Science & ResearchISCO 2145
Food technologist
Food technologists develop processes for manufacturing foodstuffs and related products based on chemical, physical, and biological principles and technology. They design and plan layouts or equipment, oversee staff, engage in controlling, and improve food technologies in food production processes.
Check yourself in a minute: food technologist
Rate 5 of the 71 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
lead process optimisation
use new technologies in food manufacturing
manage ethics issues in the food industry
ensure responsible sourcing in food supply chains
manage food manufacturing laboratory
About food technologist
As a food technologist, you will develop and optimize manufacturing processes for food and related products using scientific principles in chemistry, biology, and physics. Your work bridges the gap between food science research and industrial-scale production, where you design equipment layouts, select appropriate technologies, and implement quality control measures. You'll work on everything from recipe formulation and ingredient optimization to process automation and waste reduction, ensuring that products meet safety standards, regulatory requirements, and consumer expectations.
Your daily responsibilities include conducting experiments, analyzing data, managing production processes, and overseeing technical staff. You'll need to stay current with food safety legislation, understand nutritional science, and be equipped to troubleshoot production issues. Whether you're developing new products, improving existing processes, or addressing contamination concerns, you'll apply knowledge of fermentation, enzymatic processing, food composition, and biotechnology to solve real-world problems. Environmental sustainability and circular economy principles are increasingly important aspects of modern food technology.
The food technology sector in Poland is growing, with opportunities in multinational food corporations, regional manufacturers, and specialized companies focusing on organic or functional foods. Career advancement leads to senior technical roles, research positions, or management of entire production facilities. Your expertise directly impacts public health, making this a meaningful profession where technical innovation drives industry progress.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a food technologist.
1
Process Development and Optimization
- Design and develop manufacturing processes for new food products based on chemical, physical and biological principles
- Optimize food production processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize waste
- Apply enzymatic processing, fermentation techniques, and biotechnology to enhance product quality and shelf life
- Design and plan equipment layouts for production lines to maximize efficiency and safety
2
Quality and Safety Assurance
- Implement food safety principles and ensure compliance with health, safety and hygiene legislation
- Monitor and prevent foodborne diseases through rigorous testing and contamination controls
- Manage food waste monitoring systems to track losses and identify improvement opportunities
- Conduct food toxicity assessments and chemical analysis to ensure product safety
3
Research and Product Development
- Develop new food formulations and recipes combining flavors while maintaining nutritional value
- Analyze food products composition and conduct experiments to improve taste, texture and appearance
- Stay current with food science research and emerging food technologies to maintain competitive advantage
4
Sustainability and Compliance
- Apply circular economy principles to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency in food production
- Ensure compliance with food legislation and regulatory standards in product development and manufacturing
- Implement energy efficiency measures and bioeconomy concepts in production processes
- Develop waste management strategies aligned with food ethics and sustainability goals
5
Staff Oversight and Communication
- Oversee technical and production staff to ensure adherence to process standards and quality requirements
- Document all processes, test results, and changes made to production procedures for regulatory compliance
- Communicate findings and recommendations to management and production teams
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (71)
foodborne diseasesfoodborne diseasesThe diseases caused by food contamination due to bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances, and their impact for public health.food canning production linefood canning production lineSteps in the canning process line from washing, conditioning and weighing food products, washing and preparing cans, filling cans, as well as other operations in order to obtain the end product.food safety principlesfood safety principlesScientific background of food safety which includes preparation, handling, and storage of food to minimise the risk of foodborne illness and other health hazards.food ethicsfood ethicsSet of ethical values and principles that guide the production, distribution, and consumption of food. It embraces a broad range of matters, including food safety, environmental sustainability, cultur...enzymatic processingenzymatic processingEnzymatic processes used in food production as well as in other industrial biotechnological processes.food engineeringfood engineeringResearch and development of new foods, biological and