Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST)

Last week we brought together students from Teesside University, Northumbria University, and Newcastle University for a packed day of inspiration, networking, and career-building in the food sector! 🍎 Key Highlights💡: - Insights on early careers and standing out during recruitment. - A networking lunch, sponsored by Raynor Foods Ltd, where students met professionals from companies, including Co-op, Asda, The Compleat Food Group, Premier Foods, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Quorn Foods, Seafish, First Milk, and Marks and Spencer. - A behind-the-scenes virtual factory tour of Raynor Foods Ltd Sandwich Factory showcasing innovation in action. Thank you to Raynor Foods Ltd, Teesside University, our speakers, mentors, and students for making this event successful. If you’re considering a career in the food system, don’t miss out on our future Student Launchpad events. Stay tuned for more opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive.🌳 Ann Wilson Anna Woodbridge Angus Meikle Beth Hornsby RNutr Chathumi Maduwage Claire White-McKay Deborah Kotulla Gill Dando Geoff Bryant Ivan Bartolo Jasmine Forster Marissa Schwoch Phil Bowen Sarah Morten Stephen French Tim Finnigan #IFSTLaunchPad #Networking #FoodCareers

Last Tuesday, we gathered at the University of Reading for the Professional Food Science, Engineering and Technology (ProFSET) Food Workshops 2024, and dive into two big topics shaping the future of food: 1. Providing an Informed Voice for External Influence 🗣️ We explored how technology and collaboration can drive innovation and growth across the food system. From carbon calculators to water conservation, healthier food options, and fast-tracking regulations, the discussions were buzzing with ideas to make a real impact. 2. Promoting the Food Industry as an Exciting Career Path 🎓 How can we inspire the next generation? By getting food into STEM subjects, showing off the amazing career opportunities, and building strong support for education and training. We wrapped up with a tour of RSSL, giving a glimpse into the incredible work happening behind the scenes in food science. Huge thanks to Stella Peace (Innovate UK Interim Executive Chair) and all participants, including representatives from Institute of Physics, Institute of Brewing & Distilling, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), The Institution of Agricultural Engineers, Royal Society of Chemistry, Society of Dairy Technology, The Nutrition Society, Applied Microbiology International who made the day so engaging. It’s always inspiring to see what we can achieve together. #ProFSET2024 #FoodInnovation #STEMCareers #FoodScience #FoodTechnology

Last week, we held our Student Launchpad in Northern Ireland at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect over 60 students from Ulster University, Queen's University Belfast, and CAFRE - College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise with leaders in the food system. We’d like to extend our gratitude to our mentors from Leprino Foods UK and EU, Food Standards Agency (FSA), Finnebrogue, Tayto Group Limited, Mash Direct, Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association - NIFDA, UCD Institute of Food and Health, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Little Caesars Pizza for their insights and support. Thank you to all the students who participated and engaged in sessions on career advice, networking, and skill-building exercises. A special shoutout to Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute and Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association - NIFDA for hosting and sponsoring this impactful event. Declan Lavery Julie Hetherington Lauren Devine Melissa Mackey Michael Bell OBE Nicolae C. Rachael Cummings ANutr Samantha Turkington Siobhan Madden Victoria King Aidan Little Fiona Gilchrist #IFSTLaunchPad #Networking #Careers

Thanksgiving dinner might be over, but the leftovers are the gift that keeps on giving. To safely enjoy them while saving energy, remember to reheat them thoroughly so they are piping hot (above 70°C) before eating. If you are reheating through a microwave, stir food midway and cover it to heat evenly.🦃 Want to know why heating food is vital for safety and flavour? 🍳 Check out this fact sheet on the Safe Heating of Food: https://buff.ly/3jep0FY 🔗

