Things You Should Know About Careers In Food Technology

Food technology has become a booming career option for the talented youngsters, thanks to a growing demand for processed and packaged food.

The growing cause and a fast paced lifestyle have led to more demand for processed and packaged food. The challenge most food processing units face these days is to create food items which have minimal amount of preservatives and chemicals still have optimum shelf-life and appeal. And this has raised the demand for food technologists in the food processing sector.

What does a food technologist does?

The basic job of a food technologist is to check the raw materials, maintain neat and hygienic conditions and food quality. They analyze the food, carry out checks for pollution and adulteration and certify the nutritional value of food. The food technologist should devise enhanced methods for processing, preservation, and maintenance of food items. They should also analyze present consumer trends and state of the art technologies to develop new product ideas.

What is food technology?

Food technology is the study of canning, preservation, storage, study of production and deployment of food products. It covers all the areas of food processing and includes all types of foods such as spices, milk, egg, fish, cereals, vegetables, fruits, meat etc. You have to study about food technology before looking for food technology jobs.

Necessary skills

Aspiring food technologists should have a scientific bent of mind, observation power, intelligence and an interest in condition and health. They should be able to work well as part of a team and should have effective communication skills. A genuine interest in the technological and scientific development of food and high standards of neatness are other necessary traits.

Eligibility

Candidates that have studied biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics at the 10+2 level can look for admission to short term certificate and diploma courses for careers in food technology can look for admission to an M.Sc course in food technology. Those that have done graduation in hotel management, dietetics, nutrition, and home science are also eligible for higher studies in food technology.

Job prospects

Food technologists with professional qualification have enough food technology jobs for freshers. You can get jobs with food processing companies, hotels, food research laboratories, restaurants, government bodies, educational institutions and catering establishments. Public sector undertakings hire food technologists as healthy inspectors or food inspectors. With experience, one can work as a freelance consultant or health doctor in schools or colleges. The sector also provides excellent entrepreneurial opportunities in the form of home catering services and dynamic delivery networks.

Your responsibilities also include developing creative techniques in line with safety regulations, sanitation, quality control, packaging and food processing. Food technology jobs are highly affordable but with the right preparation. You will definitely land your dream job in no time at all.