Staffing Challenges in Food Manufacturing: Outsourced FSQA Support Solutions

The food manufacturing industry is facing unprecedented staffing shortages, which are impacting not only production capacity but also critical functions such as food safety and quality assurance (FSQA). From factory floor workers to quality control personnel and food safety managers, the sector is experiencing a growing shortage of skilled and unskilled labor. The COVID-19 pandemic brought this issue into sharper focus. Still, underlying factors such as an aging workforce, changing worker expectations, regulatory pressures, and technological shifts have long been building toward a tipping point.

Understanding the Staffing Crisis in Food Manufacturing

Food production is an essential service. Whether it's processed foods, fresh produce, dairy, or frozen meals, consumers depend on a reliable supply chain. Yet, the backbone of this chain—the human workforce—is struggling to stay intact. In many regions, food production roles are going unfilled for extended periods. Reports of plants operating below capacity due to labor shortages are becoming increasingly common.

There are several reasons behind this growing staffing concern:

An Aging Workforce and Declining Industry Interest

The labor force available to the food manufacturing sector is shrinking. Many long-time workers are retiring, and there is a lack of younger workers entering the industry. Manual labor roles in food production are often perceived as physically demanding, low-paying, and offering limited career growth. This perception discourages new entrants, especially in competitive job markets where alternative employment in logistics, retail, or the gig economy may offer better flexibility or conditions.

More Complex Jobs, But Fewer Skilled Workers

Modern food production is not what it used to be. As consumer demands evolve—favoring allergen-free, organic, plant-based, or high-protein foods—production processes become more sophisticated. Facilities must meet higher standards for traceability, food safety, and quality assurance. This complexity increases the need for skilled workers, particularly in quality control, food science, and regulatory compliance.

However, the availability of trained personnel in these specialized areas has not kept pace. Recruiting for roles like HACCP coordinators, food safety auditors, sensory analysts, or LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) professionals is particularly challenging in a tight labor market.

Turnover Trouble: The Cost of Constant Rehiring

The food production sector is notorious for its high turnover rates. This turnover results in increased training costs, loss of institutional knowledge, and operational disruption. Employers are often caught in a cycle of constant recruitment and onboarding, which detracts from productivity and long-term strategic development. High turnover and increasing job complexity in the food production sector intensify challenges to food safety compliance.

Labor Gaps in Rural and Remote Manufacturing Locations

Food production facilities are often located in rural or semi-urban areas, where labor markets may already be limited. Recruiting talent to relocate to these areas is increasingly complex, particularly when urban job markets offer more options, higher wages, and lifestyle amenities. Even within countries, some regions struggle more than others to attract and retain talent.

How Labor Shortages Affect Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Outsourcing food safety and quality assurance roles can mitigate risks associated with labor shortages and ensure regulatory compliance. While this can provide temporary relief, it has its limitations. Relying on agency staff may reduce consistency and increase the need for training. There are also concerns about worker engagement, accountability, and long-term retention.

In addition, food safety regulations can complicate the use of temporary labor. Training must still meet industry standards such as GFSI, BRCGS, or SQF requirements. Inadequate onboarding of temporary workers can create significant risks to food safety and product quality.

Outsourced FSQA Support: A Scalable Solution to Labor Gaps

To build resilience in staffing and food production systems, many organizations are turning to expert-driven, outsourced Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) support.

Addressing food manufacturing staffing shortages requires a strategic mix of temporary placements and long-term FSQA solutions.

These long-term solutions are structured around four key pillars:

FSQA Staffing for Business Continuity

When essential roles—such as FSQA Managers, Engineers, or Supervisors—are vacant owing to leaves or rapid growth, temporary placements ensure coverage without disruption. Specialized professionals can step in, working onsite or remotely, to maintain continuity in critical processes like audits, supplier verifications, and safety system oversight. 

360° Food Safety and Quality Integration

Comprehensive outsourcing can extend beyond temporary roles, encompassing full-spectrum FSQA coordination and management. This includes:

• Comprehensive system reviews and HACCP plan development
  
  
• Implementation and auditing of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
  
  
• Regulatory compliance (e.g., FSMA, global certification standards)
  
  
• Supplier verification and ongoing traceability programs

This model ensures that food safety and quality systems remain robust and scalable as operations evolve.

Contract FSQA Management to Reduce Overhead

Outsourcing the leadership of FSQA systems can be a cost-efficient alternative to recruiting full-time hires—especially for small or mid-sized companies. Expert managers provide:

• Objective assessments of existing safety programs
  
  
• Resource-efficient execution of audits, monitoring, and corrective actions
  
  
• Ongoing operational support to keep projects on track

This model allows organizations to deploy senior FSQA talent without the fixed overhead.

Transformational FSQA Consulting for Long-Term Success

For organizations seeking deep, strategic improvements, transformational consulting offers a future-proof approach. Services typically include:

• Development and optimization of HACCP/food safety plans
  
  
• Risk vulnerability assessments (e.g., VACCP, TACCP)
  
  
• Internal audits, gap analyses, and supplier evaluations
  
  
• Certification readiness (BRC, SQF, FSSC 22000, IFS) and FDA inspection support
  
  
• Customized training on HACCP, GMP, allergen management, and traceability
  
  
• Recall preparedness and crisis simulation

These advisory engagements help companies build resilient, forward-looking FSQA frameworks grounded in best practices.

Key Benefits of Outsourcing FSQA Support in Food Manufacturing

How to Successfully Implement Outsourced FSQA Support

To successfully integrate outsourced FSQA solutions, companies should:

1. Map Current Needs: Identify critical gaps, such as vacancies, audit prep, certification goals, or upcoming crises.
   
   
2. Match Service to Objective: Use temporary placements for short-term coverage, system outsourcing for foundational needs, or transformation consulting for long-term system design.
   
   
3. Define Integration Plans: Clearly outline roles, transitional ownership, and success metrics for seamless collaboration.
   
   
4. Build Internal Knowledge: Use the engagement as a learning opportunity to absorb best practices and strengthen internal capabilities.
   
   
5. Evaluate & Iterate: Set review cycles to assess progress, calibrate support levels, and establish pathways to internal independence.

Addressing Staffing Challenges in Food Manufacturing with FSQA Expertise

Labor shortages in food manufacturing continue to strain operations, but that doesn’t mean your food safety and quality systems have to fall behind. By leveraging outsourced FSQA staffing solutions, manufacturers can maintain compliance, fill critical gaps, and adapt more quickly to shifting demands.

Whether you need outsourced FSQA experts or consulting services to strengthen your entire FSQA framework, outsourcing provides a scalable, cost-effective solution. Investing in the right support not only protects your brand and products but also sets your business up for long-term resilience and success.

Ready to strengthen your FSQA team?

Connect with our food safety experts to discover the ideal food safety staffing and consulting solutions tailored to your specific facility needs.