Career as Food Technologist
Food Technologists are concerned with the biological, chemical and physical composition of all foodstuffs which are used for processing. They deal with the preservation of fruits, meats, vegetables, dairy products, the manufacture of processed food and also the packaging of food which involves knowledge of both science and technology. Food Technology is a versatile section nowadays as the country can expect thousands of food parks in the next few years. Food technologists perform various tasks simultaneously since they have to maintain taste, quality as well as cost-efficiency. Food Technologists have to research a lot of products to take care of diabetic, cancer and heart disease patients. It is the most emerging career in India and an opportunity to travel across the globe. The enhancement of technology and research of food scientists helped us a lot in the evolution of food items worldwide.
- About Food Technologist :
- Job Profile |
- How do I get there?
Job Profile
With an increasing pace of life, people are
getting aware about diet and nutrition. Rapid change in one’s
lifestyle results in raising the number of opportunities for food
technologists in the country. There are various roles and
responsibilities in the Food Technology department as food
technologists, food packaging managers, food scientists, and
quality control officer, etc.
A student may join any large industry as a
fresher food technologist and work for several departments for
years. An experienced person can change their line like, e.g. a
Quality Assurance person may switch to the position of food
inspector or value control examiner, where he checks products
coming from manufacturing lines and analyzes their side effects and
cause.
Research and Development aspirant will promote
his career to research specialists or food scientists where one
research about various components such as preservatives, colour and
nutritious value of the food. One will get an opportunity to work
with the Food and Drug Administration of India where specialists
regularly work in a lab to enhance the quality and make better
health of the nation.
A Food Enlargement Director adjust or control
the correct amount of fats, vitamins, and additives. They design a
product as per the FDA rule and handle food waste
management.
After completing the food technology bachelor's degree one can pursue various roles in his/her career, the salary package for the same is 3.5 LPA (Lacs per Annum) as a fresher. With 5 years of experience, one can get approx. 5-6.4 LPA in large industries. The major dream of a Food Technologist aspirant is to get placed in ITC, India. In the research and development department, you can expect at least 10 lacs per annum in the multinational companies after 10 years of experience in various roles. Also, QC/QA professionals can expect 5 lacs after three to five years of experience in any posts.
Future Growth Prospects and how to get there Faster
Food Technologist is a very versatile role in any industry in India. One will be responsible for many things after completion of graduation in any related degree. Initially, one has to complete training for a year. One gets promoted to senior food technologists in large industries after three to five years of experience. He may get an opportunity to lead the staff as a Project Leader. The Large-Cap companies offer the Product Development Manager role to those who bring positive results with high performance and an unexpected pay-out to its employees.
Pros and Cons of being a Food Technologist
Pros
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The largest industry across the globe, so numerous government and private job opportunities in the country.
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The market for food science and its branch has grown by more than ten per cent in the past decade.
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It covers all types of the department from Research to marketing and finance, which makes you versatile, multidisciplinary and qualitative person.
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Opens up an opportunity for a good pay packet after putting in years of experience.
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This is the best job for a foodie and a person who loves travelling around the globe.
Cons
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You have to research a lot in terms of food and its data; available documents are too lengthy or boring.
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You will be an expert by yourself with experience, so one has to be patient to be successful in this stream.
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This stream is for the passionate ones, not for those who are money-oriented because initial pay is low compared to other streams.
How do I get there?
How much does it cost?
There are three possible courses - a Bachelor's in Science, a Bachelor of Technology and a Degree of specific food courses in the Food Science stream. If you pursue two or three years of B. Sc. course then it will cost around Rs 2 lacs. Degree course B. Tech can be completed in around Rs 5-6 lacs with a duration of four years. A Candidate may pursue Masters and Doctorate programs of food technology in respective institutes by appearing for entrance examinations.
What are the Top Colleges where one should be studying to become a food technologist?
There are various colleges that offer a
bachelor’s and master’s course based on Food Technology. Colleges
in India offer a great environment with the required infrastructure
and an opportunity to get placed in top companies in the country.
This emerging branch provides a chance to secure seats in any of
the top colleges more than that of other conventional streams.
|
Rank of College |
Name of College, City |
Programme Fees |
|
1 |
Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore |
M. Tech – Rs 48,000 per annum |
|
2 |
National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Haryana |
B. Tech – Rs 1,48,000 for first year |
|
3 |
Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT), Tamil Nadu |
B. Tech – Rs 1,41,750 for first year |
|
4 |
National Institute of Nutrition- [NIN], Hyderabad |
M. Science – Rs 48,000 for first year |
|
5 |
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune |
B. Science – Rs 43,800 for first year |
Books and other Study Material
There are various books and research articles based on Food Technology as per different person’s experience, some of the best books are as follows:
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Food Technology by Neil Morris
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Food Technology and Nutrition by Sunetra Roday
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Textbook of Food Science and Technology by Avantina Sharma
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The Technology of Food Preservation by Norman W. Desrosier, James N. Desrosier
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Technology of Food Product Development by Samuel A. Matz
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Fundamentals of Food Engineering by D.G Rao
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Objective Food Science and Technology by D Mudgil
What if this career does not work out for me? What are the other options for a person with these credentials?
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Content on this page is by Career Expert Mrs. Kum Kum Tandon MA (Psychology), M.Ed, Diploma in Educational Psychology, Vocational Guidance & Counseling (NCERT, Delhi) | View Complete Profile |