Quality Assurance Deep Dive
September 16, 2025
Quality Assurance Deep Dive with Ben Schwartz
Written by Andrew Moseman
When you think of Quality Assurance, you often picture strict procedures and technical checklists. While the details are crucial, the job extends far beyond compliance. It’s about building trust, ensuring safety, and protecting the future. At Harbor Seafood, this responsibility is proudly led by Ben Schwartz, Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA), who combines technical expertise with a broader focus on sustainability and traceability.
I had the privilege of sitting down with Ben to explore behind the scenes of his role, his personal journey, and his values which continue to guide Harbor Seafood’s commitment to excellence.
Ben’s Journey to Harbor Seafood
Ben began his career in QA conducting water analysis at Biomarine Labs in Gloucester, Massachusetts. His work then expanded to seafood testing, revealing his path into the seafood industry. Eventually, his introduction to Harbor Seafood came through a former colleague, who passed his resume along to then FSQA Director, Stephen Thompson.
Ben credits much of his growth to Stephen’s mentorship: “Stephen took me under his wing and really showed me the ropes. He shaped the way I think about Quality Assurance, not just as pass or fail, but as part of a larger responsibility to the company, the industry, and our customers.”
Habor Seafood’s Legacy
When Stephen Thompson sadly passed away in 2020, Ben stepped into his role, carrying forward the values and lessons of his mentor. Reflecting on the legacy left by Stephen, Ben shared:
“Stephen was one of a kind. In the best way possible, it felt like working with my dad every day. He taught me you can’t look at QA one dimensionally. Business isn’t always black and white; it requires collaboration and compromise. At Harbor Seafood, we’re a family. He instilled in me that it’s okay to disagree, as long as we all understand we’re moving toward the same goal. That sense of shared purpose remains central to our approach at Harbor Seafood today.”
Commitment to Sustainability
Ben’s commitment to growth in the seafood industry doesn’t stop at Harbor Seafood. Since 2021, Ben has served on the board of directors at the Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF), a position he is honored to hold that was once occupied by Pete Cardone, the legendary founder of Harbor Seafood. This non-profit organization awards grants to individuals and institutions to conduct forward-thinking research that helps advance the seafood industry. SIRF has funded over $4 million to over 400 research grants and published approximately 400 related research papers, all publicly available. Funding goes directly into important issues such as nutrition, fisheries resource management, food safety technology, and aquaculture. Ben shared his thoughts on the importance of sustainability:
“Sustainability is essential for not only the seafood industry, but for the planet. Practicing responsible aquaculture and wild harvest fishing ensures we can provide seafood for generations to come. At Harbor, we lead by example and take every opportunity to educate on why responsible practices matter. It’s part of Stephen Thompson’s legacy, and we’re proud to continue it as active members of the National Fisheries Institute (NFI).”
Safety and Traceability
Behind the scenes, Ben is actively engaged in advancing seafood traceability. Programs such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) are federal regulations on traceability that play a vital role in the everyday operations of a seafood company and directly impact the seafood we eat.
“Estimates show roughly 70–85% of our seafood is imported, which makes traceability critical. We prioritize the one-up, one-back method which traces every product to its origin and destination. It’s about making sure the end user knows exactly where their seafood originates and can be confident in its safety and quality. In addition to my role at Harbor, I collaborate with organizations such as the NFI, Crab Council, BSB, Global Seafood Alliance, SIRF, and FSMA Working Group to strengthen these standards and protect the future of seafood. Our goal is to provide support and knowledge in resources for the entire industry, to not only reinforce these standards, but educate while we do.”
Looking Ahead
Through sustainability efforts, traceability systems, and integrity, Harbor Seafood continues to lead by example in an industry that depends on both science and stewardship. You can find Ben at Capitol Hill later this fall, campaigning with the FDA for sustainability and traceability standards to continue growing at the NFI’s annual Leadership Summit. If you’re interested in learning more, check the links below.
SIRF: https://sirfonline.org/
SIMP: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/international/international-affairs/seafood-import-monitoring-program
NFI: https://aboutseafood.com/
Crab Council: https://committedtocrab.org/
