Every job is important, especially if you find the right place for you. If you are wondering where can a food science technologist work, there are lots of possible answers. In this article, we’re going to share some of the things a food science technologist can contribute to society and where are the possible places of work for a food science technologist.
Importance of Food Science Jobs
Food science technologists and food technologists have a lot of contributions to society. We need to appreciate what they do for us and the food industry. In order to discuss where can a food science technologist work, we have to grasp what they can do.
Food Security
One of the importance of food science technologists is their contribution to food security. Every day, the capacity of the world to create food slowly decreases. Lands can become untillable after some time. Livestock and poultry production also depends on vegetation, and drylands will not provide you with a lot of it. Animals can also die because of diseases, which impacts the food security of a nation or the world as a whole.
Food scientists and food science technologists help solve this global problem. They create solutions on how to extend the current food supply we have. Together with agricultural scientists, they create ways on how to solve the problem of drying lands. They also help animal researchers to enhance the status of farm animals. They create ways to lower the mortality rate and enhance the growth rate of farm animals.
This is the most impactful area of expertise a food science technologist has. With how fast the world population is rising, this field’s importance is at an all-time high. Hunger is also a prevalent issue worldwide so enhancing the food security of a nation or region is important now.
Food Storage and Food Packaging
Innovation in food storage is also a great part of a food science technologist’s job. Prolonging the shelf life of food by enhancing the storage and packaging is one of their goals. New ideas for storage can improve shelf life and avoid wastage of food. This will also prevent food misallocation and avoid any spoilage.
Food packaging for retail food products like processed foods and snacks also benefits from these innovations. Prolonging the shelf life of these kinds of foods also helps in avoiding any food go to waste.
Other Innovations in Food Science
Food science technologists also find new ways to improve food. They discover new food sources, analyze the nutrition we get from foods, and create ways to make processed foods healthier. This is a big help, especially that processed foods are widely consumed today. The possibilities for food innovation are abundant, so there is no question about where can a food science technologist work.
Things like gluten-free flatbread exist because of food innovations by food science technologists, and it helps people with gluten allergies. Vegan options like egg replacers also started popping up because of food science advancements.
Job Opportunities for Food Scientists
Still thinking where can a food science technologist work? We’re going to give you some examples to help you find the perfect fit for you. There are lots of opportunities for food science technologists and food scientists out there.
Let’s find out first what you need to become one. The first thing you need is a bachelor’s degree in a related field like food science or food technology, food or chemical engineering, biochemistry, nutrition, microbiology, or chemistry. If ever you have a bachelor’s degree not related to these subjects, you can have a post-grad degree related to food. This will also qualify you to hold job positions related to food science technologists.
Food Establishments (Restaurants, Bars, and Fast Food Chain)
The first possible job for a food science technologist is at food establishments. They develop ways to enhance food storage to prolong the shelf life of food stocks. They can also work on enhancing the recipes, and or if you work in a pub or brewery, you can be a technical brewer and manage the brewing process of the beer. These examples of jobs can be fun, especially if you love food and beer.
Food Manufacturers
Working on food manufacturers and retailers is also another possible workplace for a food science technologist. Enhancing food processing technology will be one of your main jobs. As mentioned before, food science technologists can make processed foods safer and healthier. They can also develop innovative packaging to prolong the shelf life of retail food products like bottled cherries.
Research Facilities
Research facilities specializing in food science is also a primary workplace for food science technologist. You will use your scientific expertise in creating solutions for modern problems concerning food. Some schools like the University of Kentucky offer great programs about food science; they have some amazing research facilities on campus.
Food security is one of the top subjects of research in the field of food science. Creating new food sources and enhancing current ones is a challenge that we have to face with the rapid growth of the population in the world. There are some facilities that specialize in agriculture and food science, developing new ideas for soil cultivation and animal husbandry.
Government Agencies
Government agencies related to food security and food policy like the USDA also hires food science technologists. They can contribute to further research about food security, participate in developing policies concerning the food security of the nation, and they can also be part of enforcing food security policies in place. Some of the things monitored would be nutritional quality, food safety, food standards, and other health concerns regarding food.
Conclusion
We hope this helped you find more about where can a food science technologist work. There are lots of possible opportunities out there for a food science technologist. You just have to find where you fit in and where your talents are properly utilized. Always follow your dream and do your best to achieve it. Get more ideas about careers in the food industry.