ABDUL KAREEM KARIYODAN
FOOD SAFETY PROFESSIONAL
Abu Dhabi
Summary
Accomplished Food Safety and Quality Compliance Specialist with over 10 years of progressive experience across airline catering, large-scale food production, and manufacturing environments. Possesses internationally recognized certifications in Food Safety, HACCP, ISO 22000, and Halal compliance auditing. Demonstrated expertise in conducting internal, external, and international supplier audits, managing food safety systems, leading CAPA investigations, and ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Proven track record in managing traceability systems, product recall processes, and delivering technical training on GMP, hygiene, pest control, and Halal standards. Adept at working with cross- functional teams, legal departments, and regulatory bodies to uphold the highest standards of food safety and quality across the supply chain. Currently based in Abu Dhabi with full UAE driving eligibility and willingness to travel globally description...
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
FOOD SAFETY, QUALITY AND SAFETY OFFICER
CAPITAL CATERING SERVICES -ADNEC GROUP
04.2022 - Current
- Schedule, plan, and develop the annual audit program to assess food safety and Halal compliance across all suppliers
- Conduct independent, impartial, and comprehensive food safety and Halal audits of suppliers, adhering to internationally recognized auditing standards.
- Assist in preparing and executing third-party/supplier audits including documentation and compliance validation.
- Develop and regularly update the CCS Food Safety and Halal Compliance Manuals in alignment with current global standards and regulations.
- Deliver regular presentations to key stakeholders and brief the team on significant updates to global and country-specific food safety and Halal regulations.
- Develop and maintain the CCS-designed supplier self-assessment questionnaire in alignment with globally recognized HACCP standards. Ensure its annual completion by all suppliers and follow up on identified corrective actions
- Coordinate with ADNEC Group Legal, Customer Affairs, and Insurance departments on food safety-related matters. Investigate and respond to queries raised by the CCS Internal Audit team and local authority inspectors, ensuring all supporting documentation is accurately prepared.
- Monitor and analyse supplier performance trends related to food safety and Halal compliance, and provide strategic recommendations to catering leadership for continuous improvement in hygiene and safety standards across the network.
- Develop and conduct comprehensive training for all key stakeholders, covering Capital Catering Service’s food safety framework, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), pest control verification, hygiene protocols, preventive maintenance, and Halal operational compliance.
- Review, validate, and maintain ingredient declarations within the catering management system to ensure all CCS-approved food and beverage items comply with globally recognized Food Safety and Halal standards.
- Maintain accurate records of food safety and Halal documentation, oversee incident and corrective action workflows in the catering system, and ensure vendor adherence to established service level agreements
- Oversee the CCS-defined product recall process and function as a core member of the recall team. Conduct regular mock recall drills using varied scenarios to assess team readiness. Ensure the recall register and related documentation are up to date, and that all team members are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities
- Lead CAPA implementation, perform root cause analysis, and close non-conformities.
- Engage with internal teams on customer complaints and municipality inspections.
- Coordinate with legal, insurance, and compliance teams on safety incidents and investigations.
- Collect and analyze food safety KPIs; drive improvements in hygiene standards and preventive systems.
- Support Halal compliance training and supplier documentation verification.
- Ensure accurate documentation and routine traceability drills are in place to support food safety and recall readiness
COMPLIANCE OFFICER
ETIHAD AIRPORT SERVICES & CATERING
04.2021 - 04.2022
- Ensure adherence to local and international food safety regulations, including UAE Food Code, ADAFSA, HACCP, ISO 22000, and BRC standards.
- Monitor compliance with airline-specific food safety and quality protocols for all in-flight catering operations.
- Conduct regular internal audits and inspections of food production, storage, and service areas to identify potential non-conformities and ensure hygiene compliance.
- Lead investigations into food safety incidents, customer complaints, or audit findings, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Coordinate with external regulatory authorities (e.g., ADAFSA, Municipality, Health Department) during inspections and audits.
- Maintain and update the Quality Management System (QMS) and all food safety-related documentation in line with corporate and legal requirements.
- Oversee Halal compliance verification processes for all raw materials and finished products supplied to Etihad flights.
- Collaborate with Procurement and Supply Chain teams to ensure supplier and vendor compliance with Etihad’s quality and food safety standards.
- Implement and track employee training programs on hygiene, food safety, allergen management, personal protective equipment (PPE), and sanitation practices.
- Review and approve menus, ingredient declarations, and allergen information, ensuring full compliance with labeling regulations and airline policies.
- Ensure traceability systems are in place and functional, and lead periodic product recall drills to validate preparedness.
- Analyze food safety KPIs, audit data, and trend reports, providing management with actionable insights and compliance risk assessments.
