Robert Irbe Email & Phone Number

Arkansas State University

Consultant with expertise in food microbiology, quality, GMPs

Reported to Sr. VP Quality & Technical ServicesPrimary Microbiology Authority for 35 plants in North America. Provided scientific counsel in the areas of microbiology, food safety, sanitization and regulatory concerns.• Directed team to upgrade manufacturing plant to produce pharmaceutical grade powder infant formula baseo Developed method for cleaning & sanitizing spray dryerso Resulted in $10MM in sales and additional project collaboration• Experienced in spray drying processes for powder infant formal base, non-dairy creamers and powdered cheese• Reviewed and approved formulations for Kerry’s food and ingredient products, manufacturing processes, cleaning/sanitation and distribution processes• Created sampling plans, evaluations and laboratory audit reports• Developed aseptic processes• Implemented vendor quality assurance program

Managed all food safety and regulatory issues for the packaged food products. Designed and Implemented Recall Program. Served as primary contact for FDA, USDA, TDA, TDH and audits by vendors. Served as lead auditor for internal and external audits. Developed procedures and processes (including HACCP) to improve quality and comply with regulations and managed employee safety program. Obtained Texas Pesticide Use License. Responsible for quality across sites including farms, as well as corporate headquarters.Accomplishments:• Developed and implemented a Quality System compliant with ISO 9000, FDA, and other regulations and standards. Organized and led team to write ISO compliant procedures & specifications• Improvements resulted in successfully passing audits by major retailers & significantly increased volume• Developed HACCP program and implemented GMPs for manufacturing plant• Implemented QA system for Seed Development Process that included new seed testing lab

ISO 9001 Coordinator-R&D certification. Successfully led team in certification on the first inspection. Worked with R&D, Technical Services, Manufacturing, Regulatory and Marketing to ensure quality products/services were developed & delivered. Corporate representative for NCST, ILSI Microbiology Group and ILSI Risk Assessment. Team Leader and/or member for GRAS petitions for Simplesse and for low fat/low cholesterol eggs and for design of a new natural sweetener manufacturing plant.• Developed and implemented the Division's first microbiology program; Directed microbiology program for reduced fat and sugar free foods, included design of new laboratory, purchase equipment and hiring staff; developed and managed microbiological services as a profit center for internal and external customers• Designed & implemented aseptic processing system for refrigerated foods to extend shelf-life; Developed multi-disciplinary program to develop cheese starter cultures for low fat cheese

Provided microbiological and quality assurance assessment of food processing technologies and regulatory compliance. Monitored all aseptic processing for corporate research. Dotted line responsibility for approximately 25 food scientists and engineers. Supervised 3 directly. Developed and implemented quality assurance criteria for products, HACCP, GMPs, and GLPs.• Designed & equipped laboratory for new manufacturing plant for "Ready to Eat" Desserts; coordinated microbiological testing/evaluation for production start-up• Chairman of General Foods Microbiology Task Force• Corporate Representative on Microbiology Food & Safety Committee of NFPA and GMA and Corporate monitor of National Advisory Committee for Microbiological Criteria for Food

Laboratory supported Space Shuttle Program. Supervised 6 direct reports. Provided clinical and environmental microbiological support. Monitored microflora from crew members, food, water, spacecraft & crew quarters.• Northrop’s liaison with government (NASA) departments and NASA Contractors• Designed clinical microbiology laboratory for Space Station & established requirements. Adapted diagnostic tests for use in microgravity conditions• Developed clinical microbiology, foods, water and environmental standards for Microbial Contamination Control Program Plan for Space Station• Determined microbial buildup and analyzed biofilms in Whole Body Shower for Space Station

Standard Brands, Inc. (merged with Nabisco), Wilton, CTSupervised 3 scientists. Conducted soil screening, enzyme isolation & purification and strain improvement. Designed laboratory for new facility in East Hanover, New Jersey. Method development research: glucose isomerase producing microorganisms; rapid screening of microorganisms growing at low pH (4-5), elevated temperatures (65C) and in anaerobic conditions• Monitored FDA/USDA regulations and developments in Recombinant DNA studies• Developed assays for novel enzymes for high fructose corn syrup production and insitu enzyme assay• Studies resulted in 3 patents