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Executive Profile

Executive Profile

Sofroni Eglezos

Principal Consultant

Professional Qualifications

My passion for food protection and training was fanned through the opportunities presented consulting in the food industry over 28 years; I have gained specific industry experience across a vast array of sectors, processes, hazards, technologies, premises and people.

I have used my technical expertise and industry sector familiarity to contribute to the body of work promoting food protection (from book chapters, to international journal articles and local Australian conference proceedings).

My key interests include interventions to manage Listeria and Salmonella in the modern food factory, microbial shelf life extension, spoilage investigation, microbiological specification of raw materials, and laboratory and ISO17025 audits.

I delight in auditing factory environments and investigating microbial hazard transfer mechanisms. This expertise in turn supports the industries that I am consulting to, and optimum food protection outcomes are achieved.

I have provided counsel to the development committees of Safe Food QLD food safety schemes for Meat, Dairy and Seafood. I promoted food safety networks through the ‘Green & Gold Book’ seminar series, taking microbiology experts to remote Australian locations. I instigated the AIFST Australian Food Spoilage Conference and the FIAQ Food Safety Conference. I have forged strong professional relationships with clients and stakeholders and held numerous positions of technical leadership.

I have been a NATA Technical Assessor (laboratory subject matter expert) for over 10 years. I am a guest lecturer at UQ Food Microbiology and TAFE Queensland South Bank campus.

Food Safety Positions

01.

2017 – 2022

Director of Food Microbiology, Biotest Laboratories an IEH Company.

Food, Water, Environmental, Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Pesticides. Auditing NATA, TGA, APVMA, Meat Export quality management systems.

02.

2012 –2016

Director, Niche Food Microbiology Pty Ltd

Leveraging my skills and industry relationships, I created a food safety business which grew to 10 FTE.

03.

1998 – 2012

Technical Consultant, EML Consulting Services

Food, Water, Environmental. Field services. NATA, Imported Food Inspection Laboratory, Meat Export, QAP. Signatory and Legal Expert (Biological).

04.

1995 – 1998

Food Industry Microbiologist at Sunny Queen Eggs Laboratories

NATA Signatory to ISO17025 over a period of three years. Factory based hygiene monitoring and food safety testing..

 

Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM)

Admitted as a Member of Australian Society for Microbiology in 1997.

 

Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology Inc (AIFST)

Elected Professional Member of Australian Institute for Food Science and Technology in 1998.

05.

2003 - 2022

Australian Society for Microbiology

Food Microbiology Special Interest Group – National Convenor 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Annual ASM Conference 2006 – Local Organising Committee

ASM Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Special Interest Group (CAPSIG) QLD – Secretary, Foundation Year, 2008

 

Food Industries Association of Queensland (FIAQ)

President 2005, 2006

Vice President 2004, 2008

Committee Member 2003, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Queensland Food Safety Conference – Co-ordinator 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

 

Australian Institute Food Science and Technology (AIFST)

Green & Gold Book Food Micro Seminar Series  – Coordinator 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

Annual AIFST Convention 2004, 2009 – Local Organising Committee (Brisbane)

Australian Food Spoilage Conference 2007 – Co- Day with the Gold Book Authors

President’s Award for Services to Food Science and Technology 2011

 

Safe Food Production Queensland committees (SFPQ)

Food Safety Scheme for Eggs 2004

Food Safety Scheme for Dairy Products 2004

Food Safety Scheme for Seafood 2004

Ministerial Advisory Committee – 2005

Publications and Presentation

21 International Journal Articles
3 Encyclopaedia chapters + 2 book chapters
28 invited and peer-reviewed conference presentations.
6 invited reviews of International Journal Articles
MLA Project Research Funding
2 conference sessions chaired

