Raising the Bar in Food Safety and Quality

Samantha Barstow, Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance, Noodles & Company

Samantha Barstow serves as the Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at Noodles & Company, driving innovative safety protocols and elevating quality standards across diverse product lines.

Samantha’s leadership at Noodles & Company, built on her strong academic foundation and extensive industry experience, has set new benchmarks in food safety and quality assurance. Her proactive approach and strategic oversight enhance consumer safety and drive continuous improvement.

From Quality Control to Industry Impact

Samantha Barstow began her career journey in the food industry with foundational roles at and Dean Foods and Ventura Foods, where she honed her skills in quality review and sensory evaluation programs. Building on her academic background in food science and technology from California State Polytechnic University–Pomona, Barstow advanced into roles that emphasized food safety, compliance and quality assurance. At Golden State Foods, she further developed her expertise by leading compliance teams and ensuring stringent adherence to regulatory standards.

Recognized for her meticulous approach and leadership, Barstow transitioned to a pivotal role at Noodles & Company as the Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance. Her journey reflects a perfect blend of technical proficiency and strategic management, as she continually strives to enhance product safety and quality.

Ensuring Excellence in Every Bite

At Noodles & Company, Barstow plays a crucial role in ensuring that every product meets rigorous safety and quality standards. She oversees a wide range of responsibilities including the development and implementation of comprehensive food safety programs, quality control procedures and sensory evaluation protocols across various product categories such as produce, baked goods, seasonings and liquid products.

Her contributions to the industry are significant. Barstow’s versatile combination of expertise allows her to lead innovative initiatives that enhance product quality and streamline compliance with stringent regulatory standards. Her strategic oversight has led to the successful introduction of advanced quality management systems that have minimized risk and improved overall operational efficiency.

Barstow is also actively involved in cross-functional projects that aim to drive continuous improvement. She collaborates closely with production teams and regulatory agencies to update protocols, ensuring the latest scientific advancements and industry best practices are integrated into daily operations. She mentors emerging professionals, sharing her knowledge and experience to cultivate the next generation of leaders in food safety. Her commitment to excellence and proactive approach in tackling industry challenges continue to set new benchmarks in food quality and safety, making her a respected figure in the sector.