Michael J. Melville is Principal and Founder of Ironclad Food Compliance, where he provides audit and consulting services to the ice cream, fluid dairy, water and beverage industries. With more than three decades of hands-on experience from my initial growing up and working on dairy and horse farms, to my subsequent 32 years in various roles including General and Plant Manager at Publix Supermarkets Manufacturing has resulted in an even more broad knowledge of all elements from the actual operational aspects of a factory to the regulatory requirements, and to the creation and provision of food safety and quality challenges. Recently I have completed 3 years as Vice President of an ice cream manufacturing company, leading production, safety and continuous-improvement initiatives across complex, regulated environments while also guiding them through a pathogen recall recovery process.

My skill sets include food safety plan review and development, hazard analysis, environmental monitoring programs, sanitation and CIP systems, and regulatory compliance. I hold PCQI and HACCP certification, have completed SQF Level 3 implementation, and has completed Food Defense 101 along with numerous other industry courses and certificates. I have also written and implemented an FSP to align with the requirements of FSSC 22000. My practical “hands on” experience combined with certified expertise allow me to step in at all levels with short lead times to design pragmatic, auditable solutions that align operations with regulatory expectations and customer requirements.

My disciplined, systems-oriented approach, allows me to prioritize clear risk assessment, actionable corrective measures and sustainable operational practices.  Outside of work, I am a father of two, and my discipline and commitment as an Ironman triathlete—reflected in the Ironclad name—embodies the discipline, resilience, and continuous improvement I bring to every client partnership.