We all are aware that with the increasing population consumption and decreasing the arrival area the gap in demand and supply of consumable items like food processed food and milk products has been increasing with every passing day. Even some data shows that surprisingly consumption of milk in India is much more than its estimated production and it is not only in the case of milk. There are so many other consumable products whose production is less than its consumption. So from where this extra milk and other things are being consumed. There is no doubt that their duplicates have been prepared and some Anti Social elements are playing with the help of human beings. With increasing awareness and will to curb this menace State and Central Governments along with the other food processing and management, Organizations need some specialists and those specialists are Food Inspector. So let's discuss an exciting career option which is food inspector. So in this article you will get to know all about the basic details of a food inspector like who is a food inspector, what are the eligibility conditions required to become a Food Inspector, what are the skills required to be a food inspector, how to become a food inspector, what are the career prospects of a Food Inspector and much more.
Who is a Food Inspector?
A Food Inspector is an officer who examines food items. There is a food inspector in every district. He checks the food items in the food stores of his district. The Food Inspector regularly checks all the shops or warehouses selling food items in his district to ensure that the food items being sold there are of good quality or not. The Food Inspector also checks the ration distribution shop in your district where you are given food grains at low prices on your ration card. They regularly check those shops and make sure that the respect people are being given in those shops is not adulterated. Apart from this, the Food Inspector regularly checks all the government schools in his district to ensure that the children studying in the school are getting good quality food or not. Food Inspectors regularly inspect all the food manufacturing factories and all the food distributors in their district and check whether these factories and distributors are fully taking care of the safety standards and hygiene standards or not. If any type of problem is found in this, then their license is canceled.
Role of Food Inspector
The Food Inspector's role is to check the quality of our food materials. Usually a Food Inspector is a government official who is accountable for guaranteeing the nature of food items served to the overall population. Food Inspectors monitor and keep close vigilance on food processors, producers and distributors for violation of safety and sanitation. They are liable for ensuring the hygiene of premises where food items are prepared or served. Food Inspectors examine Malpractices conducted by big and small players in the food and beverages industry, make a spare move against the organization or individual who violate the public guidelines and set up the measures to guarantee such services meet the given guidance.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have a graduation/ bachelor's degree of at least 3 years in any field from a recognised University to apply for food inspector exams. Some State and Central Government organizations may demand a Bachelor's Degree in science stream with chemistry or other related subjects as a mandatory subject. The age limit is generally between 21 to 42 years. It depends on different exams conducted by the State Government and Central Government.
Skills Required for Food Inspector
Candidate should be physically fit so that he or she may be able to complete field work. Good sight should be there to check food quality by inspection and smell and he should be efficient to recognise its color and odor. The candidate must be physically and physiologically prepared to work in an unhealthy environment. Must have the ability of coordination and management of personnel. The candidate must have deep knowledge of laws and legal codes required to perform his or her duties effectively.
How to Become a Food Inspector?
If you really want to become a food inspector then you have to take this decision at an early stage of your career path. The first step that you have to take is to clear your 12th class preferably with science subjects like chemistry, agriculture or related subjects etc with an aggregate of 50% of marks or equivalent from a recognised board. After that you need to achieve the basic required educational qualification to be able to give the food inspector exam which is Bachelor's Degree in their related subjects. Once you have completed your bachelor's degree you need to clear the recruitment test taken by various State and Central Government agencies like Punjab Food Inspector Exam taken by Punjab Staff Selection Commission and All India Food Inspector Exam taken by UPSC etc.
Career Prospects
Food Inspectors are required in both government and private organizations. The demand for food inspectors is growing day by day in India. Food inspectors who are appointed in Government services have a great career such as working in the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA). The starting salary of a Food Inspector ranges between 35-40k. With experience, a Food Inspector earns an average salary ranging between Rs.1.5 Lakhs to 10 Lakhs annually. After Food Inspector you will also be promoted into food safety manager or director, regulatory affairs or quality assurance manager.
Conclusion
Food inspector plays an important role in food safety, quality of food, sanitation and hygiene of food products in India. In this article, we have discussed about the basic details of a food inspector like who is a food inspector, what are the eligibility conditions required to become a Food Inspector, what are the skills required to be a food inspector, how to become a food inspector, what are the career prospects of a Food Inspector and much more. For more updates follow our website Sarkari Set.
How to Become a Food Inspector in India? - FAQs
Q. Who is a Food Inspector?
A Food Inspector is an officer who analyzes the quality of food, sanitation and hygiene of food products, checks food safety protocols at any food organization or restaurants or hotels and reports its quality. The Food Inspector also checks the ration distribution shop in your district where you are given food grains at low prices on your ration card.
Q. How much does a food inspector earn in India?
Food Inspectors are required in both government and private organizations that provide a good salary package. Food Inspector earns an average salary ranging between Rs.1.5 Lakhs to 10 Lakhs annually.
Q. What are the eligibility criteria to become a Food Inspector in India?
Candidates must have a graduation/ bachelor's degree of at least 3 years in any field from a recognised University to apply for food inspector exams. The age limit is generally between 21 to 42 years. It depends on different exams conducted by the State Government and Central Government.
Q. How can I become a Food Inspector in India?
You can become a Food Inspector in India by clearing the All India Food Inspector Exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Before that you have to pass Graduation or bachelor's degree in popular science subjects such as BSc in Agriculture, BSc in Food Science, BSc in Chemistry, BSc in Horticulture, BTech in Food Technology, BTech in Biotechnology Engineering, BTech in Agriculture Engineering and Technology.
Q. What is the job profile for a Food Inspector?
Food Inspectors are appointed in both government organizations like the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) and private organizations such as food manufacturers, processors and retailers, non-governmental organizations, consulting firms etc.