pharmaceutical products, development and operation of manufacturing and packaging and distributing systems for drug/food products, design and inst...food legislationfood legislationLegislation related to the food and feed industry including food manufacturing, hygiene, safety, raw materials, additives, GMOs, labelling, environmental and trade regulations.food sciencefood scienceThe study of the physical, biological, and chemical makeup of food and the scientific concepts underlying food processing and nutrition.fermentation processes of foodfermentation processes of foodConversion of carbohydrates into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process happens using bacteria or yeasts, or a combination of the two under anaerobic conditions. Food fermentation is also involved i...combination of flavourscombination of flavoursThe large range of combinations of flavours to develop new recipes or products.combination of texturescombination of texturesThe combination of textures for new recipes or products.food storagefood storageThe proper conditions and methods to store food to keep it from spoiling, taking into account humidity, light, temperature and other environmental factors.risks associated to physical, chemical, biological hazards in food and beveragesrisks associated to physical, chemical, biological hazards in food and beveragesInterpretation of laboratory tests for parameters affecting food safety taking into account risks associated with physical, chemical, and biological hazards in food and beverages.food allergiesfood allergiesThe types of food allergies within the sector, which substances trigger allergies, and how they can be replaced or eliminated (if possible).chemistrychemistryThe composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk fa...functional properties of foodsfunctional properties of foodsStructure, quality, nutritional value and/or acceptability of a food product. A food functional property is determined by physical, chemical and/or organoleptic properties of a food. Examples of a fun...food authentication techniquesfood authentication techniquesMethodologies, analytical techniques and indicators applied to verify food authenticity and detect frauds.food and beverage industryfood and beverage industryThe respective industry and the processes involved in the food and beverage industry, such as raw material selection, processing, packaging, and storage.food fraudfood fraudInvestigation techniques to detect the act of deliberately adulterating information related to the nature, identity, properties, composition, quantity, durability, country of origin or place of proven...laboratory-based scienceslaboratory-based sciencesLaboratory based sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, integrated science or advanced laboratory science.processes of foods and beverages manufacturingprocesses of foods and beverages manufacturingRaw materials and production processes for getting finished food products. Importance of quality control and other techniques for the food and beverage industry.traceability in food industrytraceability in food industryTraceability measures to respond to potential risks that can arise in food and feed, so as to ensure that all food products are safe for humans to eat.lead process optimisationlead process optimisationLead process optimisation using statistical data. Design experiments on the production line and functional process control models.use new technologies in food manufacturinguse new technologies in food manufacturingKeep abreast of new technologies and innovations in all fields of food manufacturing. Read articles and maintains an active exchange with peers in benefit of the company and its products.manage ethics issues in the food industrymanage ethics issues in the food industryApply ethical principles to manage complex issues in the food industry. Engage in ethical decision making by applying standards of national and as applicable, international codes of ethics or statemen...ensure responsible sourcing in food supply chainsensure responsible sourcing in food supply chainsStrive to ensure food supply chain products and ingredients are sourced sustainably. This involves full compliance with labour and environmental law as well as working with local suppliers to reduce t...manage food manufacturing laboratorymanage food manufacturing laboratoryManage laboratory activities in the plant or factory and using the data to monitor the quality of manufactured products.describe chemical innovation in productsdescribe chemical innovation in productsClearly explain chemical innovations and variations made to products at the production level. Works closely with process chemists and control engineers to ensure the process plant improvements are imp...improve chemical processesimprove chemical processesCollect data required to make improvements or modifications to chemical processes. Develop new industrial processes, design new process plants/equipment or modify existing ones.analyse packaging requirementsanalyse packaging requirementsAnalyses packaging requirement against the design of the production plan. Perform the analysis considering engineering, economic, ergonomic, and other perspectives.ensure public safety and securityensure public safety and securityImplement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.collect samples for analysiscollect samples for analysisCollect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.apply HACCPapply HACCPApply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).manage