Driving Food Safety Excellence Across Borders — an interview with Senior Food Safety Auditor Sunil Sharma
Driving Food Safety Excellence Across Borders — an interview with Senior Food Safety Auditor Sunil Sharma
At Eurofins Assurance, our auditors play a vital role everyday in ensuring food safety and quality systems worldwide. What happens behind all the travels, on-site assessment and food safety certificates? We sat down with Sunil Sharma, Senior Food Safety Auditor with our India office, to learn more about his career path, his philosophy on auditing, and what continues to inspire him in a dynamic and evolving industry.
With over a decade of experience across quality assurance, auditing, and inspection, Sunil brings deep technical expertise, international exposure, and a strong commitment to professional growth. From earning a gold medal in Biotechnology to qualifying across multiple GFSI-recognised food safety standards, Sunil’s journey reflects dedication, discipline, and a passion for safeguarding public health. You have over a decade of experience across quality assurance, auditing, and inspection.
Q.1: Can you share what first drew you to the field of food safety and quality?
I completed my M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Jiwaji University in 2004, where I was a gold medalist. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in microbiology and quality systems, which naturally led me toward food safety and quality assurance. I was particularly drawn to the field because it directly impacts public health and consumer trust.
I started my career in 2004 after campus placement and went on to work with three different companies, gaining hands-on experience in quality assurance, auditing, and inspection. In 2020, I joined Eurofins Assurance as a Senior Lead Auditor, which further strengthened my expertise in compliance and food safety systems.
Over the years, what has kept me motivated is the responsibility and impact of ensuring safe, high-quality food products while continuously improving systems and standards.
Q.2: What motivated your transition from quality management roles into third-party auditing?
My transition from quality management into third-party auditing was driven by my desire to apply the knowledge and practical experience I gained in food safety systems across a broader range of organisations. In quality roles, I developed a strong understanding of implementation challenges and regulatory requirements, and I wanted to use that experience to evaluate and strengthen systems at industry level.
I enjoy interacting with people, assessing processes in real-world environments, and focusing on continuous improvement. With my qualifications in SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS, SSCI, and regulatory standards such as 21 CFR 111 and 21 CFR 117, I felt well prepared to transition into auditing. This role allows me to combine technical expertise with my passion for food safety and process evaluation while making a wider impact.
Q.3: What do you find most rewarding about being an auditor?
What I find most rewarding about being an auditor is the opportunity to continuously gain and share knowledge. Every audit exposes me to new processes, different operational approaches, and innovative solutions, which keeps the role dynamic and engaging.
I particularly value evaluating systems with a strong focus on food safety and helping organisations identify opportunities for improvement. Facing new challenges every day motivates me, and I appreciate being able to contribute to strengthening food safety practices across diverse facilities.
Q.4: You’ve been a Senior Auditor at Eurofins since 2021. What does a typical workday look like for you?
As a Senior Auditor at Eurofins, no two days are exactly the same, which is something I truly enjoy. A typical workday often involves traveling to different facilities, preparing for audits, reviewing documentation, and conducting on-site assessments of food safety and quality systems.
I value the opportunity to interact with a wide range of individuals—from senior management to operational staff—understanding their processes and discussing how systems are implemented in practice. Each facility presents unique situations and challenges, and I find it rewarding to assess those scenarios objectively and work through them in a structured, solution-focused manner.
The combination of travel, professional interaction, and problem-solving makes the role both dynamic and fulfilling for me.
Q.5: Throughout so many travels and site visits, can you name one or two that are most memorable to you?
One of the most memorable experiences in my auditing career has been conducting audits in several Southeast Asian countries. These visits were particularly impactful due to the combination of language barriers, different food preferences, and challenging climatic conditions.
In some facilities, communication required extra patience and clarity to ensure expectations and requirements were fully understood. Additionally, the hot and humid climate created unique food challenges, particularly around temperature control, storage, and hygiene management. There were also situations where local food handling practices differed significantly from international standards, requiring careful evaluation and professional dialogue.
While these audits were demanding, they were also highly rewarding. They strengthened my adaptability, cultural awareness, and problem-solving skills.
