The food business is one of those industries that will never experience a downturn. Humans will never be able to quit eating. It is the foundation of life. As a result, numerous businesses have begun to specialize in food production, manufacturing, and delivery.
Food inspection is a rewarding occupation with excellent income potential and job opportunities. A career as a food inspector provides work stability as well as the opportunity to express your social responsibility and devotion to a bigger cause.
A food inspector is in charge of validating health codes in businesses that produce various consumables, ranging from restaurants to food production factories.
Who is a Food Inspector?
Food inspectors are authorized to check any food establishment. They ensure that enterprises conform to regulatory standards and follow food safety practices. Whenever an organization breaches food safety rules, the inspector is required to notify a governing authority or the general public about potential safety issues. They may also provide authorized advice to offenders and assist them in correcting their errors.
A Food Inspector's duties include inspecting food supplies for quality standards and ensuring that anything we consume is free of bacteria and not contaminated. A Food Inspector is in charge of inspecting the hygiene of ingredients, utensils, and the conditions under which food is made.
It is the Food Inspector's responsibility to continually verify food distributors, processors, and manufacturers for compliance with food standards so that the foods stay sanitary and free of microorganisms. Food Inspectors are often employed by health authorities, companies, and special agencies.
The Food Inspector inspects grains before they are sold in the market or purchased by the government. The Food Inspector is also in charge of inspecting imported foods and food products.
The main duties and responsibilities of a food inspector include:
- Checking to see whether food safety standards are being followed thoroughly and ensuring that food firms are adhering to all food processing and storage requirements.
- Food quality control at restaurants, hotels, and food manufacturing plants.
- Evaluating the sanitation and cleanliness of food-related establishments.
- Examining food goods to ensure accurate labeling.
- Visiting poultry, cattle, and dairy farms to guarantee the animals are disease-free.
- Assisting a company's expansion by guaranteeing compliance with national or international health and safety requirements.
Eligibility Criteria to become a Food Inspector
- Candidates who have completed a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture / Pharmacy / Food Technology / Dairy Technology.
- Medical graduates with one year of food inspection training may also apply.
- Bachelor's degree in Science with Chemistry as a required subject.
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture / Public Health / Veterinary Science / Dairy Technology / Pharmacy / Food Technology.
How to become a Food Inspector?
If you want to become a food inspector, follow these steps:
STEP 1- Complete Higher Secondary Education
The first step in becoming a food inspector is completing your upper secondary education by passing a recognized board test. A minimum of 50% aggregate grades in areas such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics may be required to pursue science-related studies at a reputable college.
STEP 2- Prepare for and clear the Entrance Examination
Depending on the college you wish to attend, you may be required to study for and pass an admission examination. Exams that are popular include:
- Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT)
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research - Entrance Examination (IISER-EE)
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination for Admission (ICAR AIEEA)
STEP 3- Obtain a Bachelor's degree
Students must pursue admissions to Bachelor's level Science or Technology degrees with chemistry as a core subject after successfully completing 10+2 with Physics / Chemistry / Biology / Math.
Popular Science degrees to pursue are-
- BSc in Agronomy
- BSc in Agriculture
- BSc in Biology
- BSc in Biochemistry
- BSc in Chemistry
- BSc in Dairy Science
- BSc in Food Science
- BSc in Horticulture
- BSc in Life Science
- BSc in Plant Science
- BSc in Soil Science
In the domain of Technology, you may consider pursuing-
- BTech in Food Technology
- BTech in Dairy Technology
- BTech in Biotechnology Engineering
- BTech in Agriculture Engineering & Technology
STEP 4- Pass the Food Inspector exam
After earning a bachelor's degree, you must decide whether you want to work for the government or for a private company. If you want to work as a food inspector for the government, you must take and pass the UPSC's All India Food Inspector Exam.
STEP 6- Consider getting a Master's degree
While not required, a master's degree in food technology or a similar area can help you advance in your career.
Popular postgraduate science degrees include-
- MSc in Agriculture
- MSc in Chemistry
- MSc in Dairy Science
- MSc in Food Science
- MSc in Horticulture
- MSc in Life Science
- MSc in Plant Science
- MSc in Soil Science
You may also consider pursuing technology degrees such as-
- MTech in Agriculture Engineering
- MTech in Biotechnology
- MTech in Dairy Technology
- MTech in Food Technology
Entrance Exam for being a Food Inspector
The UPSC's All India Food Inspector Exam is the most prevalent test for becoming a food inspector (Union Public Service Commission). It is a countrywide test because the food department is a major government body. The questions are designed to assess the candidates' technical competence and aptitude. It also covers math, general knowledge, and English language problems.