the use of additives in food manufacturingmanage the use of additives in food manufacturingManaging the use of additives or preservatives for food.analyse samples of food and beveragesanalyse samples of food and beveragesExamine if food or beverages are safe for human consumption. Verify the right levels of key ingredients and the correctness of the label declarations and the levels of nutrients present. Ensure sample...develop food production processesdevelop food production processesDevelop processes and techniques for food production or food preservation. Engage in the design, development, construction and operation of industrial processes and techniques for food manufacturing.evaluate ingredient documentation from suppliersevaluate ingredient documentation from suppliersRead, organise and evaluate documentation on ingredients from suppliers and co-manufacturers. Identify deficiencies and enquire for clarifications and corrective actions as per regulatory demands.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...monitor developments used for food industrymonitor developments used for food industryIdentifying and exploring developments and innovation in technology and materials in the food industry.strive for nutritional improvement of food manufacturingstrive for nutritional improvement of food manufacturingWork with experts from the agricultural and food processing industries to improve food value, nutrition, and supply.watch food product trendswatch food product trendsExamine findings and behaviours as to understand trends, features, or qualitative wishes of customers. Use that information for product development, for product improvement, and for packaging requirem...read engineering drawingsread engineering drawingsRead the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.apply food technology principlesapply food technology principlesApply food science methods and technology for the processing, preservation and packaging of food, taking into account safety standards and quality control procedures.keep up with innovations in food manufacturingkeep up with innovations in food manufacturingLatest innovative products and technologies to process, preserve, package and improve food products.identify the factors causing changes in food during storageidentify the factors causing changes in food during storageRecognize the most relevant factors (chemical, physical, environmental etc) that can alter the food during its storage.interpret data in food manufacturinginterpret data in food manufacturingInterpret data from different sources, like market data, scientific papers, and customers requirements in order to research development and innovation in food sector.manage discarded productsmanage discarded productsManage production stops due to insufficient product quality and manage associated waste issues within the scope of good manufacturing practices.energy efficiencyenergy efficiencyField of information concerning the reduction of the use of energy. It encompasses calculating the consumption of energy, providing certificates and support measures, saving energy by reducing the dem...listen activelylisten activelyGive attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of cus...promote ethical eatingpromote ethical eatingCampaign for and promote ethical considerations in food choices and nutritional behaviours of consumers, related among others to the protection of the environment, food shortages and scarcity of resou...prepare visual dataprepare visual dataPrepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.waste managementwaste managementThe methods, materials and regulations used to collect, transport, treat and dispose of waste. This includes recycling and monitoring of waste disposal. It excludes procedures related to waste inciner...molecular gastronomymolecular gastronomyThe analysis of scientific research applied to food preparation, which focuses among others on how the interaction between ingredients can modify the structure and appearance of food, for example by c...food waste monitoring systemsfood waste monitoring systemsThe characteristics, benefits and ways of using digital tools to collect, monitor and evaluate data on food waste in an organisation or hospitality establishment.biotechnologybiotechnologyThe technology that uses, modifies or harnesses biological systems, organisms and cellular components to develop new technologies and products for specific uses.circular economycircular economyThe circular economy aims to keep materials and products in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them while in use and recycling them at the end of their life cycle. It impro...bioeconomybioeconomyThe production of renewable biological resources and the conversion of these resources and waste streams into value added products, such as food, feed, bio-based products and bioenergy.food materialsfood materialsQuality and range of raw materials, half finished products and end products of a specific food sector.food toxicityfood toxicityThe causes of food poisoning and spoilage, and the preservation methods of food products so as to prevent toxicity from customers.food preservationfood preservationDeterioration factors, controlling factors (temperature, additives, humidity, pH, water activity, etc., including packaging) and food processing methods to preserve food products.food product ingredientsfood product ingredientsTechnical features of the formulation of ingredients for food