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Food Safety Inspector Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

... safety and quality issues Overview: Dart makes everyday products that give people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are. From to-go containers and dinnerware to tamper ...

... safety and quality issues Overview: Dart makes everyday products that give people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are. From to-go containers and dinnerware to tamper ...

... safety and quality issues Overview: Dart makes everyday products that give people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are. From to-go containers and dinnerware to tamper ...

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Conduct food safety and defense inspections and report deficiencies What We're Looking For Required * 2+ years of hands-on experience in an industrial electrical/mechanical setting * Strong ...

Sanitation - 3rd Shift

Fredericksburg, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

... food safety, and can work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Sanitation team members play a critical role in ensuring production areas are inspection-ready and prepared for ...

Sanitation - 3rd Shift

Ephrata, PA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

... food safety, and can work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Sanitation team members play a critical role in ensuring production areas are inspection-ready and prepared for ...

... food safety, and can work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Sanitation team members play a critical role in ensuring production areas are inspection-ready and prepared for ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Safety Inspector information

See Reading, PA salary details

$34.6K

$49.4K

$73.9K

How much do food safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety inspector in Reading, PA is $49,414.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $58,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food safety inspector?

Food Safety Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that food products are safe, properly labeled, and comply with local, state, and federal regulations. They inspect food processing facilities, restaurants, and other food establishments to check for cleanliness, proper food handling, and storage practices. These inspectors also investigate complaints, collect samples for laboratory analysis, and educate food workers about safety standards. Their work helps protect public health by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

What are some common challenges food safety inspectors face during inspections, and how are they addressed?

Food Safety Inspectors often encounter challenges such as non-compliance with regulations, resistance from facility staff, and time constraints when covering multiple locations. To address these issues, inspectors rely on strong communication skills to educate and collaborate with facility personnel, thorough documentation practices, and staying up-to-date with evolving food safety standards. Building rapport with businesses and maintaining professionalism helps foster cooperation and ensures that public health remains the top priority.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food safety inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Safety Inspector, you need a background in food science, microbiology, or a related field, often supported by relevant certifications and regulatory knowledge. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory equipment, and reporting systems like HACCP is crucial. Attention to detail, strong communication, and integrity are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure thorough inspections, regulatory compliance, and the protection of public health.

What is the difference between Food Safety Inspector vs Food Quality Auditor?

AspectFood Safety InspectorFood Quality Auditor
CertificationsFood Safety Certifications (e.g., ServSafe, HACCP)Quality Management Certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, HACCP)
Work EnvironmentInspecting food production facilities, restaurants, and processing plantsAuditing food manufacturing processes, quality systems, and compliance
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, food production companiesFood manufacturing, certification bodies, consulting firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in food safety enforcementAssessing food quality standards and compliance

The Food Safety Inspector primarily focuses on ensuring food safety compliance through inspections, while the Food Quality Auditor emphasizes evaluating and maintaining food quality standards. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the food industry, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

How do you become a food safety inspector?

To become a food safety inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education in food science, microbiology, or a related field. Relevant experience in food production or safety, along with certifications such as ServSafe or other food safety certifications, can improve job prospects. Inspectors often need to pass a state or federal exam and may be required to complete on-the-job training or specialized courses.

How hard is it to be a food safety inspector?

Becoming a food safety inspector requires completing relevant education, such as a high school diploma or higher, and obtaining certifications like the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification. The job involves inspecting food establishments, enforcing safety regulations, and often requires attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to handle sometimes challenging environments. The difficulty varies based on experience, training, and the complexity of inspections, but it generally involves a combination of education, certification, and on-the-job training.

How much do food safety inspectors make in the US?

Food safety inspectors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, with experienced inspectors and those in certain regions earning higher wages. Salaries can vary based on location, level of experience, certifications, and the employing agency, and inspectors often work in government agencies or private companies ensuring compliance with safety standards.

What are popular job titles related to Food Safety Inspector jobs in Reading, PA?

For Food Safety Inspector jobs in Reading, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Safety Inspector jobs in Reading, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Safety Inspector jobs in Reading, PA are:

What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Food Safety Inspector jobs?

Cities near Reading, PA with the most Food Safety Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Safety Inspector job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,414 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Quality Assurance Technician- 3rd shift

MBC Companies Lebanon LLC

Lebanon, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform quality and food safety monitoring activities, including inspections, testing, and documentation.

  • Identify, document, and communicate food safety, quality, and compliance concerns to management.

  • Support internal audits, product holds, investigations, and corrective action processes.


Job description

About the Role:

The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for supporting MBC Companies' commitment to producing safe, high-quality food products. This role performs quality and food safety monitoring activities, conducts inspections and testing, maintains required documentation, and ensures compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and food safety programs, including HACCP, SQF, GMPs, and Food Safety Plans. The Quality Assurance Technician plays a critical role in identifying and reporting food safety, quality, and compliance concerns and must immediately communicate any food safety issue to management.


Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesFood Safety and Quality Assurance
  • Monitor compliance with food safety and quality systems, including HACCP, SQF, GMPs, Food Defense, and company policies.
  • Conduct pre-operational, operational, and facility inspections to verify compliance with food safety and quality standards.
  • Collect and maintain quality assurance records, including:
    • Ingredient lot traceability
    • Process control data
    • Critical Control Point (CCP) monitoring records
    • Quality testing results
    • Corrective action documentation
  • Verify that products meet company specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
  • Monitor sanitation effectiveness through inspections, testing, and verification activities.
  • Identify, document, and communicate quality and food safety deviations to the Quality Assurance Supervisor, Production Manager, or other designated management personnel.
  • Ensure corrective actions are implemented and properly documented when deficiencies are identified.
  • Support internal audits, customer audits, regulatory inspections, and third-party certification audits.
  • Participate in product holds, investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes as needed.
  • Promote and maintain compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) throughout the facility.
  • Report any food safety, quality, or regulatory concerns immediately upon observation.
  • Perform all assigned duties with professionalism, accuracy, integrity, and attention to detail.

Teamwork and Professional Development
  • Support and uphold the company's Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
  • Assist with training employees on food safety, GMPs, quality standards, and quality assurance procedures.
  • Foster a culture of teamwork, respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Communicate effectively and professionally with employees across all departments.
  • Demonstrate sound judgment and professionalism when handling challenging situations.
  • Commit to ongoing learning and professional development related to food safety, quality systems, and manufacturing best practices.
  • Maintain resilience and composure in a fast-paced production environment.

QualificationsEducation
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
Experience
  • Minimum of 3 years of Quality Assurance and/or Quality Control experience in the food manufacturing industry.
  • Baking industry experience preferred.
Certifications (Preferred But Not Required)
  • HACCP Certification
  • SQF Practitioner Training
  • GMP Training
  • Food Defense Awareness Training
  • PCQI certification a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP, SQF, GMPs, and sanitation programs.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality and food safety.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Effective problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
  • Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and electronic quality management systems.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
  • Demonstrated professionalism, credibility, and accountability.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and operational needs.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends, overtime, and holidays as needed to support production operations.
  • Frequent walking throughout the manufacturing facility to conduct inspections and audits.
  • Ability to stand, bend, reach, and climb stairs for extended periods.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 pounds.
  • Work is performed in a food manufacturing environment with varying temperatures and noise levels.
  • Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all safety requirements.