Viva Food Science and Technology!
Written by: Nashieta Cooper (B.Tech. Food Technology)
The food industry is one of the biggest industries in South Africa. It is very diverse and the food processes employed are numerous.
A Food Technologist is not a Chef or Dietician. Food Technology is the study of the large-scale production and preservation of foods as well as the development and analysis of foodstuffs in an industrial food processing facility.
The average working day of a Food Technologist depends upon the area of work and speciality. It may be Food Safety, Food Process Engineering or Research and Development. The Food Safety Specialist ensures all raw materials, products, processes, practices, premises and packaging conforms to various legal requirements. They implement Quality Control Procedures, Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices. In general a Food Technologist often comes up with creative solutions to a variety of problems, and finding ways to improve food product and processes.
“It’s a great time to be a Food Technologist. The world is changing rapidly, creating plenty of opportunity, and need for innovative product development”. Brett Wordon