products.pathogenic microorganisms in foodpathogenic microorganisms in foodThe identification and characteristics of pathogenic micro-organisms in food and the adequate prevention methods to inhibit its reproduction in food materials.apply GMPapply GMPApply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).monitor processing conditionsmonitor processing conditionsObserve gauges, video monitors, and printouts to assess if specified processing conditions are in place. Make the necessary adjustments to process variables such as times, inputs, flow rates and tempe...quality assurance methodologiesquality assurance methodologiesQuality assurance principles, standard requirements, and the set of processes and activities used for measuring, controlling and ensuring the quality of products and processes.ingredient threatsingredient threatsIngredients and potential risks which could damage humans, the flora and the fauna. Functions in ingredient formulas.assess HACCP implementation in plantsassess HACCP implementation in plantsAssess the adequate implementation of HACCP in plants. Assure that plants are operating within the specifications of their written plans for HACCP, sanitation, and processing.health, safety and hygiene legislationhealth, safety and hygiene legislationThe set of health, safety and hygiene standards and items of legislation applicable in a specific sector.perform food risk analysisperform food risk analysisPerform food risks analysis for food safety assurance.food products compositionfood products compositionChemical and nutritional composition of food products, which enables the modification of existing products and processes and the development of new ones.apply requirements concerning manufacturing of food and beveragesapply requirements concerning manufacturing of food and beveragesApply and follow national, international, and internal requirements quoted in standards, regulations and other specifications related with manufacturing of food and beverages.
Optional (63) — show
project managementproject managementThe discipline of project management, the activities which comprise this area and the variables implied in it, such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.effects of pesticides in food raw materialseffects of pesticides in food raw materialsDifferent types of pesticides used for food raw materials to control proper use of those substances preserving main characteristics of products.fermentation processes of beveragesfermentation processes of beveragesFermentation processes related to the conversion of sugar to alcohol, gases and acids.food homogenisationfood homogenisationThe procedures, machines and reciped used to mix different foodstuffs and solutions by transforming them through high pressure and acceleration processes into an uniform fluid or product.food policyfood policyThe policies, strategies, institutions and regulations concerning food.keep food laboratory inventorykeep food laboratory inventoryMonitor stocks of food analysis laboratories. Order supplies to keep laboratories well furnished.inspect silo systemsinspect silo systemsInspect silo systems to minimise any harmful emissions during their use.develop new food productsdevelop new food productsConduct experiments, produce sample products, and perform research as part of new food product development (NPD).provide training on quality management supervisionprovide training on quality management supervisionProvide training to production employees, in groups or individually, on standard operating procedures, product specifications, visual quality inspection criteria, SPC, production controls, formulas, G...operate automated process controloperate automated process controlOperate process control or automation system (PAS) used to control a production process automatically.adjust production scheduleadjust production scheduleAdjust work schedule in order to maintain permanent shift operation.perform strategic planning in the food industryperform strategic planning in the food industryDevelop and coordinate plans of action in the food industry to assure that quality and deadlines are met in time.monitor ingredient storagemonitor ingredient storageMonitor ingredient storage and expiry dates via weekly reporting leading to good stock rotation and reduction of waste.research new food ingredientsresearch new food ingredientsAssess new food ingredients by undergoing research activities in order to develop or improve foodstuffs.attend to detail in preparation for auditsattend to detail in preparation for auditsEnsure constant compliance with standards and requirements, such as keeping certifications up to date and monitoring activities to ensure correct procedures are followed, so that audits can occur smoo...identify nutritional properties of foodidentify nutritional properties of foodIdentify the nutritional value of food, including proportion of fats, carbohydrates, sugars, vitamins. Label products appropriately if required.carry out training in environmental matterscarry out training in environmental mattersPerform staff training and ensure all members of the workforce understand how they can contribute to improved environmental performance.perform sensory evaluation of food productsperform sensory evaluation of food productsEvaluate the quality of a given type of food or beverage based on its appearance, smell, taste, aroma, and others. Suggest possible improvements and comparisons with other products.develop standard operating procedures in the food