SQF Audits: Importance of Auditing for SQF & GFSI Compliance
As we approach the 2025 SQF Unites Conference in Orlando (FL), the SQF Institute (SQFI) has confirmed that SQF Edition 10 will be released in July 2025, with audits based…
The Sirocco team comprises talented food safety professionals who have known Karine for a long time. The Sirocco team boasts 50+ years of combined food safety expertise.
Sean and Karine have ties with the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada) where they completed graduate degrees in Food Science in 2012.
Sofia and Karine met in Vancouver (Canada) during an accredited food safety training course taught by Karine. Hani, our latest recruit, is recommended to us from BCIT. She brings a strong background in food safety compliance and is fluent in Vietnamese. We are all passionate about food, science and technology. We are also a pretty international group with strong ties to our home countries. We conduct business in English and in our native languages (French, Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese).
Karine Lawrence Principal Food Safety Consultant/Instructor
- Master of Food Science degree
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Diplôme d’ingénieur (specialized in agri-food industries)
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Certified SQF Trainer
- PCQI/Lead FSPCA Instructor (Human Food)
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Certified HACCP Professional
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BC VQA Wine Assessor/WSET Level 2 Certificate Holder
- Graduate from UC Davis Applied Sensory and Consumer Science Certificate Program
Karine Lawrence, Founder and Principal Consultant of Sirocco Food + Wine Consulting, has worked for the wine and food industry for over 25 years and brings expertise in Food Safety, Sensory Analysis and Regulatory Compliance. Since the inception of Sirocco Food + Wine Consulting in 2014, she has provided research and consulting services to food and wine industry stakeholders in Canada and the United States. Karine’s specialty is SQF Certification and HACCP certification programs. She is a graduate from the UC Davis Applied Sensory and Consumer Science Certificate Program. Her wine research projects have been published in Consumer Science and Strategic Marketing: Case Studies in the Wine Industry (Woodhead Publishing, 2019). She is a PCQI/Lead FSPCA instructor (human Food) and Certified SQF Trainer. Karine holds a Master of Food Science degree as well as a diplôme d’ingénieur (specialized in agri-food industries). She is a HACCP certified professional and a BC VQA Wine Assessor/WSET Level 2 Certificate Holder.
“Hailing from France, I have always had a passion for food and gastronomy. I love helping small and medium food businesses become food safety compliant and successful in business. I enjoy teaching and mentoring young food safety professionals.”
Sean Xia Food Safety Consultant
- Master of Food Science degree
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9 Years of hands-on experience in the Quality Assurance and Operations field
Sean Xia is currently working in the seafood industry as a plant manager and providing consulting services. With a master’s degree in food science, strong quality assurance skills 9 years of hands-on experience in the quality assurance and operations field, Sean provides insights into the development and maintenance of food safety management systems with an operational point of view. Sean believes that a successful quality assurance system must be well integrated to the business supply chain and inventory management systems. Combined with the adoption of lean manufacturing principles, a quality/food safety management system should help improve the company’s objectives while meeting regulatory requirements. With years of experience working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Sean understands the principles of developing and implementing an effective preventive control program. Sean is familiar with HACCP certification and GFSI certification schemes, as well as Kosher, Organic, Oceanwise and BAP certification requirements.
“An old Chinese saying goes “food comes first for the people”, food strengthens our presence and nourishes our future. Knowing that people will consume safe food and that I contributed to that makes my day.”
Nguyet Ha Tran Junior Food Safety Consultant
- Associate Degree in General Science
- Diploma in Food Technology
- Fluent in English and Vietnamese
As a graduate of the Food Technology Program, Nguyet Ha is equipped with the knowledge and skills for food safety and quality assurance. She has participated in directed studies that gave her the tools to apply her knowledge and assist SMEs. She is experienced with regulatory compliance and validation of food safety plans, including Codex HACCP Plan. Nguyet Ha holds a HACCP training certificate. She is excited to work for the Sirocco consulting group.
“Many aspiring small food businesses struggle with creating and implementing food safety plans. I strive to assist them in this aspect so that they can advance their growth even further.”
Sofia Copado Food Safety Consultant
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BSc in Food Science
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Fluent in English and Spanish
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9 years of industry experience
With a BSc in Food Science, Sofia Copado has been working in the food industry in Canada since 2013. Her roles have covered new product Research and Development, Quality Assurance and SQF Systems. Over the years, Sofia has implemented food safety and quality control programs for various food processing operations. She has helped businesses achieve and sustain certifications including SQF certification, HACCP certification, Organic and Gluten Free certifications. She has a broad experience in Project Management, Research, Product Development, Regulatory Compliance and CFIA label reviews including Nutrition Facts tables, special claims, allergen and ingredient declarations. Sofia is fluent in English and Spanish.
“I enjoy helping companies grow their business by helping them with better food safety controls and accessing new opportunities”
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