RECOMMENDATIONS – Live on LinkedIn

Testimonials

Those who have worked with Sofroni will agree that he brings a personal touch to business that is rarely found. When this is combined with his technical expertise, integrity, work ethic and drive for continuous improvement, the result is a person who people want to do business with. His microbiological knowledge is broad and the expression of his depth of feeling for the field through the Green Book series and FIAQ & AIFST involvement is of benefit to those in the food industry in general. He has the ability to clearly articulate difficult concepts at all levels. I have no hesitation in recommending Sofroni as a microbiologist, manager, organiser, communicator and, above all, as a person.
Keith Booker
Category Technology Manager- Kerry APAC
Those who have worked with Sofroni will agree that he brings a personal touch to business that is rarely found. When this is combined with his technical expertise, integrity, work ethic and drive for continuous improvement, the result is a person who people want to do business with. His microbiological knowledge is broad and the expression of his depth of feeling for the field through the Green Book series and FIAQ & AIFST involvement is of benefit to those in the food industry in general. He has the ability to clearly articulate difficult concepts at all levels. I have no hesitation in recommending Sofroni as a microbiologist, manager, organiser, communicator and, above all, as a person.
Robin Sherlock
Technical Manager at DTS FACTA
I have known Sofroni since he was a student at the University of Qld and our paths continue to cross in professional activities and organisations. His passion for food microbiology, communication and collaboration, and for giving his best efforts in everything he did was unstoppable then and continues today. Sofroni has considerable expertise in food safety and hygiene including all the underpinning activities that make it a reality (investigation, laboratory analyses, regulation, demonstration, education etc). I would recommend Sofroni for any of the areas of expertise he has listed. I support the recommendations of others, in particular that Sofroni is an example to us all in his selfless manner and in seeing food safety and hygiene as a manageable challenge.
Trish Desmarchelier
Food Safety Specialist
Sofroni has been a terrific colleague to work with. He is full of enthusiasm for, and knowledge of the food industry. His passion for microbiology and his understanding of the complexities of food production mean that he is a great resource to those who work with him.
Robin Sherlock
Technical Manager at DTS FACTA
Sofroni is an absolute professional and is brilliant in and around his field. I have always found Sofroni's advice to be both technically sound and also easy to understand. I have also attended quite a few of his presentations over the years and have found them enjoyable and informative.
Damien Cleary
Product Manager at Sunpork Fresh Foods pty ltd
Sofroni consistently delivers quality results, on time and on request and he has provided professional, in depth commentary on the test results. These have been of great assistance in understanding the How, When & Why's of having a negative result, thus getting corrective action and training in place in a timely cost effective manner. Sofroni is a professional with a very high level of integrity, has always been of great value, creative and on time in his delivery of results and advice. If you are in the food production, manufacture or service industry, you will need Sofroni 'batting & fielding' on your side.
Cecil Mathai
Food Safety Auditor / Trainer Jupiters Casino
Sofroni has been an excellent supplier of expert microbiological services and knowledge. He always has his finger on the pulse of microbiology and food borne outbreaks. His friendly and courteous manner have made working with him a pleasure. His dedication to sharing his knowledge of microbiology is to be commended.
Imogen King
QA Manager at Tate & Lyle
Although I have picked the Service Provider category for this recommendation because I have used his services through my business, I wish I could have picked others as well. Sofroni is not only a very knowledgeable and well published Microbiologist, who is just brilliant at what he does, he is without doubt one of the nicest people I have ever met. He is deeply committed to whatever he does, whether work and helping his clients, or the significant part that he plays in the Food Industry. He is an example to all of us in his passion to help others and his strong desire to promote our industry. Sofroni is deeply committed to his family, his work, his clients and his industry, and I strongly recommend him to all food businesses.
Rachelle Williams
The Green Food Safety Coach
Whenever I need assistance or advice regarding microbiology (specifically food microbiology), Sofroni has long been the first person I call. His knowledge of the field and professional, personable nature make him stand out amongst his peers.
Craig Bartley
Factory Manager at JBS Foodpartners
I have known Sofroni on a business level for many years. His knowledge combined with commercial ability is unquestionable. I would have no doubt in stating that Sofroni is a leader in his field and would certainly recommend him if you really want the best.
Martin Horne
Quality Assurance Officer, Bunny Bite Foods
With Sofroni's depth and breadth of knowledge within the Food Industry he is one of my first points of contacts if I require assistance in a Technical matter or guidance on a best contact. I have known Sofroni since 2005 and can highly recommend his services.
Wendy Brogden
Quality Assurance Manager at Markwell Foods
Sofroni is an industry expert and has both a high level understanding and practical knowledge in his field. He has been instrumental in supporting the RBWH in maintaining its award winning ISO 22,000 Food Safety Management System. I would recommend Sofroni to any food business.
Don Bambry
Manager at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
Sofroni is an excellent microbiologist and food scientist. He is passionate about his profession and providing excellent customer service – a great combination for anyone in business. I would have no hesitation in either engaging or recommending Sofroni.
Kevin Norman
General Manager, Stahmann Farms
I have worked with Sofroni since I started my job with Comgroup Supplies. Sofroni has always been very helpful and very knowledgeable with micro issues. The results that he provides are always practical and he produces successful results. Not only that, I find him a very personable person, trustworthy and reliable. He is a real gem to work with.
Dr Raymond Chia
QA Manager at Comgroup Supplies Pty Ltd

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