Food science and technology – Varastegan Institute for medical sciences

Introduction to Food Science and Technology (Quality Control and Hygiene Concentration)

The history of this field dates back to 1961 when the Institute of Food and Nutrition of Iran (now renamed as the National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute) began offering undergraduate courses in Nutrition and Food Chemistry. In 1963, the Food Science and Engineering Department at the College of Agriculture, University of Tehran, became the first educational group dedicated to food industries under the Ministry of Science. In 2007, the Ministry of Health established this specific concentration to train specialists in quality control and food hygiene.

What is this field about?

This program equips students to assess the microbial, chemical, and physical quality of food. It focuses particularly on hygiene management from farm to consumer.

Who is this field suitable for?

It is ideal for individuals with interests in chemistry, biology, and mathematics, and those who enjoy laboratory work, pay attention to details, and have strong teamwork and physical stamina.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates can work as:

Experts in the national food system: Advising on food safety and health regulations, drafting policies, and monitoring food contamination.

Technical supervisors in production units: Overseeing raw material quality, production processes, and food formulations.

Researchers or educators in food labs: Conducting analyses, comparing products to regulations, and guiding product improvements.

Entrepreneurs: Establishing food factories or quality control labs

Potential employers include organizations like the Ministry of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Pasteur Institute of Iran, National Standards Organization, and others.

Core Courses Graduate Studies Affiliation

Basic Sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Computer Basics.
Food Industry Courses: Food Microbiology, Toxicology, Food Preservation Methods, and Safety.
Specialized Courses: Food Quality Control, Process Effects, and various food industries like cereals, meat, dairy, and packaging.

Prominent universities, including Shahid Beheshti Medical University and Tabriz Medical University, offer programs in this field for higher education.

Department of Food Science and Technology, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.