Food
Technology happens to be the study of
production of food products, the storage, preservation and canning followed by
packaging and distribution of the products. It includes all types of food
processing activities, thereby including all kinds of food ranging from meat,
vegetables, cereals, fish, egg, to fruits, milk, spices etc.
The developing consumerism coupled
with fast paced life has resulted in great demands for processed and packed
food. The challenge faced by the majority of food processing units currently,
is the production of food items that would contain very less amount of
preservatives and chemicals. This is where the tremendous need for the food
technologists comes in. Thanks to the developing food sector that has made the Rising
Career in Food Technology a lucrative one!
The job of the food technologists
include the checking of the raw materials, maintaining hygienic and clean
conditions and taking care of the quality of food. They also inspect the food,
perform checks for adulteration and contamination, thereby certifying the
nutritional value of the food products The food technologist also need to
devise developed techniques for the processing and preservation of the food
products. They are required to analyze the present consumer trends and should
be aware of the latest technologies that would help in developing new products.
Eligibility and Courses
Those who desire to pursue
undergraduate programs in Food Technology should have passed the 10+2
level with a subject combination of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics,
Chemistry, Biology. In order to enroll for the post graduation degree in Food
Technology, one should have a B.Sc. or B.tech degree.
Career Prospects
A Career in Food Technology opens up opportunities for the food technologists to work at
food industries, in hotels, hospitals, distilleries, rice mills, soft drink
factories, manufacturing industries etc. Food Technology career offers
some attractive and interesting openings at the managerial level as well. For
instance, Industrial Production Managers are needed at the manufacturing plants
for controlling the operation, sales and marketing professionals are required
in various organizations. Further, Food technologists can work in production
lines and research laboratories for developing new products, testing of the
products, controlling the food quality etc.
Bright prospects are also there for
the Food Technologists in the private and public sector. Lucrative offers are
provided by Entrepreneurship as well in the business of food processing.
With foreign tie-ups and food chains
emerging in India, the food technologists will be offered with immense have
opportunities to give their career a fly! They can find job scopes with food
research laboratories, hotels, food processing companies, restaurants,
educational institutions, catering establishments, government bodies, and
Public sector undertakings and many more. The professionals in the field of
food technology can also work as health doctors or freelance consultants. In
the field of home catering service and dynamic delivery networks, there are
excellent entrepreneurial opportunities.