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Food Safety Inspector Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

AQL

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

As an AQL Technician, you'll perform Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL) inspections on finished goods, packaging, and labels to confirm products meet company, customer, regulatory, and food safety ...

Quality Technician

Corona, CA · On-site

$24.20/hr

Responsible for inspection and evaluation of product returns. Product returns may be a product that ... Food Safety & Quality Requirements: * Places high priority on food safety, quality, and sanitation ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Safety Inspector information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$37.6K

$53.7K

$80.3K

How much do food safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety inspector in Riverside, CA is $53,681.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,700.00 and $63,100.00 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 Riverside, CA?

For Food Safety Inspector jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Safety Inspector jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Safety Inspector jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Food Safety Inspector jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Food Safety Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Safety Inspector job openings in Riverside, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,681 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Plant Quality Manager (Food & Beverage Manufacturing)

Corona, CA • On-site

Baldwin Richardson Foods
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage all QA-related activities at the facility to ensure food safety, regulatory compliance, and documentation standards.

  • Coordinate and oversee inspections, audits, and corrective actions related to quality and food safety standards.

  • Lead and support the development, implementation, and maintenance of quality systems, including aseptic processes, microbial testing, and staff training.


Baldwin Richardson Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Plant Quality Manager (Food & Beverage Manufacturing)
Posting Start Date: 8/18/26
Division: QSE
Location Type: On-Site
Pay Min: 145,000.00 USD
Pay Max: 155,000.00 USD
Job Location: Corona, CA, USA, 92880
Req Id: 715
WHAT WE NEED
BRF is looking for a Plant Quality Manager who is responsible for managing all QA-related activities at their assigned facility so that employee health & safety is ensured, and food safety/quality is guaranteed. As a key member of the leadership team embarking on the build out of this acquired site, and the primary point of contact for quality at the site, this role will work alongside operational and functional leaders to play a critical role in the development and implementation of the strategic vision for the factory.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Responsible for ensuring the manufacturing facility properly executes procedures to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance (FSMA, HACCP, GMP, Pest Control, Allergen and Chemical Control, LACF, environmental monitoring etc.). Ensures all processes are documented and standardized.
  • Coordinate and manage with Corporate Quality Manager, all plant inspections, customer quality audits, and external quality audits (FDA, CDPH, SQF, Kosher etc.) and communicate results and corrective action plans to senior leadership.
  • Provide aseptic oversight, guidance, and identify events or practices that impact aseptic quality and oversee their resolution to assure all events are contained and appropriate steps are taken to mitigate risk to consumers, product, and the environment.
  • Maintain the sterilization qualification and requalification program for aseptic products.
  • Aid in equipment aseptic challenges, validations, and commissioning.
  • Maintain aseptic pre-requisite programs including CIP, cleaning, and sanitization in cooperation with the sanitation team support, and support regulatory agency (state and federal) /internal /corporate inspections.
  • Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of all aseptic processes, including environmental monitoring results, training records, verification of cleaning, etc.
  • Work in close cooperation with Corporate Quality and R&D to develop, implement, and maintain quality systems in support of new product development and commercialization for aseptic manufacturing and required documentation.
  • Oversee general microbial testing/qualification activities (Raw material, In-process, Product and Shelf-Life product testing and critical utilities monitoring).
  • Conducts internal audits to continually assess compliance and makes recommendations for system improvements and staff training.Identify areas for process improvement and implement corrective actions to enhance product quality and operational efficiency. Analyze production data, identify trends, and implement preventive measures to minimize defects and non-conformities.
  • Leads with Quality Supervisors all RCCA and problem solving with regards to plant quality related issues. Responsible for implementation of preventative and corrective actions.
  • Serves as the main point of contact for customer complaints.
  • Oversee investigations associated with deviations from filed processes and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
  • Ensure all deviation reports and product dispositions are compliant with Process Authority recommendations.
  • Provide leadership in coaching, education, and development of plant quality staff. Assign tasks, monitor performance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the quality team. Responsible for performance management process and KPI deliverables.
  • Ensures all plant personnel have been trained in BRF and regulatory quality policies and requirements.
  • Work with employees across multiple departments and sites to assess areas for continuous improvement in relation to aseptic process/techniques and employee compliance to food safety programs and requirements.
  • Monitor industry trends and emerging issues within food safety and quality to keep BRF on the leading edge of change.
  • Leads QA team support for Plant Sanitation activities including inspections and data analysis.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL
  • Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Microbiology, or a related discipline.
  • Four (4+) years of Food Industry Experience.
  • PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) and HACCP Certification required.
  • Two (2+) years of experience with Aseptic Processing of Low-Acid Canned Foods (LACF) in hermetically sealed containers or retort.
  • Two (2+) years of experience with HACCP, SQF, GFSI, FDA, and/or USDA audits.
  • Three (3+) years of people management experience.

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