Food testing and analysis is a career field receiving growing attention as concerns are raised about the quality and safety of the food supply. Outbreaks of illness caused by contaminated food are on the rise, and headlines are reminders of the vulnerability of food supplies to accidental or deliberate contamination. Microbiological analysis labs are playing a leading role, along with government authorities, in helping to respond to and prevent threats to the food supply.
Whether you are looking to secure a job in the microbiological analysis of food products, or are already employed but in need of continuing education to keep up with developments in food microbiology, there are many opportunities to tailor food safety and testing microbiological analysis education and training to your needs.
1. Seek formal education in food microbiology.
2. Take advantage of continuing education and on-the-job training opportunities to advance your career in food testing and analysis.
3. Stay on top of the latest scientific advancements in microbiological food analysis.
Prepare for a career in food safety and testing microbiological analysis
Formal food safety and testing microbiological analysis education and training is available from a number of sources. Depending on your career track, you may wish to explore certification or degree programs, at the undergraduate or graduate level. Education in food microbiology will prepare you to take advantage of growing job opportunities at microbiological analysis labs and in food processing.
I recommend: Earn an M.S. or an MAS professional degree in Food Safety and Technology or Food Process Engineering from the
National Center for Food Safety and Technology, in conjunction with the Illinois Institute of Technology. For convenience, the distance education program of the
Food Science Institute at Kansas State University offers undergraduate and graduate certification, among other options, as well as a specialized program in Food Safety and Defense.
Obtain continuing education in the microbiological analysis of food
Whether you are a restaurant chef, a food testing and analysis expert in the food processing industry or a microbiological analysis labs employee, you can benefit from continuing education in the microbiological analysis of food products. Short courses and online learning opportunities such as webinars help you learn while you continue to earn.
I recommend: The
Food Research Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers online access to Food Research and Education Seminar Highlights (FRESH). Click to view a video or download a PDF of the latest educational presentations on issues of food microbiology. The Office of Continuing Professional Education at the
Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station offers food science education opportunities, including food testing microbiological courses, for chefs, product developers and food safety technicians.
Educate yourself with links to the latest developments in microbiological food analysis
You'll find a online resources to keep yourself current with issues pertaining to the microbial analysis of food. When you read professional publications, study reports and white papers and attend conferences and seminars, you're educating yourself in food microbiology on an ongoing basis.
I recommend: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a great professional resource. Get free electronic access to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service's quarterly journal,
beFoodSafe: The FSIS Magazine. Search the
Pathogen Detection and Monitoring Database of the USDA Food Safety Information Office for reports, fact sheets, newsletters and conferences on food testing and analysis. Check the calendar at
Rapid Microbiology for comprehensive listings of food microbiological analysis meetings, conferences, events and training courses.
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