Hardware Podcasts

R&D RADIO: How to Audit a Co-Packer: The Food QA's Hermi Galstian Explains

The Startup CPG Podcast · 17 Aug 2026 · 27m · Episode 352

What this episode covers

Hermi Galstian, founder of The Food QA, explains to host Adam Yee how CPG founders can audit co-packers by distinguishing between food safety (preventing illness) and quality (consistency). She emphasizes that brands remain responsible for recalls and should verify manufacturers through third-party audits like SQF and BRC, as well as physical facility tours. Galstian details specific inspection points, including pest control, employee hygiene, equipment pre-op checks, and ingredient sourcing transparency, to mitigate risk.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
The Food QA, Follow Your Heart, Danone
Also
SQF, BRC, GFSI, Ecolab

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