chaindevelop standard operating procedures in the food chainDevelop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in the food chain based on the production feedback. Understand current operating procedures and identify best techniques. Develop new procedures and update ...detect microorganismsdetect microorganismsUse various laboratory methods and tools such as gene amplification and sequencing to detect and identify microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi in soil, air, and water samples.monitor packaging operationsmonitor packaging operationsObserve and supervise the packaging operations undertaken by the workers for compliance to production requirements. Check products for proper packaging such as labelling and date coding in order to en...assess the life cycle of resourcesassess the life cycle of resourcesEvaluate the use and possible recycling of raw materials in the whole product life cycle. Consider applicable regulations, such as the European Commission's Circular Economy Policy Package.perform chemical experimentsperform chemical experimentsPerform chemical experiments with the aim of testing various products and substances in order to draw conclusions in terms of product viability and replicability.configure plants for food industryconfigure plants for food industryDesign plants configuration, including sources and equipment for the food industry so that they can be readily adapted to suit the product range and the process technologies involved. Take environment...participate as observer in different types of audits in the food sectorparticipate as observer in different types of audits in the food sectorParticipate as an observer in audits for efficiency, safety, environmental, quality, and food safety on a regular basis.manage communications with food industry governmental bodiesmanage communications with food industry governmental bodiesManage communications with regulatory authorities for the food industry for all aspects of food safety, limits on potentially hazardous ingredients, labelling requirements and legislation.perform microbiological analysis in foodperform microbiological analysis in foodPerform analysis to detect different types of microorganisms such bacteria, moulds and yeasts in the food chain.identify hazards in the workplaceidentify hazards in the workplacePerform safety audits and inspections on workplaces and workplace equipment. Ensure that they meet safety regulations and identify hazards and risks.analyse trends in the food and beverage industriesanalyse trends in the food and beverage industriesInvestigate trends in foodstuffs related to consumers preferences. Examine key markets based on both product type and geography as well as technological improvements in the industry.carry out environmental auditscarry out environmental auditsUse equipment to measure various environmental parameters in order to identify environmental problems and investigate manners in which they can be resolved. Perform inspections in order to ensure comp...ensure finished product meet requirementsensure finished product meet requirementsEnsure that finished products meet or exceed company specifications.be at ease in unsafe environmentsbe at ease in unsafe environmentsBe at ease in unsafe environments like being exposed to dust, rotating equipment, hot surfaces, sub-freezing and cold storage areas, noise, wet floors and moving lift equipment.collect briefing regarding productscollect briefing regarding productsCollect a comprehensive brief from internal and external customers regarding specific product requirements.adapt production levelsadapt production levelsAdapt current production levels and strive to improve the current production rates looking for economic gains and margins. Negotiate improvement with sales, dispatch and distribution departments.ensure correct goods labellingensure correct goods labellingEnsure that goods are labeled with all necessary labeling information (e.g. legal, technological, hazardous and others) regarding the product. Ensure that labels respects the legal requirements and ad...apply scientific methodsapply scientific methodsApply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.provide food labelling expertiseprovide food labelling expertiseProvide food labelling expertise in the collaboration with government, company divisions, and other stakeholders on compliance related questions regarding products and labels.plan shifts of employeesplan shifts of employeesPlans shifts of employees to ensure completion of all customer orders and satisfactory completion of the production plan.coordinate launches of new food productscoordinate launches of new food productsCoordinate launches of new food products. Run trials alongside with product development.perform physico-chemical analysis to food materialsperform physico-chemical analysis to food materialsPerforms a range of physical and chemical analysis to food materials in order to assess their quality.manage scale-up experiments for manufacturing of productsmanage scale-up experiments for manufacturing of productsManaging scale-up processes and experimentation in the development of new products or the improvement of existing ones and subsequent transfer to main plant.monitor the production linemonitor the production lineMonitor the production line for problems such as pile-ups and jams.perform food safety checksperform food safety checksCarry out food safety checks in order to assure compliance with requirements, regulations, and other good