Ahmad Karout, Bsc, M.J Email & Phone Number

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

 Providing leadership in the training, implementation, and compliance of Food Industryinitiatives to ensure the products meet all regulatory requirements/recommendations. Optimizing operational processes by streamlining workflows, providing targeted training and mentoring programs, and overseeing effective project management initiatives. Supporting SARA core knowledge in several horizontal and vertical topics to build a robustsystem that supports the easy movement of food and speed to market initiative Conducting comprehensive risk assessments that involve the evaluation of raw materials, labels, products, claims, advertising, and other critical elements to provide informed approval and risk mitigation plans, as necessary, to ensure strict regulatory compliance and promote effective risk management Performing regulatory impact assessments to develop comprehensive plans with proactive decisions that enable efficient processes, enhance competitiveness, and ensure rigorous compliance with all new / updated applicable regulatory requirements.  Providing technical and regulatory guidance and direction both within and outside of the Quality and Regulatory function to enable successful development of products and services for internal and external customers. Leading process implementation and optimization efforts by developing and implementing new standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to emerging regulatory requirements, customer demands, McCormick standards, and other relevant factors. Delivering comprehensive training programs to support these initiatives and promote continuous improvement. Collaborating with governance committees to develop and evaluate plans related to regulatory compliance, risk management, and other critical areas of focus. Engaging in governance and oversight programs to ensure the accuracy and completeness of regulatory information, and to promote a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Brampton, Ontario, Canada

• Identified areas in need of critical improvement and implemented strategies to achieve targets.• Supported department leadership in implementing new policies, procedures, and controls.• Provided supports in the review of preliminary formulations/concepts to help provide direction and strategy for new and existing products.• Provided impact assessment for new regulation.• Developed retail technical label copy, evaluated packaging, product formulations andclaims documentation to ensure the compliant labeling of products against theappropriate regulations, guidelines, internal labeling standards & policies.• Resolved regulatory issues raised internally, or by government agencies. Initiatescorrective action as required.• Reviewed artworks, marketing and advertising campaigns to ensure compliance withappropriate regulations and internal policies.• Provided regulatory updates and compliance support to Business Units (BU) as needed.• Facilitated current risk assessment tools and SOP and provided simplified model.• Conducted regulatory risk assessment when needed, based on defined criteria.• Provided training session on specific local and international regulatory requirements.• Provided advocacy input into the planning & implementation of new regulations / polices.• Evaluated vendor compliance program related to regulatory requirements as needed.

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

 Develop and maintain accurate food labeling information for finished products (e.g. allergens, nutrition, ingredient statements, product name, claims) to assure compliance with federal and provincial regulations.  Supports the regulatory labeling compliance requirements of a private label brand product development team. Working with redesign project which includes updating labels to the new Food and Drugs Regulations nutrition and list of ingredients requirements. Ensure that the compliance program components such as compliance risk assessments,controls, compliance issue management, monitoring and testing, and related quality control policies and procedures are in place and remain relevant to the business and are fit for purpose. Provide food labeling expertise and communicate cross functionally regarding current and emerging food labeling issues, opportunities and impact to products and claims. Review and approve artwork, packaging, graphics and text of existing and proposed product labels to ensure accuracy,consistency, and regulation compliance. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current regulations, relevant technical product and processing information, industry trends and food labeling practices.

Toronto, Canada Area

 Developed food label information including allergen declaration, nutrition and ingredient lists that were compliant with Nestle Standards and Canadian/US Government regulations Contributed effectively to I/R process from ideas to launch, supported speed to market by using different tools and working with cross-functional teams (e.g., Marketing, Technical Application Group, Quality, Legal and Public Affairs) to support innovation and renovation projects Used systems and workflow to ensure robust and flawless approval processes for labeling and communication material such as SAP, Label-D, DevEx, and TraceGains Acted as Nestle Subject Matter Expert for GE food and Halal Claim providing capacity building to team, in addition to GMO material assessment and food labeling Applied the new update of FDR to existing products and labels and created and monitored business metrics to track compliance and process effectiveness. Supported Nespresso, Starbucks, and Nestle Professional for Beverage (Cold and Hot), meals, candy, cocoa products, coffee, coffee beverage, and chocolate products. Participated in developing and maintaining Nestle Quality Management System for RSA, including SOPs and guidelines. Monitored development of new and proposed regulations and enforcement activities impacting use of ingredients, safety, labeling and advertising, and new business models. Participated on advocacy by providing feedback for the local and international legislations, utilizing knowledge and experience in the Global food law. Contributed to innovation and renovation projects to ensure compliance by design of raw materials, recipes, labels and other product communications (websites, eCommerce). This included work on harmonization projects and ensure import feasibility for raw materials and recipes.

