Statistical Quality Control

WD-40 Faces Middle Eastern Supply Constraints

Prices continue to rise on everyday products that are made—at least partially—with raw materials and components sourced from Iran and neighboring countries.

Americans are feeling a pinch in their wallets as the US-Iranian War continues. WD-40, the globally known manufacturer of lubricating products, is experiencing increases in costs due to chemicals sourced from Middle Eastern countries and associated shipping constraints in the Strait of Hormuz. Gas prices are affected given the Middle East has long been […]

By James Kirby Easterling|2026-08-19T06:58:30+00:00August 23, 2026|Tags: chemicals, constraints, cost increases, petroleum, sourcing|

Advanced Technologies Gaining Momentum in Food Production

Food manufacturers are using advanced technologies to improve the quality and safety of their operations.

AI, additive manufacturing, and predictive maintenance are just a few of the tools companies are using to manage food safety production while simultaneously improving efficiency and safety.

Advanced technologies can also help food manufacturers comply with traceability regulations, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act which aims to speed identification and rapid removal of contaminated food from the market to reduce foodborne […]

By James Kirby Easterling|2026-05-13T06:26:00+00:00May 13, 2026|Tags: adaptive technology, artificial intelligence, quality, safety, waste reduction, yield management|

Quality Control and Shortages in Egg Production

Chicken eggs undergo a rigorous screening process prior to being sent to market.

Many quality checkpoints are used to make sure eggs sent to supermarkets are of consistent size and quality. Eggs which do not “make the grade” for retail consumers are put to other uses.

Video Spotlight:

EGGS | How It’s Made (June 5, 2018, Discovery UK)
HOW 100 BILLION 🥚 EGGS Are Produced Annually in the United States (Aug 21, 2024, Worldnite Journey)

By Lisa M. Spencer|2025-04-27T06:28:15+00:00April 27, 2025|Tags: capacity planning, quality control, quality of conformance|

Challenges of Frozen Food Recalls

Aldi, like many other grocery chains, has faced its share of frozen food recalls.

Frozen foods pose special challenges, as consumers often keep them for extended periods of time that go far beyond the span of news coverage and make it difficult to fully contain and correct the problems.

The causes of the recalls have been varied, but the consequences are always far-reaching.

Video Spotlight:

The Biggest Food Recalls In Aldi’s History (July 15, 2024, Foodie)

This post is […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2025-03-19T06:32:21+00:00March 19, 2025|Tags: costs of quality, ethics, product recall, quality control, recalls|