Food processing is an emerging sector. Due to changing lifestyle, food habits, urbanization etc., the demand for processed and ready-to-eat food products are on the rise and the food processing industry is growing at a rapid pace. The continuous progress in the food sector has made food safety an equally important area of concern. The changing global patterns of food production, international trade, technological innovations, and awareness of health have created a huge demand for food safety and quality professionals. Food safety has become an area of priority and necessity for manufacturers, retailers, and regulators and consumers. Food safety and hygiene is of utmost importance for the food industry as it helps to protect the health of consumers from foodborne illnesses and food poisoning. In recent times, several reports on the prevalence of food-borne illnesses and food safety related incidences have led to the enactment and enforcement of science-based Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which has resulted in the requirement for a large number of qualified and trained workforce at different levels.

Keeping this in view, the School of Agriculture (SoA), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has conceptualized a first-of-its-kind Bachelor’s degree programme in the area of Food Safety and Quality Management in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The Bachelor’s degree programme in Food Safety and Quality Management is designed to cater to the educational needs of various stakeholders of food processing and food safety sectors.

Objectives:

• To generate human resources in the area of food safety and quality management;
• To enhance knowledge and skills in multi-disciplinary areas like food science, food processing and food safety; and
• To promote self-employment in food processing, food safety and food auditing.

Employment opportunities:

• Food safety team leader/ Supervisor/Manager in Food industry/hospitality institutions
• Technical Officer in Quality Control department
• Food safety officer/inspector in Regulatory bodies, Food Safety Department etc.
• Food Safety Auditor in certification and inspection bodies
• Trainer/Counsellor in training/counselling bodies.
• Member of supply chain management team in retail chain/ industry
• Self-Employment as certifying professionals, counsellor, trainer, auditor

10+2 with Science/Agriculture subjects

Rs. 6000/- per year plus Registration/Deveopment fee as applicable