Food science & technology is the branch of applied sciences that combines the fundamentals of biochemistry, physical sciences and chemical engineering to study the physical, chemical and biological nature of food items. In simple words, food science (or food technology) deals with the manufacturing, processing, treatment, preservation, and distribution of food.
The ultimate objective of food science is to understand the principles of food processing and to improve the food quality for the general public. Whatever food item (especially packaged ones) you come across in the supermarket (or retail store), has had some contributions from a food scientist, food technologist or food engineer. Careers in food science and technology require significant formal education. Food scientists and food technologists conduct tests and experiments to try to optimize food production. They typically hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Food science & technology is the study of how to optimize agricultural output, while food technology is the implementation of those improvements. The majority of food scientists and technologists work in research capacities for labs, companies or universities, but a considerable number of positions are also available in manufacturing industries.
Careers in food science and technology afford researchers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the healthfulness of people's diets around the world. Strong academic backgrounds in chemistry, biology, engineering, genetics and other relevant sciences can be parlayed into food science and technology positions in a variety of settings. Food scientists and technologists are employed by the government and food-processing industries, as well as by universities, where they occupy research positions.
Food Scientists:
Food scientists research how to improve existing methods of food packaging and processing. This can include studying a food's nutritional content and investigating alternative sources of food and ways to purify foods containing additives. Many focus on the manufacturing aspect of food and determine how best to process and store food products. All food scientists must be conscious of government regulations on food processing, but specific positions exist for those who want to make a career of food processing inspection.
Food Technologists:
Although the functions of food scientists and food technologists often overlap, the latter is more immediately concerned with product development. Those specializing in biotechnology have opportunities to work on genetic engineering of plants and crops or explore how agricultural products can be transformed into fuel sources (biofuels). Nanotechnology is being used successfully to test the content of food, targeting especially the presence of harmful contaminants. Like food scientists, food technologists must be capable of working independently, as well as with a team. Workers often begin as part of a research group, with the possibility of promotions to managerial positions.
Growing Demand of Food Science & Technology Professionals:
Relatively Food Science is still a very new discipline, and it is growing due to rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes worldwide. Being a branch of applied sciences, Food Science is very multi-disciplinary in nature, just like Biomedical Science, Pharmacy or Translational Science.
Food Science involves chemistry (organic, inorganic and physical), biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, chemical and process engineering. The holy grail of food science lies within the understanding of the chemistry and biochemistry of food components like proteins, carbohydrate, fats, minerals, vitamins and water. So, the field needs highly qualified and trained Food Scientists. Apart from quality, factors like safety and nutrition value also need to be kept in mind. Therefore, there is a growing market demand for more advancements and sophistication in the field of food science and technology globally.
Educational Requirements:
Undergraduates can expect to take an assortment of rigorous courses covering chemistry, biology, calculus, statistics, nutrition and health. Students are also frequently required to take classes on writing and oral expression, since food scientists often perform advisory functions for the government or food processing companies.
Food scientists and technologists seeking positions with private companies are considered qualified with a bachelor's degree, but those who hope to work at universities will need a master's or doctorate (Ph.D.). Food scientists and technologists don't need a license to practice.
Ideally you need to have Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) combination in your 10+2, and may be Mathematics as well. At Bachelors level, ideal courses are 3-year or 4-year degree courses in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Science and Technology, or Food Science and Agriculture.
To have a career in R&D, QC and QA, you will require a higher degree (Masters or PhD). You can gain more advantage by pursuing a higher degree from abroad. If you are more inclined towards the sales and marketing (product/brand management) roles then an MBA will be very helpful.
In case you want to pursue a career as a Nutritionist or Dietician, a formal degree after Bachelors is not always necessary. You can do a Certificate or PG Diploma course in Nutrition or Dietetics.
Why Pursue a Career in Food Science & Technology?
The food industry is one of the largest in the world. People will never stop to eat (essential for survival). Hence, it will be in demand always, and recession-proof. You can choose any role within the food industry – behind the desk or in the lab. You can choose any function – R&D, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Sales & Marketing, Teaching and Consulting within the Government, Industry or Academia.
Growth of food industry in India is 10 to 15 percent per annum. Presently, more than 350 colleges are teaching food technology, still the requirement of Food Technologists is not fulfilled. Presently, supply is less than demand. Food Technology is a vast subject.
Popular avenues for employment in food industry are:
Degree courses in advanced food technology, legal aspects, management etc, will give opportunity to grow even up to CEO level.
Popular Sectors for Employment:
Popular Career Paths & Job Profiles in the Food Industry:
Scope of Food Industry in India:
The Indian Food Industry is currently valued at USD $39.71 billion, and the value is likely to reach USD $65.4 billion by 2018 (Govt. of India and IBEF).
According to DIPP, the Indian Food Processing sector has received around USD $6.7 billion as FDI between April 2000 and December 2015. The investments are poised to reach the value of USD $33 million in the next 10 years.
Besides the investment factor, the opportunity factor is also there – as per the data from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, 42% of the Indian Food Processing Industry is still unorganized (D&B) – so opportunities are also there for prospective entrepreneurs. Overall, signs are very promising for the future within the food industry. Here is an infographic from IBEF to give you another overview.
