Overview
Food technologists oversee all aspects of product development, reviewing and approving nutritional data, writing product specifications and enforcing USDA labeling regulations on new and modified food products.
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What responsibilities will I have?
- Collaborate with food production staff for quality, safety, labeling, production, handling, and distribution of food products
- Ensure that food-processing areas comply with government regulations and meet standards for sanitation and waste management
- Support new product development and/or processes based on consumer feedback
- Research products, markets, and technology to improve existing brand/product offering.
- Ensure quality and safety of food products, finding substitutes for harmful ingredients
- Adhere to federal compliance requirements
- Develop samples/prototypes of new products
- Modify existing products to create more marketable products
- Develop specifications for product production labeling
- Compile cost analysis information.
- Maintain accurate records to ensure smooth start-up for new product production processes
What education and training is required?
A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in food science or in a related field.
To pursue a career as a food technologist:
The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, computer courses, mathematics, biology and family and consumer sciences.
Where can I work?
Food technologists work for food companies who market and develop food products.
Future Job Market / Outlook
The future outlook for a food technologist will be great over the next five years.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations
- Institute of Food Technologists
- Institute of Food Science and Technology