Staff Profile: Jason Cust - Delivering Clarity and Consistency in Regulatory Compliance

Name: Jason Cust 

Role: Technical Specialist 

Qualifications if any: BSc – Plant, Microbial Science (PAMS) and Zoology – Post Graduate in Quality and Statistical Methods in Quality from Massey  

Tell us a bit about yourself

I value family, working hard and enjoying the gym and sports in my downtime. As I have gotten older, I don’t play the more physical sports anymore and just play golf all-year round and softball in the summer.  

Can you describe your current role and key responsibilities at Hill Labs?  

I am an Approved Person recognised to complete verification and evaluation of the Dairy Industry and some non-dairy animal products. We are a Recognised Agency in representation of MPI for The Animal Products Act 1999. We complete verifications mostly confirming food safety aligned to the Animal Products Act. We complete evaluations of Risk Management Programmes which are operator documentation aligned to the Animal Products Act.  

What led you to pursue this type of work?  

I was a chef originally then I got to look at some cool little red dots under a microscope (gram negative rods – coliforms) and decided I wanted to study microbiology. I attained my degree, got a job at a small lab called Environlink (Food Testing Laboratory) and from there went to a manufacturing facility as the lab tech onsite as well as experience as the Quality Manager. I then developed a strong interest in the auditing side of the work and then moved into a verifier role as an approved person with MPI. 

What skills or strengths do you find most important for succeeding in your role?  

The ability to see the big picture and detail also. Seeing all the details can make you miss the big picture.  

Can you briefly outline the area of business operations you primarily work within?  

Dairy industry, Farms, General Dairy, Infant Formula and Export standards. 

How do you stay informed about changes or developments that affect your work?  

There are many regulations and notices and it is about keeping up with changes and time has further installed knowledge and experience that makes us valuable to the industry for ensuring compliance to the Animal Products Act – most people are nervous being audited initially but when they see the knowledge we have it gives them confidence they are complying to systems or know what to do to improve systems. 

What kind of impact do you feel your work has on the community and/or industry? 

We support compliance with safe products and support the open trade and export of products to the market. Operators cannot produce and/or export products without our verification reports confirming compliance with the Animal Products Act. 

What aspects of your role do you find the most challenging, and which are the most rewarding? 

Auditing is mentally challenging, which is also rewarding to know our knowledge is valued throughout the industry. Our knowledge of the legislation and manufacturing systems give operators an insight into how compliant to legislation. Our detailed reports assist the operators to improve compliance which also supports their RMP and HACCP systems towards continuous improvement. 

In what ways do you continue building your knowledge or skills over time? 

Continued work within the Animal Products Act confirms knowledge as well as expanding it with new technologies. 

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in working in this type of role?  

I believe it is important to remain open to learning every day. Knowledge is powerful, and continual learning helps ensure it is applied thoughtfully and effectively. Verification is about collecting objective evidence - never assuming too much but trusting your instincts enough to follow your nose and then validating those instincts with evidence. This process either confirms the outcome or challenges your initial view, which often leads to being pleasantly surprised.