Intro to Food Science

Careers pt 2

Objectives

• Gain a perspective in the Food Scientist and Food Technologist Field

Food Scientist

• A person who is trained in the theory of food systems – Chemistry – Physics – Biology

• Interests in preserving the integrity of the food system

Education Requirements

• Usually must obtain advanced degrees from college – Masters or PhD– Major is commonly in

food science but can branch out to specialty areas • Meet Science • Brewing Science • Food Safety

Skills Needed

• Research Skills – Systematically asking

questions and seeking answers

• Understanding of the scientific method – Identify problem – Collect Data– Hypothesis – Experiment – Conclusion

Nature of Work

• Often involved with food product development – Imitation Crab

• Over 20,000 new food products each year are created– Do they all reach the

supermarket?– Who Decides this

• The Consumer!• Also involved in food safety

– The security of food is a thriving industry due to bioterrorism threats

Location of Work

• Universities – Teachers

• Food Industries – Product Developers

• Government Agencies – Food Safety

Food Technologist

• Similar of food scientists – Concentrated on short-

term problem solving of food issues

• Machine operation • Developing methods of

production

Education

• College Degree In Food Science – Bachelor at the least – Masters is encouraged

• Sometimes can major in biology or chemistry

• Can specialize in different disciplines – Dairy – Meat

• Engineering background is encouraged in some areas

Nature of Work

• Concerned with mass production of food and the problems involved– Thousands of pounds of

product per hour– Problems with production

can cost business large sums of money

• Works with food scientist closely when new products are made– Why?

Nature of Work

• Also Focused of quality Assurance – The whole process is

monitored for start to finish that meats all health and safety guidelines

Location of Work

• Universities – Help food scientist conduct

experiments on new products and production

• Food Industries – Larges employer of

technologists – Production, development

and tech service • Government Agencies

– Food production products for military and other branches of government

Summary

• What is a food technologist under more pressure that a chef producing food a restaurant.

• What are the common educational requirements between an food scientist and technologist?

• Is there opportunities for these two professions in bowling green? Where?