Abbas has over a decade of progressive experience in the food manufacturing industry, with a strong background across food safety, production operations, quality assurance, and research and development. Over the course of his career, he has advanced through a range of technical and operational roles, building well-rounded expertise in regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
He currently works in the Quality Control Department at Giraffe, where he applies in-depth knowledge of Canadian food safety regulations and industry standards. His extensive hands-on experience with meat products, combined with international industry exposure, supports his ability to drive compliance, product integrity, and operational excellence.
Abbas holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and is further strengthening his qualifications through a post-graduate program in Food Safety and Quality Assurance Management in Canada. Committed to continuous learning, he continues to deepen his capability in HACCP systems, food R&D, and quality management, while actively developing as a strategic, people-focused leader
Abhirami Maniyan Bindu is a food safety and agri-food professional with a strong academic foundation in agriculture and quality systems. She holds a BSc (Hons.) in Agriculture from Kerala Agricultural University and is currently pursuing an MSc in Food Safety and Quality Assurance from the University of Guelph.
Abhirami has hands-on research and field experience in integrated farming systems, yield gap analysis, and agri-food safety–related projects through her work as a research assistant and participation in climate resilience and energy efficiency programs in agriculture. Her academic and professional interests include food safety management systems, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and sustainable agri-food systems.
She is particularly interested in applying scientific knowledge to support safe and responsible practices within the agri-food sector, while continuing to develop her expertise through academic research and professional engagement.
Farah Al Qudsi is a third-year PhD candidate in Food Science at the University of Guelph and a student volunteer with the Ontario Food Protection Association (OFPA). Her research focuses on functional bioactive compounds and their behavior during digestion, with particular emphasis on how they interact with the gut microbiota and immune system. Her work aims to translate fundamental science into meaningful applications for food and animal systems.
In addition to her research, Farah has gained experience in teaching, mentoring, and academic service, and she actively contributes to collaborative research environments. These experiences have strengthened her interest in community building and mentorship within academia.
At OFPA, through her volunteer involvement, she aims to contribute to committee initiatives, support students and early-career scientists, and help strengthen engagement across the organization.
Harnisha Patel is currently a Quality Assurance Co-op Student on the QA Supplier Approval team at FGF Brands. She graduated from Lambton College’s Food Safety and Quality Assurance Management program and holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy from PIPR, Parul University in India. She began her career in India in Quality Assurance and Quality Control roles in the pharmaceutical industry.
Through her academic training and professional experience, Harnisha has developed a solid working knowledge of food safety systems, quality management practices, and regulatory standards, including HACCP, GMPs, and documentation control. She has experience with quality systems, reviewing and maintaining records, and supporting compliance and continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing environments.
Kate Stiles is a fourth-year Honours Food Science student with a strong interest in food safety, food protection, and sustainable food systems. Through her academic training, she has developed a solid foundation in HACCP, GMP, and systems thinking, applying critical thinking to new food product development and to interdisciplinary workshops on topics ranging from sustainable food systems to preventing youth homelessness.
In addition to serving as a volunteer student committee member with OFPA, Kate demonstrates leadership as the fourth-year Food Science student representative, connecting students, faculty, and external partners. Alongside her studies, she has gained valuable professional experience in administrative operations and customer service. She is passionate about food innovation and continuous learning, and is motivated to contribute to the food science community as she enters the profession.
Sankshika Sharma holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Human Genetics and an Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology, and has experience as an Academic Math Tutor and Peer Mentor, supporting students through one-on-one guidance, structured problem-solving, and accurate documentation. My academic training and mentoring roles have strengthened my analytical thinking, attention to detail, and ability to communicate complex information clearly in structured and regulated environments.
Looking To
Join The OFPA Board of Directors
Email info@ofpa.on.ca for more information