Q.6: Auditing often requires balancing compliance checks with understanding operational realities. How do you build rapport with clients during challenging assessments?
Building rapport during challenging assessments begins with understanding the client’s operational challenges and acknowledging the realities they face. This creates open and respectful communication.
At the same time, I maintain an objective, evidence-based approach. My findings are always supported by factual observations and aligned with the standard, which helps build trust and credibility. I also clearly interpret requirements and explain how conclusions are reached.
By providing a transparent, well-supported report, I ensure clients understand both the findings and the path forward, maintaining professionalism while fostering a positive working relationship.
Q.7: How do you stay up to date with evolving standards in food safety, integrity, and regulatory compliance?
I stay up to date with evolving standards in food safety, integrity, and regulatory compliance by regularly reviewing updates from accreditation bodies, such as newsletters and public notifications. I also follow regulatory bodies for the latest guidance and attend relevant webinars and training sessions. Additionally, I use professional social media channels and networks to stay informed about industry trends, discussions, and emerging best practices.
Q.8: What’s your personal philosophy when conducting audits—what principles guide your approach?
My personal philosophy when conducting audits is to adhere strictly to the applicable requirements while interpreting guidelines clearly and practically. I focus on understanding how the standards apply in real operational contexts and ensure that all assessments are objective and evidence-based.
When I identify non-compliances, I rely on factual observations and documented evidence to support the findings. This ensures that my audits are fair, transparent, and actionable, helping organizations address issues effectively while maintaining compliance.
Q.9: You’ve cleared all GSFI-recognised food safety standards (IFS Food, SQF, BRCGS & FSSC) and obtained qualification for dietary supplements audit (SSCI and 21 cfr 111/117). What are your secrets to such achievements?
I attribute these achievements to working in a supportive environment that values learning and professional growth. Throughout my career, I’ve had opportunities to gain hands-on experience, deepen my understanding of food safety systems, and engage with colleagues and mentors who encourage knowledge sharing.
I also make a conscious effort to stay curious, continuously learn from each experience, and promote learning wherever I can. Having access to practical opportunities and a culture that supports development has been key to successfully obtaining multiple GSFI-recognised certifications and dietary supplement qualifications.
Q.10: What observations do you have around the industry over the years on food safety and quality?
Over the years, one observation I’ve made is that while the industry has made significant progress in food safety and quality, there are still gaps in awareness and understanding. Many organisations struggle with adopting a true process-based approach, which can lead to inconsistencies in implementation.
I’ve also noticed that there is often limited understanding of intrinsic values, such as the importance of food safety culture and employee engagement, which are critical for sustainable compliance. Addressing these gaps through training, awareness programs, and a stronger focus on process thinking can greatly enhance overall food safety and quality performance.
Q.11: What advice would you give to young professionals entering the quality or auditing field?
My advice to young professionals entering quality or auditing is to build a strong foundation by thoroughly understanding the requirements and standards. Take a step-by-step approach—focus on learning and mastering one aspect at a time rather than trying to do everything at once.
I also recommend adopting a methodical mindset, such as using statistical process control and other structured approaches, to evaluate processes objectively. Being patient, curious, and consistent in applying knowledge will help them develop confidence and competence in both quality management and auditing over time.
Q.12: Outside of work, what keeps you inspired or motivated?
Outside of work, I stay inspired by continuously updating myself—whether it’s learning about new developments in food safety, technology, or industry trends, I enjoy staying curious and informed.
Spending quality time with my family is another key motivator, as it helps me recharge and maintain balance. I also enjoy reading, exploring new cultures when I travel, and engaging in activities that challenge me to grow personally. These experiences keep me motivated, focused, and energized both in my professional and personal life.
Sunil’s journey reflects the integrity, discipline, and commitment that define his personal development and our auditing professionals. Through technical expertise and a continuous improvement mindset, he helps organisations strengthen compliance and protect consumer trust worldwide.
If you are interested in building a meaningful and impactful career in food safety industry, we invite you to explore opportunities on our Careers page.
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