What an amazing day at The National School & College Leaver Festivals ! We had a blast connecting with enthusiastic GCSE and Sixth Form students and sharing the exciting world of Food Science, Technology, and the wider food system. From our interactive popcorn-popping demo (and, of course, fresh popcorn!) to insightful career tips, it was a day full of energy and inspiration. 🌱🍿 A big thank you to Renee O. for capturing the essence of the event in this video and to our brilliant student volunteers from University of Leeds for making it all come together. 💡🌍 We hope we sparked curiosity and encouraged some future food scientists and technologists to join this incredible industry. Can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make! 🌟 #NSCLFest #FoodScience #FoodTechnology #FoodCareers

📄 Stay Informed with IFST Information Statements: Expert Insights on Critical Food Science Topics Each IFST Information Statement, developed and peer-reviewed by scientific experts, provides a clear, reliable summary of the latest scientific and regulatory developments on essential food science issues. These statements are valuable resources for staying up-to-date on evolving topics and industry standards. Featured Statement: Foodborne Viruses – Viral infections are a major cause of global gastroenteritis, with norovirus, hepatitis A, and hepatitis E representing the most significant foodborne threats. Learn more about viral transmission, food contamination risks, and the essential practices for managing foodborne viruses. 🔍 Other Topics Include: - Food Authenticity Testing - Dioxins in Food and Feed - Stevia as a Natural Sweetener - Dietary Fibre Insights and more These statements help clarify complex issues with scientifically rigorous, non-biased information—perfect for industry professionals, researchers, and the scientifically curious. 👉 Explore more at: https://buff.ly/2LFJOmx

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂 Today we celebrate a feast filled with gratitude! From the iconic roasted turkey to creamy mashed potatoes, Thanksgiving is a day to appreciate the harvest and the flavours of autumn. What's on your plate this Thanksgiving? 🥧 Fun fact: If Brussels sprouts are definitely not on your plate, you might be able to blame your genes! Some people have a variant gene called TAS2R38, which makes them sensitive to bitter compounds in Brussels sprouts. So, if they’re not your thing, it might just be all in your genes! 🧬✨ #ThanksgivingDinner #FoodTraditions #FoodScience

The IFE Manufacturing Ingredients Awards are back! 🏆 This prestigious event celebrates the groundbreaking innovations shaping the future of food and drink. With five exciting award categories and the coveted 'Innovation of the Year' title, this is your chance to showcase your achievements in creating safe, sustainable, nutritious, and consumer-delighting products. Entry Deadline: Friday 10th January 2025, 5 PM ⏳ Award Categories include: - New Technologies in Ingredient Applications - Achieving Sustainable Solutions - New Ingredient Launch from a Start-up - Simplified Ingredient Lists for Clean Labels - Innovative Solutions for Nutritious Foods Introducing our judges... - Delia Baban FIFST, Food Safety Consultant and Trainer, DBFS Services - Irina Beale FIFST RFoodSP, Group Head of Technical, The Restaurant Group - Carole Bingley, Technical Specialist, RSSL - Mhairi Forbes, Senior Technical Manager, ISB, Grocery and Non Food, Marks and Spencer - Sheila Küpsch CSci, Research and Innovation Manager, TWININGS & CO and Co. - Ian Noble, VP Research and Analytical Sciences, Mondelēz International  - Kirsty Pourshahidi, Senior Lecturer in Food Science and Technology, Ulster University - Paul Sheldrake D.Phil, FIFST, MRSC, Group Application and Technical Director, Healy Group - Richard Werran, Global Director Food and Retail, BSI An expert judging panel, including IFST members, will select the top entries in each category. The winners will be celebrated at the awards ceremony during IFE Manufacturing in March 2025 at the ExCeL Centre in London. 🔗Learn more about how to enter here: https://lnkd.in/ejaMGCAE

IFST Scotland Branch Chair Rachel Mirfattahi is with Scientific Policy Director Stephen French and Senior Communications Manager Robert Edge-Partington for Science and the Parliament at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Drawing on Scotland’s proud history of innovation and excellence in STEM, today’s event is focussed on the Future of STEM in Scotland. Food science and food technology have a central role to play in the future of STEM in Scotland - it’s a real pleasure to represent the food system at this event. If you’re at the event, come and meet our team, and learn more about how we can work together!