16 Food Technologist Skills for Your Career and Resume

Food technologists are responsible for developing and improving food products. They use their knowledge of science and technology to make sure food is safe, nutritious and delicious. If you’re interested in a career as a food technologist, it’s important to understand the skills that are necessary for success in this field.

Regulatory Affairs

Regulatory affairs is the process of ensuring that food products are safe for consumption. Food technologists use their knowledge of regulatory affairs to ensure that they’re following all necessary laws and regulations when creating new food products. They also use this skill to determine if a product is safe for consumers, as well as to identify any potential risks associated with ingredients or production methods.

Creativity

Food technologists use creativity to develop new recipes and food products. They often work with chefs, managers or other professionals who have input on the product’s taste and appearance. Food technologists may also be tasked with creating a unique recipe for an event or occasion. For example, they might create a special cake for someone’s birthday or a wedding.

Communication

Food technologists must be able to communicate with their coworkers and supervisors. They often work in teams, so they need to be able to listen to others’ ideas and explain their own thoughts clearly. Food technologists also use written communication when recording data or sending emails to colleagues.

Sensory Evaluation

Sensory evaluation is the ability to detect and interpret sensory properties of food. Food technologists use their senses to evaluate the texture, flavor and appearance of foods. They also use sensory evaluation when testing new recipes to ensure they meet quality standards. This skill requires attention to detail and an ability to remain objective when evaluating a product’s taste or texture.

Packaging

Food technologists use their packaging skills to prepare food for sale. They may need to package the food in a way that ensures it stays fresh and safe until customers purchase it. For example, they might label containers with information about how long the food can stay at certain temperatures or what ingredients are included. Food technologists also use their packaging skills when creating new recipes. They might need to create labels for each ingredient so they know which one goes into which container.

GMPs

GMPs are the guidelines that food technologists use to ensure their products meet safety and quality standards. Food technologists should be familiar with GMP regulations, which vary by industry. They also need to understand how to create a production plan for each product they make. This includes knowing what equipment is needed, how much space is required and how long it takes to produce certain foods.

Problem Solving Skills

Food technologists use problem-solving skills to identify and address issues that arise in the production of food. For example, if a batch of product doesn’t meet quality standards, they may need to find out why it didn’t pass inspection and how to fix the issue so future batches can be successful. Food technologists also use problem-solving skills when equipment breaks down or there are other unexpected challenges during production.

Product Development

Food technologists use their product development skills to create new food products. They might develop recipes for a company or experiment with different ingredients to improve an existing recipe. Food technologists also use product development skills when creating formulas for food production companies. For example, they might design a formula that allows the company to produce a certain type of food more efficiently.

HACCP

HACCP is a food safety protocol that requires food technologists to develop and implement procedures for identifying potential hazards, assessing risks and minimizing the chance of contamination. Food technologists use their knowledge of HACCP when creating new processes or reviewing existing ones to ensure they meet regulatory standards.

Quality Control

Quality control is the ability to ensure that food products are safe and meet industry standards. Food technologists use quality control techniques, such as testing samples of a product batch for bacteria levels or examining finished products for consistency in texture and flavor. Quality control also includes maintaining safety equipment like thermometers and pH meters so they function properly when needed.

Project Management

Food technologists use project management skills to plan and execute experiments. They may also apply these skills when creating new food products, as they often work with a team of chefs who each have their own duties in the process. Food technologists can use project management skills to keep track of all the steps involved in developing a product and ensure that everyone on the team understands their role.

Food Safety

Food safety is an important aspect of a food technologist’s job. They must follow strict guidelines when handling and preparing ingredients to ensure the food they produce is safe for consumption. Food technologists also use their knowledge of food safety regulations to ensure that the food service establishments where they work are following proper procedures.

Labeling

Labeling is the process of attaching information to a product. Food technologists use labeling skills when they create recipes for food products and need to include instructions on how to prepare them. They also use labeling skills when creating new formulas for their company, as they may need to label each ingredient with its name or number.

Time Management

Food technologists must be able to manage their time effectively in order to complete all of their tasks. This may include working with strict deadlines for producing food products and ensuring that they have enough time to test the product before it is sold. Food technologists also need to manage their time when conducting research, as this can take a long period of time.

Attention to Detail

Food technologists must be able to follow precise instructions when creating food products. They also need to ensure that all of the ingredients they use are safe for consumption and meet quality standards. Food technologists should also keep detailed records of their experiments, including what materials they used, how long it took for each phase of the experiment to complete and any observations they made during the process.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. Food technologists often have many duties, including preparing food, maintaining equipment, monitoring safety protocols and recording data. Having strong organizational skills can help them manage their time effectively and ensure they complete all their work. It also helps them maintain a clean workspace and ensures they don’t overlook important details in their experiments.

How Can I Learn These Food Technologist Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become a food technologist. One way is to get a degree in food science from a college or university. This will give you the theoretical knowledge that you need to work in the food industry. Another way is to get a job in the food industry and learn the practical skills that you need on the job. You can also take courses offered by professional organizations such as the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) to learn more about the food industry.