Food Technology
Introduction:
Food Technology is a science which deals with the techniques and principals involved in processing and preserving the food substances. The application of food science helps in manufacturing safe, wholesome and nutritious food products. The study of food technology is to develop new methods and systems for keeping food products safe and resistant from natural harms such as bacteria and other micro-organisms. Food processing helps in preservation enhances the flavor and reduces the toxins in the food product which results in better distributional efficiency and easy marketing of the food product. The modern food processing techniques is the key to flourishing supermarkets we have today. Extra nutrients can be added while processing the food and processed food is less susceptible to spoilage. Some of the techniques used are spray drying, juice concentrates, freeze drying and the introduction of artificial sweeteners, colorants, and preservatives. Of late, many products such as dried instant soups, reconstituted fruits, and juices, and self-cooking meals were developed for the convenience of working people. The food processing industries are involved in processes such as primary and secondary processing, preservation, quality management, packaging and labeling of a variety of products such as dairy products, fish products, fruit & vegetable products, meat & poultry products, confectionery products and food grains.
Nature of work:
A food technologist, otherwise known as a food scientist, is someone who works in the food processing industry and works to help develop healthy, safe, and convenient food products. They continually work to develop better methods of food preservation, better processing and packaging procedures, better storage and even better delivery processes. They also research harmful food additives and develop substitutes in order to make sure foods are safe and healthy. Some work for the government to assist in food labeling, or to visit restaurants and food processing plants to make sure they meet sanitation codes and safety regulations.
Personality:
- Knowledge of a range of sciences and their applications to food
- Good business, IT, analytical and numerical abilities
- Being a confident independent worker
- Meticulous attention to detail, particularly with regard to health, safety and hygiene
- Good communication skills
- Strong team working skills
Professional courses, Duration and Eligibility Criteria:
Few courses offered in this field are:
- Diploma Course in Food Analysis and Quality Assurance
- Diploma in Food Science Technology
- Diploma in Food Science, Preservation and Management
- Bachelor of Science in Food Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Food Science
- Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition
- Bachelor of Science in Food Preservation
- Bachelor of Technology in Food Engineering
- Bachelor of Science (after Bachelor of Science.) in Food Technology
- Master of Science in Food Science
- Master of Science in Food Technology
- Master of Science in Food and Fermentation Technology and Food Science
- Master of Science in Food and Nutrition
Eligibility Criteria:
UG:
For admission into an undergraduate course in Food Technology/ Food Science, a candidate should have passed 10+2 pass in science stream from recognized Board examination.
PG:
For admission into a postgraduate course in Food Technology/ Food Science, a candidate must have completed his/her Bachelor of Science/ B.Tech in Food technology/ food science from recognized university.
Others:
For admission into a diploma course in Food science, a candidate must have completed his/her 10+2 pass in science stream from recognized Board examination.
Career Prospects:
There are plenty of job opportunities for food technologists in the country. Food technologists are in demand in the sectors such as hotels, quality control, soft drink factories, food industries, packaging, industries, hospitals, distilleries and rice mills.
The major food processing companies such as Perfetti India Ltd, Godrej industries Ltd, Amul, Parle Products Pvt. Ltd, Agro Tech Foods, ITC Limited, PepsiCo India Holding, Britannia Industries Ltd, Nestle India Pvt. Ltd, Cadbury India Ltd, MTR foods Ltd and Dabur India Ltd take up food technologists for monitoring the storage, temperatures, experimenting, processing and hygiene.
Food technology graduates also have the option to take traditional professions such as teaching and working in food research laboratories or even start up own business venture as a food consultant. Public Sector such as Food Corporation of India also employ food technology graduates and diploma holders in food technology can work as food Inspector and junior executive in the state government.
Remuneration:
The compensation offered in the industry of Food processing depends on the factors such as qualification, skills, work experience, job profile and contribution in the production process. However, those professionals working in the field of food processing units in metro cities can earn attractive remuneration.
For a professional at an entry level can earn a salary ranging between Rs.8,000 to Rs.12,000 per month. Similarly, those with work experience can get a salary between Rs.15, 000 to Rs.25, 000 per month. For those at senior management level with years of experience can expect a much high salary in comparison with others in this field.
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