Investing in the Future of Food Safety Auditing

By: Haley Pierce, Manager, FMI Foundation 

As food safety gains prominence among American consumers, the need for well-trained auditors rises. To ensure competent workforce for the future, the FMI Foundation and the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) established the Food Safety Auditing Scholarships and Travel Grants Program. Open to food and agricultural science North American majors, these scholarships aim to nurture skilled auditors for lasting impact. 

Why Invest in the Future of Food Safety Auditing? 

Food safety auditors are involved in every aspect of the food industry, working diligently to ensure that food is handled and prepared in accordance with rigorous safety protocols. Given the growing market size of the food industry, it becomes increasingly important to ensure the safety and thorough examination of the food we consume. Food safety auditors play a crucial role in ensuring that safety standards are upheld throughout the supply chain.  

Auditors play a vital role in ensuring facilities are clean, maintained and sanitary, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination, allergic reactions and foodborne illnesses. Food safety auditors help companies take preventative steps to ensure that the product they deliver is safe for consumption. 

One of the significant advantages of being a food safety auditor is the large positive impact it has on public health. Through their work, auditors help ensure that food production meets regulatory standards, guaranteeing its safety for consumption.  

How Do Food Safety Auditing Scholarships and Education Grants Make a Difference? 

The FMI Foundation’s Food Safety Auditing Scholarships and Travel Grants program is an incredible opportunity for students interested in the field of food safety auditing within the food manufacturing sector. The FMI Foundation is excited to offer scholarships to students currently pursuing majors in food and agricultural sciences who have a genuine interest in accredited food safety auditing. These scholarships are highly competitive and primarily awarded based on academic ability, leadership potential, motivation, initiative and passion for the food industry and auditing profession. 

But it's not just about the scholarship itself; it's about the positive impact auditors can make.  

According to one 2022 scholarship recipient, it’s also opened doors for her: “I met so many incredible auditors, scientists and fellow students at the conference. I was able to engage in conversations during open discussion panels and network with top scientists in the field. This scholarship opens doors for students to get a jumpstart on their careers in the auditing field.”  

Scholarship recipients will be able to meet and connect with people across all aspects of the food industry, especially at our 2024 SQF Unites Conference. The efforts food safety auditors make will play a vital role in safeguarding public health, protecting consumers and building trust in the food industry.  

Spread the Word to Those Eligible to Apply 

To be eligible for the Food Safety Auditing Scholarship, an applicant must: be enrolled as a full-time student (undergraduate or graduate) in an accredited U.S., Canada or Mexico college or university, have completed at least two years of college studies, have a minimum 3.2 Grade Point Average, and be available to attend and participate in the 2024 SQF Global Conference., March 11-14, 2024, in New Orleans.  Please review the full rules and regulations, FAQs and the 2022 Award Winners. 

Applications are due by October 13. 2023.

Submit your application here