- Conduct mock audits and pre-certification reviews to ensure readiness for third-party audits (e.g., ISO, Halal, ADAFSA).
- Ensure pest control programs, equipment calibration, and sanitation schedules are implemented and properly documented.
- Promote a culture of food safety and regulatory compliance through active communication, coaching, and continuous improvement initiatives across departments
QUALITY EXECUTIVE
ETIHAD AIRPORT SERVICES & CATERING
04.2016 - 03.2021
- Conduct thorough inspections of incoming raw materials, areas of food handling, food preparation and service to ensure adherence to HACCP & hygiene standards
- Train and educate staff on quality control protocols, proper hygiene practices, fire and safety protocols
- Verify CCPs, OPRPs, and PRPs established as per the Hazard Control Plan to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
- Lead quality audits to assess compliance with quality standards, identifying non conformities and recommending corrective actions.
- Conduct safety audits and assessments, prepare Health and Safety Reports and ensure compliance with UAE health and safety guidelines
- Assist the Sr. Food Safety team in investigating potential sources or causes of critical foreign objects or food poisoning allegations in coordination with concerned stakeholders to determine root causes and prevent recurrence
- Communicate with local municipality bodies to ensure compliance with local guidelines and regulations
- Conduct supplier audits at the premises of food suppliers as per the assignment to ensure adherence to food safety requirements and standards.
- Ensure consistent compliance with documentation requirements related to FSSC and BRC to maintain certification and adherence to regulatory standards
- Foster a Positive Food Safety Culture by supporting departmental initiatives to enhance awareness and commitment to food safety practices
- Visit various branches for hygiene, safety audits for reviewing the system
QUALITY CONTROL SUPERVISOR
BABY MARINE EASTERN EXPERTS
12.2014 - 12.2016
- Conducted comprehensive inspections of incoming raw materials, in-process operations, finished goods, and dispatch procedures to ensure compliance with internal quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.
- Oversaw hygiene and sanitation practices across production, storage, and handling areas. Ensured adherence to established cleanliness protocols to maintain a contamination-free environment and support food safety objectives.
- Delivered structured training sessions for production and quality staff on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), workplace safety, and integrated pest management systems. Reinforced staff competency through regular evaluations and on-site coaching.
- Monitored and documented Critical Control Points (CCPs) at all stages of processing, ensuring preventive controls were implemented and recorded accurately. Maintained traceability systems to enable effective and timely product recalls, if necessary.
- Acted as the primary point of contact for handling customer complaints, feedback, and quality-related inquiries. Investigated root causes of quality issues, implemented corrective actions, and prepared facilities and documentation for internal and external audits
Education
BACHELORS IN BIOCHEMISTRY -
Bharathiar University
06.2009 - 09.2012
MASTERS IN BIOCHEMISTRY - undefined
Bharathiar University
08.2012 - 08.2014
Skills
- HACCP & Food Safety Management Systems
- ISO 9001
- ISO 22000
- ISO 45001
- ISO 14001 Standards
- Internal & Supplier Audits
- CAPA & Root Cause Analysis
- QMS Documentation & Compliance
- Quality KPIs & Data Analytics
- Staff Training & Hygiene Protocols
- Risk Assessment & Incident Investigation
- Regulatory & Municipality Compliance
- Biochemical & Microbiological Testing
Certifications Permits Training
- NEBOSH IGC in Occupational Health & Safety
- ISO 22000 Lead Auditor
- HACCP Internal Auditor
- Valid UAE Driving License
- Highfield Level 3 HACCP for Food Manufacturing (2022)
- Level 4 Food Safety Management
- Halal & Hygiene Compliance Training
- EFST by ADAFSA
- Certified First Aider – American Heart Association
Personal Information
- Passport Number: V8336419
- Date of Birth: 01/06/91
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: Indian
- Work Permit: United Arab Emirates
- Place of Birth: Kerala
Disclaimer
I hereby declare that the information provided in this CV is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I take full responsibility for the accuracy of the details mentioned above and understand that any misrepresentation may lead to disqualification.
Timeline
FOOD SAFETY, QUALITY AND SAFETY OFFICER
CAPITAL CATERING SERVICES -ADNEC GROUP
04.2022 - Current
COMPLIANCE OFFICER
ETIHAD AIRPORT SERVICES & CATERING
04.2021 - 04.2022
QUALITY EXECUTIVE
ETIHAD AIRPORT SERVICES & CATERING
04.2016 - 03.2021
QUALITY CONTROL SUPERVISOR
BABY MARINE EASTERN EXPERTS
12.2014 - 12.2016
MASTERS IN BIOCHEMISTRY - undefined
Bharathiar University
08.2012 - 08.2014
BACHELORS IN BIOCHEMISTRY -
Bharathiar University
06.2009 - 09.2012
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