and records control, including change control, storage, retrieval, and destruction
In addition, Samantha holds the following credentials:
- Certified Food Safety HACCP Manager
- Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certified
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
- Certified Cicerone®
- Certified Brewing Chemist