About Ascent Food Consulting
At Ascent Food Consulting, we help food, beverage and food packaging businesses navigate the complexities of food safety, regulatory compliance, and quality management — so they can focus on what they do best: producing great food.
Our Mission
At Ascent Food Consulting, our mission is to help food, beverage and cosmetics businesses navigate the complexities of food safety, regulatory compliance, and quality management — so they can focus on what they do best: producing great food & personal care products.
We partner with clients across Canada and the USA to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, implement robust quality management systems, and achieve GFSI certification — turning compliance challenges into competitive advantages.
Our Values
Integrity
We provide honest, straightforward advice grounded in science and regulatory reality.
Excellence
Our consultants bring extensive experience across food safety, quality systems, regulatory compliance, and operations.
Partnership
We work alongside our clients as trusted partners, investing in their success and building long-term relationships based on results and mutual respect.
Pragmatism
We deliver measurable outcomes — certifications achieved, audits passed, systems that work.
Meet Our Consultants
Claudia O'Hearn, PhD, MSc
With a PhD in Food Science and 30+ years in food and beverage manufacturing, horticulture and laboratory fields, Claudia has extensive knowledge and expertise covering a wide spectrum of food manufacturing applications. Her work experience spans from Europe and Canada to the USA servicing customers across the globe.
Representing food and beverage manufacturers, Claudia has a proven track record in building and implementing GFSI compliant Quality Management Systems achieving top ratings in GFSI audits.
As a senior leader, Claudia has successfully established and led Regulatory, Quality, Food Safety and R&D departments for start-ups and established companies of various sizes ensuring compliance and driving improvements. Adept at navigating the complexities of global food systems, commercializing new products, and optimizing manufacturing efficiency while maintaining strict quality and food safety standards.
With her combined food and beverage manufacturing, laboratory and consulting experience, Claudia provides pragmatic solutions to clients across the food industry supporting their growth and success.
Jaspal Kaur, MSc, PCQI
With 20 years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs, Jaspal advises and partners with food manufacturers, processors, importers, exporters, and brands. She helps industry clients navigate complex regulatory requirements, achieve certification, and build world-class food safety and quality systems.
Her expertise spans global regulatory and certification standards, including CFIA, SFCR, Health Canada, FDA, USDA, FSMA, FSVP, FSA, EFSA, HACCP, PCQI, BRCGS, SQF, Organic, Halal, Kosher, Gluten-Free, and Non-GMO.
Having held leadership roles in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, Jaspal brings strategic insight and practical solutions to help businesses strengthen compliance, prepare for audits, launch products with confidence, mitigate risk, and protect their brand reputation. Her collaborative approach delivers tailored solutions that support operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and sustainable business growth.
Jaspal is trusted for her technical expertise, strategic leadership, and commitment to practical solutions that help food businesses succeed with confidence.