Uae - Abu Dhabi

 Conducted Gap analysis and research into food legislation, and developed legislations based on local needs and inputs from international, regional and local organizations, including risk assessment. Led and joined a multi-disciplinary working group(s), provided leadership and technical support regionally and internationally. Provided scientific advice on food Labeling , legislation, Halal, queries, and detailed information for the media. Conducted risk assessment, including technical and scientific data evaluation in response to regulatory submissions, in accordance with local requirements and the alignment of other national regulatory authorities and agencies (GCC, U.S. FDA, Health Canada, EFSA, JECFA, FSANZ). Trained Food inspectors on HACCP and legislation interpretation, and conducted seminars for other organization. Managed internal E-data and administered SharePoint division portal site, and won an award for the best site in the organization.  Successful participated in designing HACCP-based food safety management systems in accordance with the catering industry requirements, considering smaller and less-developed enterprises.  Represented the organization at regional and inter-governmental meetings, including the UAE National Standards Committee, and handled Technical Secretary for the GCC Technical Committee for Organic, GM Food and Functional Food. Provided support for certification and consultation bodies with regards of accreditation and consultation process including auditor criteria as per GFSI Liaised with other UAE authorities in order to provide technical support and information, such as Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA), Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD), Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB), and the Quality and Conformity Council (QCC). Monitored division performance (KPI) through periodical reports of strategy execution, performance and process management, based on (QPR).

Uae - Abu Dhabi

 Issued Licensing Permit for food premises. Prepared plans, and conducted Risk Based Inspection (RBS), to insure the implementation of legal requirement, including GMPs,GHPs,HACCP whenever required.  Conducted audit for food premises based on HACCP / ISO22K, ISO 9001, and developed reports and maintained records, including catering sector «Hotel food outlets« and food industries. Investigated on Food poison and complain cases, including sampling and site inspections. Conducted FSMS manual review, to ensure proper documentation and inspection requirements for all the processes,  Conducted Floor Plan Layouts review and approval for food business medium and big projects. Conducted qualitative Risk Assessment for new emerging risks.  Member in Food Hygiene bylaw Committee / Policy and Regulations Sector which prepared Regulation No(6) for the year 2010 «Food hygiene throughout Food Chain«. Member of ECM Enterprise Content Management, which transformed paper work into electronic service via internet and intranet. Preparing monthly, quarterly, and yearly achievement report.

Uae- Dubai

 Managed plant operations during the shift, including HTST, LTLT pasteurization, UHT and fermentation process, to produce, several types of milk, yogurt, flavoured milk, drinks and juice. Maintained on time delivery and minimized losses. Provided technical and analytical support on product, process development and machinery. Assisted in transformation phase from manual to fully automated (dairy and juice) plant operations (APV) and Tetra Pak. Improved product quality assurance policy and insured the compliance with ISO 9001 and HACCP, GMPs. Collaborated with R&D and designed, formulated new products and process parameters. including recipes, procedures, analytical reports. Managed unit Supervisors and plant staff to achieve weekly & daily objectives. Staff evaluation, input to salary and benefits review Drove budget compliance and overall plant performance improvement. Ensured compliance of safety and quality parameters for raw materials, maintain machinery process during (production,CIP and sanitation) , final product, in addition to storage condition, waste disposal, pest control, plant staff hygiene, water supply, and food packaging materials.

Master'S Degree, Global Food Law, B

(M.J) Global Food Law, Regional, And International Food Law And Regulation, B+

Activities and Societies: International Food Law, Codex Alimentarius, EU, US Food and Drug Law, Nutrition Law and Policy, Administrative.

Bachelor Of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Food Science And Technology, B

Activities and Societies: Chemical Lab, Biology lab B.Sc. In Agricultural Engineering, Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture.