Occupation food science technician

Food science technicians perform (standardised) tests to determine the properties of food or beverage products. They may provide assistance to food scientists and technologists.

Tasks

• Clean, maintain and set up laboratory equipment.
• Collect and prepare samples.
• Conduct standardised tests on food, beverages, additives and preservatives, e.g. to ensure compliance with standards and regulations of colour, texture, nutrients, etc.
• Take measurements and readings, and compute product properties such as moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients and formulas, e.g. using mathematical and chemical procedures.
• Record and compile test results, and prepare graphs, charts and reports.
• Analyse test results to classify products, or compare results with standard tables.
• Examine chemical and biological samples, using microscope, to identify cell structures, locate bacteria, etc.
• Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavours meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
• Mix, blend or cultivate ingredients, e.g. to make reagents or to manufacture food or beverage products.
• Measure, test and weigh bottles, cans and other containers, e.g. in order to ensure hardness, strength and compliance to specifications.
• Order laboratory supplies.
• Develop and adapt laboratory procedures, under the direction of scientists, following technical developments in the area.

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