Institute of Food Science and Technology facts for kids

The Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST) is a group in the UK for people who work with food. It is an independent organization that focuses on everything about food science and technology.

The IFST was started to help food science and technology grow. It also aims to improve education in this field. The group works to use food science to keep the public safe and healthy. It makes sure that food is made and delivered in a good way. This includes making sure food is safe, healthy, and affordable. They also care about the environment and animal welfare.

History of IFST

How IFST Started

In the 1950s, food science and technology became its own special subject. The UK National College of Food Technology opened in 1955. Universities in the UK also started teaching food science degrees. By the 1960s, people working with food wanted a group that recognized this new field.

The IFST was formed in 1964 to support these scientists. They quickly started building the new organization. By 1968, IFST became an official group with its own rules.

Growing Over Time

During the 1970s, IFST added more professional activities. In 1980, IFST joined the Council of Science and Technology Institutes. This group later became the Science Council.

In the 1980s, IFST focused on helping the public. They helped create the European Federation of Food Science and Technology (EFFoST). They also worked on making their scientific publications better.

IFST in the 21st Century

In November 2007, IFST became a charity. This means it works for the public good. A Board of Trustees leads IFST. These trustees are chosen by the members.

A Finance Committee and a small team help the Board. There are also six other committees. These committees advise the Board on different topics. All committee members are volunteers from IFST. IFST has the largest group of food science and technology members in Europe. It is the only group in the UK just for food science and technology.

What IFST Does

IFST wants to serve the public with skill and honesty. Here are some of its main goals:

• Helping to provide safe, healthy, and tasty food. They do this by using good science and technology.
• Making sure the public knows about important food topics. This includes how food is made, its safety, and its quality.
• Sharing knowledge about food science and technology. They also help educate food scientists.
• Protecting the public by setting high standards for food professionals. They encourage good behavior and skills.
• Helping members keep learning and growing in their careers. This ensures they stay up-to-date.

IFST is an independent group. This means it can give honest opinions on food science and technology. These opinions are based on facts and evidence.

IFST works closely with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) in the US. They also have strong ties with the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST).

Events and Meetings

IFST holds many events across the UK. Some events are organized by local branches or special groups. Most of these events are open to everyone.

IFST hosts conferences like the Annual Spring Conference. They also have events like "The Changing Face of Auditing." The Professional Food Sensory Group (PFSG) also has an annual conference. They organize talks, discussions, and other gatherings. Local branches often plan fun food-themed trips. These trips might be to breweries, factories, or orchards.

Helping with Careers

IFST works hard to show young people careers in food science. IFST, with the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), started "Taste Success." This campaign shows the many jobs available in food science. It especially highlights jobs in food and drink making.

IFST's Learning Zone has lots of career information. It lists UK universities that offer food science courses. It also shares stories from IFST members about their jobs. IFST has also made a "Graduate Guide to Food Science and Technology." You can find this guide online or in print.

In November 2011, IFST held its first Student Career LaunchPad event. This event helped university students from all over the UK. It had sessions to help students understand the food industry. Students could also meet food professionals. There was even a student competition sponsored by Heinz.

IFST also gives out many prizes and awards to students. These awards are for those studying food science and technology.

Prizes and Awards

IFST offers many different prizes and awards:

• North of England Young Scientist Competition: For university students in the North of England.
• South Eastern Young Scientist Competition: For university students in the South East.
• IFST Undergraduate Student Competition: For students studying in Northern Ireland.
• Professional Food Sensory Group (PFSG) Travel Bursary: Helps a student pay for travel to a food science conference. It can cover up to £500.
• Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) Fellowship: A three-month opportunity at POST. It is for PhD students working on food topics.
• The John Karkalas Award: Helps young food scientists in Scotland attend the IFST Scottish Branch Spring Symposium.
• The Ralph Blanchfield Award: Helps undergraduate food scientists attend the IFST Annual Spring Conference.
• Student Photographic Competition: A photo contest for students in South Wales and the West of England.

Quality Schemes

The Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) is a food safety program. It helps small food businesses sell their products to bigger buyers. IFST runs this program across the UK.

SALSA also has training for HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). This training helps small businesses. There are two courses: "Level 1 – HACCP awareness" and "Level 2 – HACCP understanding." People who finish these courses get a food industry qualification. IFST approves this qualification.

Through the Professional Food Sensory Group (PFSG), IFST approves sensory training courses. These courses teach about how we taste and feel food. They are for organizations that offer sensory training.

IFST has a list called the Register of Professional Food Auditors and Mentors (RPFAM). This list shows skilled people who can help food companies. It is for both members and non-members.

IFST also has a list of its members who can work as consultants. These people offer technical help to food companies. This list is available to the public on the IFST website.

Becoming a Member

People from all over the world can be IFST members. They come from different areas like food making, stores, universities, and government.

Types of Membership

Anyone who works in or is interested in food science can join. The rules for joining depend on the type of membership. To become a Member (MIFST) or Fellow (FIFST), you need a recognized degree or experience. You also need good comments from two people who know your work. Members must follow a Code of Professional Conduct.

There are three main types of membership:

• Associate
• Member (MIFST)
• Fellow (FIFST)

Students studying food science can join as an Associate member at a lower cost.

UK Local Branches

IFST has many local branches across the UK. These branches help members meet other members. They can also attend local meetings and activities. Each branch has its own committee. This committee plans events like conferences, talks, and competitions.

The local branches are:

• Scottish
• Northern Ireland
• North of England
• Midland
• South Eastern
• Eastern
• Western
• Wales

Career Growth

IFST offers many ways to grow in your career. Like other professional groups, IFST has a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program. This program encourages members to keep learning throughout their careers.

IFST can give the Chartered Scientist (CSci) title to food professionals. This is for Members and Fellows who meet high standards. It shows they are committed to ongoing learning.

IFST was also one of the first groups to offer the Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) title. This is also approved by the Science Council. IFST is one of the thirty-seven groups that are part of the Science Council.

Special Interest Groups

IFST has special interest groups. These groups help members with similar interests connect. They use online forums, newsletters, and meetings.

Current interest groups include:

• Food Consultancy
• Food Engineering
• Food Law
• Food Safety
• Food Sensory
• Nutrition and Health

See also

• Food Science
• Food Technology