In addition to this test, you may be able to advance your career as a food inspector by taking the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Exam. This test is intended primarily to select food analyzers, although it also aids aspiring food inspectors.
Skills Required to become a Food Inspector
The first thing a person should know about how to become a food inspector is the abilities necessary to become a food inspector.
If you wish to be a food inspector, you should consider obtaining the following skills:
- Excellent communication skills: You must be able to communicate both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to think critically: This talent is required to examine problems and propose solutions that benefit both the person and the firm.
- Good decision-making ability: Another talent a food inspector should have is good decision-making skills. Before implementing solutions, they must thoroughly assess all facets of a scenario or problem.
- General knowledge: You should be well-versed in cleanliness, safety, and pest control methods.
- Expertise in food processing equipment: To be able to pick the best instrument for a certain circumstance, you must have a complete grasp of the instruments they employ.
- Computer literacy: You should be familiar with PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, and Excel spreadsheets.
- Report writing: You may be required to write technically sound reports and defend them with facts.
- Management Abilities: You must be able to collaborate across departments and teams.
- Analytical Abilities: You will frequently be required to examine vast amounts of data and derive actionable insights from it.
- Understanding of hygiene and safety rules: You must have a solid awareness of the safety and hygiene standards in order to enforce and cite them when necessary.
- A keen sense of taste: You may be required to taste a wide selection of food products that will be available for sampling and assessment.
- Stamina: You may be required to labor nonstop for extended periods of time and travel regularly.
- Psychological fitness: Psychological fitness is required since you will be working in unhealthy and hazardous places such as slaughterhouses and food processing plants.
Food Inspector Career Scope
Eateries and processing facilities are expanding with each passing day. From tiny food establishments to large-scale government purchases. The need for a food safety inspector is expected to rise in the future and is already rising in the present.
The demand for food inspectors has increased as worldwide concern for food safety has grown. Food inspectors are hired by the government, and they are recruited by both state and federal authorities.
Private institutions may also provide tremendous prospects in this field. Food inspectors are responsible for inspecting both government-run and privately-owned food processing businesses. To address the industry's expansion, the demand for food inspectors is expanding accordingly.
Food Inspector Job Opportunities
There are several sorts of food inspectors and related occupations. We've included the important ones below, along with their various tasks.
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Food Scientist |
Food scientists apply their understanding of chemistry, biology, food production, and food processing. They also utilize their expertise to understand how processes and equipment used in food processing and products work. |
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Food Technician |
Food technologists conduct investigations and aid with testing on refined food items, chemicals, and containers under the supervision of food scientists. A significant amount of time is spent researching food to ensure that it meets human consumption standards and regulations. Food technologists prepare and clean tools and equipment, assist professors with demonstration lectures and procedures, and assist in the scheduling, development, and coordination of processes, practices, and standards. |
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Food Quality Assurance Manager |
Food quality control managers are responsible for ensuring that food components fulfill industry and regulatory criteria. They will develop and assess quality and health policies, as well as perform audits by third-party investigators. They also seek to increase an organization's efficiency and profitability by reducing waste. |
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Dairy technologists are food scientists who specialize in dairy and dairy-related products. Dairy technologists investigate the chemical composition and qualities of milk, yogurt, butter, ice cream, and cheese. These scientists may work for commercial companies or institutions, or they may be self-employed. |
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Quality Inspector |
A Quality Inspector should check the incoming and existing materials and components of an organization. They are also referred to as Quality Assurance supervisors and are in charge of completing inspections, examining samples, and monitoring production operations. Quality inspectors operate in manufacturing departments or on assembly lines. They ensure that you do not become ill as a result of the food or medicine you ingest. These employees oversee the quality of practically all manufactured commodities, such as food and other products. |
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Agricultural Inspector |
The Agricultural Inspector strives to prevent food-borne illnesses and to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food. Whatever we eat does not come to us immediately, especially in cities. Before reaching the customer, the food passes through several departments. Pests and insects frequently affect food crops in the field. Farmers put pesticides and insecticides on crops to avoid this. |
Food Inspector Salary Prospects
- Earnings in food inspection are mostly determined by your expertise and the size of your organization.
- The salary in the government sector might range from Rs. 2,50,000 per year or more, including benefits. Yet, this will differ from state to state.
- At commercial facilities such as hotels, the average base salary of a food and beverage manager begins at Rs. 4,00,000 per year but rises with experience to considerably beyond that in the government sector.
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