WHAT IS FOOD TECHNOLOGY?
Welcome to the Food Technology page! Do you know what food technology is though? Many people are under the misconception that in food technology we either teach our students how to cook, or how to plan diets. This is very far from the truth, since food technology is about the science behind the manufacturing of food products on industrial scale. It incorporates many disciplines such as food microbiology, food chemistry and food engineering. Food technologists fulfil important positions in food manufacturing companies such as quality control, production management and new product development. We pride ourselves on the fact that our students are competently prepared for this exciting career and that they are well sought after in the food industry.
Mission
To equip students with skills and knowledge of a wide range of areas related to Food Science and Technology. This will include food production, food chemistry, food quality assurance, food microbiology, food process engineering, food technology and basic research skills.
Goal
- To produce Food Technologists with the ability to apply the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to serve the food industry.
- To produce highly sought after Food Technologists.
Staff
- Highly qualified staff
- Specialist Food Science and Technology lecturers with PhD's and MSc's.
Facilities
- Fully-equipped microbiology and food chemistry laboratories
- Well-equipped Food Processing Facility in which the following products can be manufactured:
- Dairy products including yoghurt and various cheeses
- Ice-cream and other frozen products
- Processed meat products
- Baked products
- Canned foods
- Jams and sauces
- Dry powder and other dehydrated products
Research
- Collaborative research area within the field of Mycotoxins
- Research presented at Conferences and published in accredited Journals
- Bursaries available for full-time MTech students who apply in time
Other
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All theory is supported with practical experience including practical sessions, visits to relevant industries and lectures/demonstration by specialist guest lecturers
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Contact with Alumni of the Food Technology programme is actively encouraged. Alumni act as guest demonstrators during practical sessions and as tour guides on visits to industry
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Active liaison with the Food Science Department of University of Pretoria, Department of Food Technology and Biotechnology of TUT and CSIR, especially with regard to use of food processing equipment
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Joint student presentation of innovative food products developed by 3rd-year students at the end of each year hosted by the professional body SAAFoST (South African Association for Food Science and Technology). This is done together with Food Science Department of University of Pretoria and Department of Food Technology and Biotechnology of TUT