What is the study of food science and technology?

Bachelor’s degrees in food science and technology typically cover microbiology of spoilage organisms, processing methods, nutrition and the business of food production. Students can expect to take courses such as dairy processing, food law, food chemistry, microbiology, fermentation and food packaging.

As of May 2011, food scientists and food technologists earned an average salary of $64,170 per year, or $30.85 per hour, according to the BLS. The middle 50 percent of this group earned between $43,240 and $80,300 per year, or $20.79 to $38.61 per hour.

In the early 1800s, Frenchman Nicholas Appert developed a method for preserving food in glass jars. Aptly known as the father of canning, Appert also is considered by some as the father of food science. Modern food science, however, involves much more than food preservation.

Food science is the study of the physical, biological, and chemical makeup of food and the concepts underlying food processing. Food technology, on the other hand, is the application of food science to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution, and use of safe food.

A Food Scientist or Technologist can expect an average compensation of around 48000 – 72000 based on experience. Food Scientists and Technologists will most likely receive an average compensation of Sixty Six Thousand Four Hundred dollars every year.

Food chemistry is the study of chemical processes and interactions of all biological and non-biological components of foods. The biological substances include such items as meat, poultry, lettuce, beer, and milk as examples.

Agricultural and food scientists spend most of their time in laboratories and offices. Agricultural and food scientists work in laboratories, in offices, and in the field. They spend most of their time studying data and reports in a laboratory or an office. Fieldwork includes visits to farms or processing plants.

Tasty, healthy, nutritious food carries us longer and so we can often eat less of it. Rather than considering food the enemy and cause of weight gain, it is important to enjoy food to avoid restricting foods and setting yourself up for binge eating on food you may crave.

Food technology is a branch of food science that deals with the production processes that make foods. Early scientific research into food technology concentrated on food preservation. Nicolas Appert’s development in 1810 of the canning process was a decisive event.

Food technologists research and develop new food and beverage products and/or improve the quality of existing products. They may also develop or improve the processing, packaging, storage, and safety of food in line with government and industry standards.

Nutrition is the science that interprets the interaction of nutrients and other substances in food in relation to maintenance, growth, reproduction, health and disease of an organism. It includes food intake, absorption, assimilation, biosynthesis, catabolism, and excretion.

Food science is a multidisciplinary subject that applies sciences such as chemistry and biology to the study of food. Our course will not only provide you with a thorough understanding of food composition and analysis, but will also give you a high standard of experience in nutrition and microbiology.

The commitment of food science and technology professionals to advancing the science of food, ensuring a safe and abundant food supply, and contributing to healthier people everywhere is integral to that evolution.

Food technology involves all aspects of food science, including production, processing and distribution. Professionals work to improve manufacturing methods through preservation, storage and new product development. They work with food scientists to enhance the nutritional value of foods.

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

Food technologist.

Nutritional therapist.

Product/process development scientist.

Quality manager.

Regulatory affairs officer.

Scientific laboratory technician.

Technical brewer.

Food safety is a major focus of food microbiology. Numerous agents of disease, pathogens, are readily transmitted via food, including bacteria, and viruses. Microbial toxins are also possible contaminants of food. Finally, bacteriophages, viruses that only infect bacteria, can be used to kill bacterial pathogens.

56 Schools with Food Science Major

Alabama A & M University. Normal, AL.

Brigham Young University-Provo. Provo, UT.

Cal Poly. San Luis Obispo, CA.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona. Pomona, CA.

California State University-Fresno. Fresno, CA.

Chemeketa Community College. Salem, OR.

Clemson University.

Cornell University.

Physics, chemistry, and mathematics are fundamental to understanding and engineering products and operations in the food industry. Food engineering encompasses a wide range of activities. Food engineers are employed in food processing, food machinery, packaging, ingredient manufacturing, instrumentation, and control.

In May 2015, the BLS reported that food scientists and technologists earned an annual average income of $72,030. To be a food scientist, you’ll need to earn at least an undergraduate degree. If you’re interested in a teaching or research position, you’ll need to continue your education in a graduate degree program.