food manufacturing practices.advocate for consumer matters in production plantsadvocate for consumer matters in production plantsConduct regulatory oversight activities inside production plants concerning consumer matters, e.g. misbranding, consumer protection, etc.check quality of raw materialscheck quality of raw materialsCheck the quality of basic materials used for the production of semi-finished and finished goods by assessing some of its characteristics and, if needed, select samples to be analysed.develop food scanner devicesdevelop food scanner devicesDesign and develop food scanning technologies that provide information on the level of allergens, chemicals, nutrients, calories and on ingredients in food.manage environmental management systemmanage environmental management systemDevelop and implement an environmental management system.create new recipescreate new recipesCombine innovative and creative ideas to come up with new recipes and preparations to extend the product of range of a company. Make modifications to recipes in order to enhance taste, reach productiv...assess shelf life of food productsassess shelf life of food productsDetermine shelf life of products taking into account aspects such as type of ingredients, date of production, production process or packaging.mitigate waste of resourcesmitigate waste of resourcesEvaluate and identify opportunities to use resources more efficiently with continuously striving to reduce waste of utilities.use resource-efficient technologies in hospitalityuse resource-efficient technologies in hospitalityImplement technological improvements in hospitality establishments, as connectionless food steamers, pre-rinse spray valves and low flow sink taps, which optimise the water and energy consumption in d...perform quality auditsperform quality auditsExecute regular, systematic and documented examinations of a quality system for verifying conformity with a standard based on objective evidence such as the implementation of processes, effectiveness ...select adequate packaging for food productsselect adequate packaging for food productsChoose the appropriate packages for food products taking into account attractiveness and suitability of the package. Use proper packaging for sending it safely and at a reasonable cost. Have awareness...apply control process statistical methodsapply control process statistical methodsApply statistical methods from Design of Experiments (DOE) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) in order to control manufacturing processes.analyse production processes for improvementanalyse production processes for improvementAnalyse production processes leading toward improvement. Analyse in order to reduce production losses and overall manufacturing costs.research new cooking methodsresearch new cooking methodsAssess new cooking methods by undergoing research activities in order to develop or improve food technological processes.ensure compliance with environmental legislation in food productionensure compliance with environmental legislation in food productionMake sure to comply with environmental legislation in food production. Understand the legislation related to environmental matters in food manufacturing and apply it in practice.keep up-to-date with regulationskeep up-to-date with regulationsMaintain up-to-date knowledge of current regulations and apply this knowledge in specific sectors.manage packaging development cycle from concept to launchmanage packaging development cycle from concept to launchManage the packaging development cycle from concept to launch in order to ensure compliance with financial, operative, and commercial variables.cultural customs on food preparationcultural customs on food preparationCultural or religious rules and traditions regarding the preparation of food.food plant designfood plant designContribute to food plant design by assessing the processes, facilities and equipment needs, including monitoring activities and control.assess quality characteristics of food productsassess quality characteristics of food productsAssess quality characteristics of food products in terms of the main properties (e.g. physical, sensorial, chemical, technological, etc.) for raw materials, half-finished products, as well as finish p...check quality of products on the production linecheck quality of products on the production lineCheck products for quality on the production line and remove defective items before and after packaging.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a food technologist do?
Food technologists develop processes for manufacturing foodstuffs and related products based on chemical, physical, and biological principles and technology. They design and plan layouts or equipment, oversee staff, engage in controlling, and improve food technologies in food production processes.
What skills does a food technologist need?
A food technologist needs 71 essential skills, including foodborne diseases, food canning production line, food safety principles, food ethics, enzymatic processing.
Will AI replace food technologist jobs?
The AI disruption score for food technologist is 41/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: food canning production line, keep food laboratory inventory, write work-related reports. Most resilient: be at ease in unsafe environments, listen actively, food safety principles.
AI Replacement Risk
41/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
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