Careers in food services industry

Updated on: Thursday, June 02, 2011

For those who find food to be a fascinating subject, a career in the same field is definitely an interesting option. Food science and technology is a vast field, which includes both fresh and packaged food. "Food technology uses sciences from chemistry, engineering, microbiology and nutrition to produce items that last longer, with better retention of nutrients. It is also used to produce safe and specialty products. Thus it makes seasonal food products available throughout the year, destroys pathogen and deactivates toxic components to make food safer," informs JS Pai, executive director of Protein Foods and Nutrition Development Association of India.

ACADEMICS

There are both diploma and degree courses available in the field of food science and technology in India. On completion of class XII, one can pursue a diploma course in food technology. Students with a BSc degree in physics, mathematics, biology and chemistry, or a BTech in food technology can seek admission for an MSc course in food technology. CET PCM (Engineering) is valid for this, and depending on the score, one can get admission in reputed colleges for a degree in food technology.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Anyone with a knack for scientific thinking, problem-solving ability, interest in food nutrition and health, good communication skills and team spirit can do very well in this field. "Basic skills like inquisitiveness, a healthy craving to learn more, enthusiasm and strength coupled with set goals and hard work will lead to the attainment of these goals," says Neha Shah who works with Dabur India Ltd as a food scientist.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Depending on one's qualification and interest, there are many options to choose from. "A person can choose to work in food manufacturing industries as it is a sector which needs people from the very basic level to the higher level. Positions like new product developer, production supervisor, production executive and quality controller are easily available," states Sheetal Khadye, R&D manager, Puratos Food Ingredients India Pvt Ltd. With the introduction of new food laws, regulatory positions are also available now.

According to Vijay Bhaskar Reddy, head, R&D foods division, Dabur India Limited, "Today, there are ample opportunities in research foundation, analytical testing, quality control, dairies, production and marketing." Other options include working in hospitals, bakeries, confectioneries, frozen food units, food processing division in catering units, distilleries and packaging industry.

FUTURE SCOPE

The process of product development does not only include the packaging of raw material, but taste and nutrition are also important. Many institutes have started paying attention to this aspect besides chemistry, microbiology and engineering. That is why, students from food science and nutrition are finding openings in the food industry, especially in research and development.

CHALLENGES

Although food technology is a versatile field, one has to face challenges on a day to day basis. "Development of a new product, which is pleasant to taste and is of good quality while being cost effective, is a big challenge," says Khadye. To this, Pai adds, "Maintaining a good supply chain with decent manufacturing practices is also a task. Consumers are now expecting food products to have excellent taste and quality at a reasonable cost. New food laws have allowed the use of some ingredients in functional foods that help reduce the risk of certain ailments like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. These advantages have to be included without affecting the taste, which is a big challenge." Another challenge is that new global products are available in the market, which is why local products have to compete with quality, taste and cost. Overall, food science is a growing field, what with more aspirants entering the field, and a wider scope of opportunities available to them.

Times of India

Careers in food services industry

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