With over 40 years in the food manufacturing industry, Richard Ross has the practical experience to guide food companies through the compliance process in order to meet the new requirements established by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).  His experience includes managing 15 food manufacturing facilities and overseeing 8 on-site laboratories and 23 warehouses for multi-national, medium and small sized food manufacturers.  During his career, Ross has written and implemented 10 different HACCP Plans and prepared facilities for over 60 third-party audits.

Ross’s interest in food safety began early in his career as a general manager with Archer Daniels Midland.  Working with Fortune 500 companies as a supplier, he was tasked with improving quality.  He learned very quickly that a superior quality product offered several benefits:  it distinguished his products from those of competitors; customers will pay more for quality; and, producing a superior product naturally led to good food safety practices.  He continued his focus on quality during his tenure as Vice President/General Manager of Specialty Grains Division with ConAgra.  His efforts resulted in substantial gains in profitability and again proved that superior quality and food safety impact the bottom line.

Since 2003, Ross has consulted with leaders of emerging, turnaround and high growth organizations.  He has worked with companies to establish strategic plans, identify key performance indicators, set operating goals and efficiencies, realign initiatives, improve productivity and reduce costs.  In 2005, Ross developed a traceability program for inventory control and lean productivity for food manufacturers and warehouses.

In 2016, Ross founded PathTracer™ Laboratory & Consulting Services.  With extensive experience in food manufacturing, Ross consults with small and medium sized food companies on food safety planning.  From developing a HACCP Plan to Supplier Verification, Sanitation Procedures and establishing a Recall Plan, all aspects of food safety planning are provided.    Environmental monitoring and product testing are key elements of food safety.  PathTracer™ provides pathogen testing for Listeria species, Salmonella and E.coli – with next day results. Both product and brand protection are critical to the food industry.

Ross has served as a “subject matter” expert and speaker to food manufacturing groups throughout the United States on brand protection, food quality and food safety. He is a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) associate member with working knowledge of Safe Quality Food (SQF), International Food Safety (IFS) and British Retail Consortium (BRC).  Ross is a member of International Food Technologists (IFT) and recognized as a “scientific communicator” in food safety, regulations and food business.  He is a certified consultant with GS1 U.S.  Ross holds a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Kansas.