Food Technologists develop new and improve existing food products, and set standards for producing, packaging and marketing food.
They use chemistry, microbiology, engineering and other scientific methods to study the process of food deterioration. They may specialise in fields such as meat, dairy, seafood, cereal products, confectionery, snack foods, beverages and minimally processed fresh produce.
Food technologists may be required to wear protective clothing.
Job Duties:
InAustralia, the job duties of Food Technologists include:
Ensure safe and hygienic conditions are maintained during processing, storage and packaging of food
Check raw ingredients and processed food for nutritional value, safety and quality
Undertake basic and applied research into aspects of food processing, food preservation, food quality, food deterioration, packaging, storage and delivery andprovide advice on aspects above
Check foods for flavour, colour, taste, texture and nutritional content, to ensure products meet government regulations and standards
Develop and ensure food standards
Demonstrate products to clients
Develop new products and devise the techniques needed to produce these foods and maintain quality during storage
Supervise cleaning and maintenance of machinery used in food processing
Compare products with those of other brands and participate in surveys that provide information to management about new products and market trends
Supervise the transportation of foodstuffs such as fruit, vegetables and milk, and inspect for spoilage and quality deterioration
Develop quality control procedures for the manufacture of products in plants or factories
Analyse results and experimental data
Supervise and coordinate the work of technicians.
Employment Prospect
Food technologists work in food, confectionery, wine and beverage manufacturing firms, in departments such as research, marketing and distribution, quality assurance, new product development and production, as well as in the research and development of food standards regulation. Additional opportunities exist with equipment manufacturers, flavouring and food ingredient businesses and in the retail sector. Some food technologists are employed by government organisations such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and others work in state and territory government departments concerned with the quality of processed foods. Significant numbers find employment in large country centres near where foods are grown and processed.
Food technologists may undertake further study to gain employment as teachers or lecturers in VET and higher education institutions or as self-employed consultants to the food industry.
The Employment Facts of Food Technologists in Australia:
Future Growth: Stable
Full-Time Share: 78%
Average Hours: 42
Weekly Pay: AUD$1,979
Employment by state:
ACT: 0.7%
NSW: 36.3%
NT: 0.2%
QLD: 11.7%
SA: 2.6%
TAS: 1.1%
VIC: 43.2%
WA: 4.1%
Education Requirement
To become afood technologist, you need a bachelor degree in science majoring in food science, food technology, nutrition or another related field.
Food technologists may be required to obtain a Provide First Aid Certificate, and undergo a National Police Check and medical exam.
Education Level:
Postgraduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 24%
Bachelor Degree: 58.6%
Diploma/Ad Diploma: 8.5%
Certificate III/IV: 4.2%
Year 12 and below: 4.7%
Related Course: Bachelor or Master Degree in in food science, food technology, nutrition or another related field.
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