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Food Inspector Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Cook

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Job Summary The Food Service Cook is a fast paced, hands on position. They perform the general ... Responsible for area during inspections. * Performs all other duties as assigned. We are committed ...

Food Service Cook

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Job Summary The Food Service Cook is a fast paced, hands on position. They perform the general ... Responsible for area during inspections. * Performs all other duties as assigned. We are committed ...

Food Service Cook

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Job Summary The Food Service Cook is a fast paced, hands on position. They perform the general ... Responsible for area during inspections. * Performs all other duties as assigned. We are committed ...

Food Service Cook

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Job Summary The Food Service Cook is a fast paced, hands on position. They perform the general ... Responsible for area during inspections. * Performs all other duties as assigned. We are committed ...

Food Service Cook

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Job Summary The Food Service Cook is a fast paced, hands on position. They perform the general ... Responsible for area during inspections. * Performs all other duties as assigned. We are committed ...

Food Service Cook

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Job Summary The Food Service Cook is a fast paced, hands on position. They perform the general ... Responsible for area during inspections. * Performs all other duties as assigned. We are committed ...

Food Service Cook

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Job Summary The Food Service Cook is a fast paced, hands on position. They perform the general ... Responsible for area during inspections. * Performs all other duties as assigned. We are committed ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Inspector information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$10.2K

$37.7K

$58.3K

How much do food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for food inspector in Columbia, SC is $37,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,700.00 and $40,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food inspector?

To thrive as a Food Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, microbiology, and public health, usually supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and reporting systems is essential for effective monitoring and documentation. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills help Food Inspectors identify risks and collaborate with various stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure public safety, regulatory compliance, and the integrity of the food supply chain.

What are some common challenges food inspectors face during inspections, and how can they effectively address them?

Food Inspectors often encounter challenges such as non-compliance with safety regulations, language barriers with facility staff, and time constraints when inspecting multiple sites. To address these issues, inspectors rely on clear communication, detailed checklists, and ongoing training to stay current with evolving food safety standards. Building rapport with facility personnel and maintaining a thorough, objective approach helps ensure that all issues are identified and resolved efficiently, ultimately protecting public health.

What is the difference between Food Inspector vs Food Safety Officer?

AspectFood InspectorFood Safety Officer
Required CredentialsDegree in Food Technology, Microbiology, or related field; certification may be requiredSimilar qualifications as Food Inspector; often requires additional training in food safety standards
Work EnvironmentInspecting food production units, markets, and restaurantsOverseeing food safety compliance, conducting audits, and public awareness
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, food manufacturing, and inspection departmentsGovernment health departments, regulatory agencies, and food industry

Both Food Inspectors and Food Safety Officers work to ensure food quality and safety, often with overlapping roles. Food Inspectors primarily focus on inspecting food establishments and products, while Food Safety Officers handle broader compliance and public health initiatives. The roles are complementary, with similar qualifications and work environments, but differ slightly in scope and responsibilities.

What is a food inspector?

A food inspector makes sure that all food produced at a farm, processing plant, slaughterhouse, or other food production facility meets rigorous health and safety requirements before shipment. As a food inspector, your duties include performing physical inspections of the food, investigating health, sanitation, and safety practices at a facility, and writing reports based off of your investigations and interviews. You must be able to notice any potential for bacterial or other contamination and be willing to stop production to uphold public safety.

What are popular job titles related to Food Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC? For Food Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Food Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Food Inspector jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Food Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Inspector job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,732 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Raw Material Inspector 1st Shift

Fresh Express

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Fresh Express rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

273rd of 436 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Objective: To ensure product used within the facility meets both company and customer requirements
Safety Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift 35lbs+ using approved lifting techniques
  • Must be able to be on feet for extended periods of time in cold, wet environments

Job Responsibilities:
  • Inspect all raw product trucks (Organic and Conventional) per Fresh Express Receiving SOP received during shift (10pm, 4am, 8am)
  • Document inspection results on paper and in Safetychain per shipment, per vendor lot
  • Communicate product inspection results with QA management regularly during shift, via email or phone
  • Apply HOLD tags as required per inspection results or QA management direction, documenting in HOLD log
  • Montior inventory for aged product and coordinate documentation with QA Supervision
  • Complete dump allocations (as needed) when product is rotated by receiving crew, collecting information and documenting in Safetychain
  • Monitor raw product during production in raw feed and reporting findings to QA management
  • Collect samples from raw product as needed for shipments
  • Select raw product used for production samples, as needed
  • Follow up on previous shipments, as needed and directed
  • Monitor coolers and report uncovered bins and notify supply chain employees if clean-up is required
  • Monitor for safety issues or GMP violations, reporting to QA management when found
  • Other duties as assigned by QA management

Minimum Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 2+ years Receiving inspection or quality assurance experience preferred
  • General computer skills
  • Ability to work in cold and wet environment
  • Must be detail-oriented with respect to documentation and communication.
  • Flexible and open to change
  • Self-motivated and result oriented
  • Excellent attendance
  • Positive team player

What Fresh Express employees say

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