Food technology: A growing career option in India
Food technology is a branch of science that deals with food products and the methods and techniques related to their production (from raw materials to ready-to-eat items), processing, preservation, packaging, labelling, quality management and distribution. With the emergence of this field, the demand for food technologists has increased significantly. Therefore, students who are interested in food science, health and nutrition and have sound knowledge of the consumer market can pursue this new-age career option.
Eligibility criteria to pursue food technology
Students aspiring to build a career in the field of food technology can pursue an undergraduate degree course from any reputed college or university in India. To be eligible for such degree programmes, students should study science stream as part of their 10+2 curriculum, with compulsory English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology (or Home Science). Usually, the minimum qualifying marks in class 12 board exams is in between 50 to 60 per cent. The admission to food technology courses is either done through national or state level entrance exams or is merit based.
Courses available to pursue food technology
The undergraduate degree courses available in India to study food technology are B.Sc. in Food Technology, B.Sc. in Food Science, B. Tech in Food Science and B. Tech in Food Technology. Usually, these courses last for a duration of 3 to 4 years. There are also diploma (1 year) and certificate courses (3 to 6 months) in Food and Nutrition or Food Science.
What is taught in food technology?
There are diverse and intriguing concepts taught in the field of food technology such as food biochemistry, food processing, food microbiology, dairy processing, crop processing, post-harvest technology, fat and oil processing, preservation technology, meat and poultry processing, fish an sea food processing, food fermentation technology, food laws and quality assurance, food industry waste management, food plant safety and hazard analysis, food packaging technology, bakery/confectionary/beverage processing, enzyme technology, nutrition and food hygiene and sanitation.
Career opportunities in food technology
There are diverse career opportunities for students who wish to pursue food technology after their class 12. Some of the popular job profiles are: lab technician, research scientist, organic chemist, biochemist, food inspector/quality controller, nutritionist/ home economist, and food product development director. The sectors that hire such professionals are hotels and restaurants, hospitals, catering companies, food processing/production companies, soft drinks manufacturers, cereal/rice/spice/oil mills, food research laboratories, quality control firms, and packaging industries.