Food Сhemist

Food chemists can work in different areas. For example, they analyze raw materials or finished products to determine whether they are suitable for consumption or use. They also examine food and consumables for pollutant residues. In food production, they deal with the development of processes and products, control production processes and ensure the quality of the products. In the authorities, they monitor compliance with food law regulations and regulations. They also advise consumers, authorities or companies, e.g. in terms of food safety. In scientific research, food chemists develop new chemical, biochemical and microbiological analysis methods, optimize existing processes and publish research results. At universities they teach students, prepare lectures and seminars, correct written papers and take exams. Independent scientific activities usually open up. only after completing a master’s degree and a doctorate.

Food chemists find employment primarily

• in institutes for food inspection and monitoring
• in laboratories in the food industry
• at universities
• at consumer organizations
• at health or environmental offices

You will also find employment

• in companies in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry

The salary level for Food Сhemist in Germany is: from 4139 up to 6237 EUR per month

Why is?

Food chemists examine and evaluate the chemical composition of foods and everyday objects as well as the interactions of their ingredients. In addition, they are active in science and teaching, in development, quality assurance or in consulting.

Analysis, research and teaching

Food chemistry is a special discipline in chemistry that also includes knowledge and methods of biochemistry, microbiology, toxicology, food technology and nutritional science. In the areas of research and development in the food and beverage industry, at universities or research institutions, food chemists develop or optimize methods for examining food, personal care products, packaging, washing and cleaning agents, dishes, toys, plants and machines for food production. You analyze e.g. the purity and origin of foodstuffs, assess technological and environmental influences, check the type, purity and mode of action of additives, detect falsifications and detect substances that are harmful to health. They record the research results in publications and make them accessible to other scientists and students. At conferences and congresses they speak about knowledge. They give lectures and seminars, supervise scientific work and take exams.

As a rule, for independent scientific activities a master's degree and a doctorate are required.

From process engineering to consumer protection

Food chemists working in process development and application technology transfer research results from laboratory tests to the operational scale. In this so-called scale-up, they look for technically feasible, economical and environmentally compatible production methods for new products and test the results from the development laboratory under practical conditions. Together with process engineers, they develop special equipment for production. They plan the work processes in the production hall, analyze and optimize processes and manage employees. They provide the product quality e.g. through accompanying laboratory analyzes of the raw material as well as the intermediate and end products.

Environmental analysis, the study of the effects of environmental factors on the composition and composition of food and the detection of residues and contaminants are also of particular importance. Using analytical methods, food chemists document the ways in which such substances get into the environment and thus into food. They clarify the relationships and take appropriate countermeasures. In this way, they protect consumers from health risks, misleading and deception and provide manufacturers with standards for optimizing product quality. Your activities are based on legal requirements, e.g. the provisions of food law, also and especially in official food surveillance. Here they also carry out operational controls and, if necessary, are involved in the development of legal standards and guidelines. They can act as experts in court.

The second state examination is a prerequisite for employment in the public service. Working as a private counter-expert requires approval from the responsible state authorities. A master’s degree is often required for management positions.