What is Food Technology?
Before discussing scope and opportunities in Food Technology in Nepal let’s discuss Food Technology first. Food technology is a science which entails production, processing, storage, packaging, quality control and delivery of food products. Different research disciplines including chemistry, engineering, microbiology and nutrition are applied to enhance food quality, nutrition, safety and availability.
As agricultural production is the cornerstone of food security and sustainable economic development in Nepal, it is the primary source of income for most of the people there. This produces a market for well-qualified and skilled food technologists and professionals who can play a role into the diverse and intricate food delivery chain and therefore a course in food technology helps to meet the criteria.
One of the important functions of a food technologist is to preserve the food quality and to check its processing and development. Study relevant to food products or dishes is often taken care of by food technologists. They are accountable for ensuring that dietary ingredients are not adverse to health.
Food science and technology assures the global supply of food that is healthy, sustainable, and plentiful. This is helpful in supporting the food system, reducing risks, and optimising benefits. It can help resolve specific issues of the food system. Many raw food items and additives are processed into nutritious and consumable foods that are available all year round.
Job opportunities in Food Technology:
- Food scientist: As a food scientist one can work abroad where one has to undertake test work to formulate new product ranges and boost the current product portfolio at different food research institutes. Although there are a large number of vacancies open in the manufacturing sector, many food scientists and technologists work in research capacities for laboratories, universities or companies. Even companies overseas employ food technologists in their adulteration control units to ensure and monitor the safety and sanitation of food products.
- Food sensory evaluator: In order to track organic properties such as scent, taste and more, one can work as a food sensory evaluator eg. chocolate/coffee tasting, sensory analysis of wine/noodles.
- R&D technologist: One can work as a R&D technologist by joining R&D sector or else can start one’s own manufacturing unit. Many big giants overseas like Pepsico, Britannia, Heinz, Cadbury and Kraft provide ample opportunities in this sector.
- Toxicologist: Toxicologists primarily research on various hazardous chemicals and studies their influence on the environment, people and animals. They perform food, climate, water and soil tests to assess how various chemicals and biological substances change them and analyse any hazards or possible adverse consequences.
Other related job profiles are:
- Quality Assurance Manager
- Laboratory Supervisor
- Food inspector
- Food Packaging Manager
- Commercial technologist
- Packaging and product development
Organizations employing food technologists in Nepal:
- Food and Nutrition Awareness Center, Nepal
- Sunrise Nepal Food and Beverages Pvt. Ltd.
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- ADRA, Nepal
The implementation of technology has become crucial in order to achieve the expected return on investment through high quality and correct value addition, leading to an enormous demand for food scientists, technologists and other professionals who can handle the evolving challenges of the food processing industry.
