An interview for a food safety position can mean knowing and understanding policies, regulations, procedures and more. Being prepared for the interview by expecting a variety of questions may help you feel more confident in your answers. Knowing how you will answer both common and specific food safety questions can help you achieve your career goals. In this article, we list 38 food safety interview questions, including some with sample answers, to help prepare you.
- How do you work under pressure?
- Why should we hire you?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- What is one of your strengths?
- What is one of your weaknesses?
- What do you see yourself doing in five years?
- What are your salary expectations?
- Do you have questions?
Food Safety Officer Interview Questions.
Under what circumstances should an ingredient or food item be discarded?
Shows the candidates knowledge of food health and safety regulations as well as their logic and experience.
Interview Questions for Food Handlers:
Demonstrates the candidates knowledge of food health and safety regulations as well as experience.
What would you do if you accidentally cut yourself while preparing food items?
Highlights the candidates knowledge of food health and safety regulations, ability to act quickly, and problem-solving skills.
How did you get started in the food safety industry?
Interviewers may ask this question to determine what your passion for the industry was, if you still have it and how you have grown during your career. You can give them an example of what drew you to the industry and why you are passionate about food safety, as well as how you have grown over the course of your professional life.
Example: “I started my food safety journey at my first food service job at a cafe and I realized no one had done any food safety training. When I searched for food safety classes, I found one nearby and I took it upon myself to take a course and earn my first certification. I worked my way up at that cafe and eventually took other jobs where I increased my knowledge and skills. I want to continue growing my skills so I can help keep people safe.”
General questions
A hiring manager may ask you some general questions in an interview, such as:
How have you improved your food safety knowledge in the last six months?
Employers may ask this question to see if you are still passionate and open to learning new things in the industry. You might give examples of new ideas or methodologies you have added to your knowledge and skills. If you have earned a new certification, you can highlight that when answering this question.
Example: “In the last six months, I earned my Food Safety Manager Certification. Keeping all of my skills up-to-date means I can more effectively uphold food safety standards and procedures. I recently adopted a slower and more thorough approach when inspecting safety equipment to make sure every detail complied with laws and regulations.”
How do you advise production teams on new equipment or techniques?
Interviewers may ask a question like this to determine how you communicate with other people who work in the industry in order to maintain good relationships and safety at all levels of production. You can give examples of different methods you use to contact farmers and growers and how you relate the new techniques or equipment to their needs.
Example: “Because farmers use a variety of methods of contact, I have used phone calls, emails, physical mail and in-person visits to make sure they have information about new techniques and equipment. I often keep an inventory of new products to introduce them to farmers and growers when I see them, particularly if they express needs that are directly addressed with the information I have.”
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have any experience working with machinery that processes food. If you do, share your experience and how it helped you in your previous role. If you don’t have any experience, you can explain what kind of machinery you’ve worked with in the past and how it relates to food processing machinery.
Before you can start your new job, you’ll need to pass an interview. Food safety specialist interview questions will focus on your technical knowledge as well as your ability to communicate with others and work as part of a team. Some questions may be specific to the type of food safety specialist job you’re applying for, such as questions about HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) for a job in a food processing plant.
Example: “The most important thing is to always wash my hands before touching anything else in the kitchen, including utensils or surfaces. I also make sure to use separate cutting boards for raw meats and other foods so they don’t cross-contaminate each other. Another important thing is to keep all cooked meats at a safe temperature until ready to serve.”
Example: “I inspect all food storage units at least once a month, but I also check them more frequently if there is an issue with temperature or humidity levels. In my last position, I noticed that some employees were storing their lunches in the same refrigerators as the restaurant’s prepared foods. This was against health codes because it could have caused cross-contamination between raw meats and ready-to-eat foods. I spoke with the employees about the importance of keeping their lunches separate from other foods.”
Example: “I always use disposable gloves when handling contaminated food. I then place it into a plastic bag before placing that bag into another bag. Finally, I dispose of the bags in an appropriate receptacle. For instance, at my last job, we had designated dumpsters for different types of waste. We also kept separate bins for recyclables.”
What field experience do you have for a FOOD SAFETY OFFICER POSITION?
Answer tips
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
If you are being asked this question from your employer then you can explain your experience. Tell the employer what responsibilities you were performing during your job. You can tell what programs you developed and what modules you worked on. What were your achievements regarding different programs.
Answer sample
I have been working with computers since 2001. I also have a degree in network support/computer repair. I have built my last 3 computers, have work with Dell as an employee. So I have around 15 years experience working with computers.
Food Safety Culture Would you say your company has a strong food safety culture? Yes No Somewhat, we have work to do
Trends in Food Safety and Protection explores the recent developments and ongoing research in the field of food safety and protection. The book covers improvements in the existing techniques and implementation of novel analytical methods for detecting and characterizing foodborne pathogens.
FAQ
What are the questions to be asked in food safety?
- Can I shop in a way that will keep food safe to eat? …
- I’m not quite ready to use my meat. …
- What’s the easiest way to prevent cross-contamination? …
- Any extra prep steps before cooking? …
- How do I marinate meat while simultaneously keeping it fresh?
What are good safety interview questions?
- What are your credentials as a safety manager? …
- How would you conduct a workplace safety audit? …
- How would you encourage staff members to adopt your safety measures? …
- What would you do if you observed employees neglecting to follow safety procedures?
What questions will I be asked for a food service job interview?
- Could you give me examples of common, severe food allergies, and explain how you would perform your duties being mindful of these? …
- Could you explain the terms Kosher and Halaal? …
- How do you deal with challenging customers? …
- Which aspect of your position do you enjoy most?
How do I prepare for a food service interview?
- Be able to describe how your experience and skills would benefit the company.
- Anticipate possible questions you might be asked and have answers prepared.
- Plan transportation to arrive a few minutes early.
- Choose appropriate, business-like clothing and accessories to wear.
