In this month’s Employee Spotlight, we talk to Regulatory Affairs Coordinator, Moua Chang.
When did you start working at Redox, and what was your decision around joining the Redox family?
I started here in October 2018; I can’t believe it’s already been three years! A considerable part of the decision process in joining Redox was that I was impressed by their story and the massive product portfolio. I knew it would allow me to dive deeper into chemical regulations.
How has your career progressed over the years? What was your first important role?
I began as a lab tech. I’ve always preferred the laboratory component of science. You get to apply textbook lessons, witness reactions take place in real-time and watch molecules and microorganisms move and change according to their environment.
Eventually, though, I moved into a chemist position for an agricultural company that was in the process of expanding its US branch. Being a small team, everyone wore multiple hats. It allowed me to dabble in various aspects of chemical manufacturing, from R&D to QA/QC, safety, and logistics. That’s where I was introduced to the world of regulatory affairs. It’s been an enriching journey since then.
What are some of the aspects of working here that stand out to you?
Redox encourages a healthy work-life balance. It’s refreshing to see everyone leave work on time! In addition to that, my colleagues create a positive, supportive environment that allows everyone to grow and learn together. If I had to sum it up in a few words, it would be a progressive, collaborative, and flexible culture.
What are some of the more challenging issues you deal with around compliance across so many different products?
Having so many products with various uses can be challenging. They’re subject to multiple legislations and controls, which often have varying requirements. So, while a product is allowed for one use, it may still require additional permitting or licensing for another use. It requires careful navigation to ensure we meet all requirements and don’t sell or ship a product prematurely.
Registration applications can also be a daunting process. With time frames ranging from a few months to a few years, the registration process doesn’t always meet market demands.
With so many products, varying deadlines, and multiple kinds of controls across many countries, what are some of the processes Redox utilises to manage such complexity?
It would have to be our internal system called Redebiz. Redebiz enables us to seamlessly share information with all of our teams, making sure decision-making is rapid and decisive. It allows customers to automatically receive the various specifications, certificates of analysis, Safety Data Sheets, food safety information, and certifications. It’s a robust system that streamlines the whole process.
How have things changed over the years regarding the regulation of chemicals, especially in the United States?
There is more unity in the regulation of chemicals and more acceptance as awareness of chemical safety increases. An example is GHS. As more countries move towards harmonising work safety labels and SDS’s, it’s easier to communicate and recognise safety information about a product regardless of where you are in the world.
In the US, AAPFCO and AAFCO do an excellent job of unifying fertiliser and feed programs. Although their standards aren’t necessarily legislation, they are widely accepted and reduce the burden on industry in having to meet 50 different sets of requirements.
More recently, FSMA also forced the industry to do its part in assessing food sources. The end goal is to prevent foodborne illnesses during every step of the supply chain.
In the US, AAPFCO and AAFCO do an excellent job of unifying fertiliser and feed programs.
You spoke earlier about the positive aspects of working at Redox; how does this extend to leadership and company culture?
Redox promotes open communication where input and suggestions to improve as an individual and company are always welcomed. It fosters a culture of ownership whereby employees feel heard and valued.
Have you got any funny stories to share?
It was a quiet work afternoon in the office. The only sounds were fingers tapping away at keyboards and the humming of the air conditioner that never seemed to stop running, even in the winter. Everyone was working diligently, lost deep in their thoughts.
The desks were positioned so that two people were sitting side-by-side in each row. Our branch manager barricaded himself behind two monitors and countless documents and samples in the back corner.
“AHHHCHOOOO”
In the silence, his sneeze reverberated through the entire room. It was so loud, so much so that it made one of our Senior Account Managers jump literal inches off her chair. We could not stop laughing for a good 10 minutes.
Favourite band/song/music?
A favourite song would have to be “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz. I remember singing along to it in the car with my sisters before it became mainstream. It’s a fun, easy song with a good play on words.