Kate McInnes has ten years of experience in quality assurance, working in analytical labs, mining, and food safety. She has had experience working in dairy, poultry, agriculture, and, most recently, entomophagy (insect consumption for humans) as a food safety quality assurance manager. Within this emerging industry with minimal regulation, she attained BRCGS food safety certification.

With a strong focus on continuous improvement, Kate has gained expertise in HACCP development and implementation, internal audit development, allergen management, risk assessment, vulnerability assessment, organic certification, and root cause analysis. Her work and regulatory experiences span CFIA, FDA, and USDA regulations. She is PCQI-certified, HACCP-certified, a BRCGS internal auditor, and has completed allergen awareness training. She is also certified in BRCGS validation and verification, and BRCGS vulnerability assessment. She is currently working towards her BRCGS professional designation.    

Kate has a Bachelor’s degree in Geoscience from McMaster University, and an Honors Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science from Trent University. Kate holds a Masters in Analytical Chemistry, specializing in trace metal contamination from Trent University.  

Residing northeast of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Kate enjoys traveling with her family, spending time outdoors, reading, and enjoying tasty food!