Food Technologists
Job Description:
The work involved in the FPI spans the gamut of its sectors from grain milling and fruit and vegetable processing to soft drink concentrates and instant mixes. It concerns the practical application of the principles of several disciplines of science for the manufacture or production, preservation, processing and handling and canning and packaging of food materials. The method of processing differs for each product.
It broadly involves preparation of raw materials for processing which could be selection or cleaning of the raw material, followed by the actual processing, which could be chopping, mixing or even cooking of the food item, the addition of the preservatives and the final packaging. The duties of a Food Technologist, who is the key person in the FPI, involves devising new and improved food processing techniques, quality control and controlling the nutritional value. Organic chemists, bio-chemists and analytical chemists are also employed by the industry to provide expert advice and study and analyse raw materials and food products and suggests improvements in flavour, texture, storage and quality.
Educational Qualification:
Although FPI is still developing, none the less candidates looking for management jobs in the FPI would require formal training. Some universities in India offer degree courses in food technology and food science. There are also institutes offering postgraduate courses in specialized aspects of food processing
Opening:
Some of the areas where these professionals have job openings are the Food Processing Companies (for human consumption or animal feed); Hotels and other Catering establishments; Public Sector Enterprises under the Government; Own Enterprise (manufacturing and selling home made products like pickles sauces etc.); Research & Development for improving yield flavour and nutrition etc.
