In a first, IGNOU launches BSc food safety and quality management degree

NEW DELHI: The School of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has developed a first-of-its-kind degree programme in food safety, BSc Food Safety and Quality Management (BSCFFSQM). The course will be offered from the July 2024 session.

IGNOU will be the first university to provide a bachelor's degree programme in food safety and quality management, making it a unique endeavour. The curriculum of the BSc programme has been developed to meet the educational needs of different food processing and food safety industry stakeholders.

The major aim of the programme is to generate competent human resources in the area of food safety and quality management, enhance knowledge and skills in multi-disciplinary areas like food science, food processing and food safety; and promote self-employment in food processing, food safety and food auditing.

The minimum duration of the programme is three years under the Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP). However, the candidate will have the flexibility of completing the programme within eight years’ time. Students who have qualified Class 12 with science or agriculture subject or its equivalent will be eligible.

Course curriculum

This programme includes a comprehensive set of courses designed to equip learners with a broad range of discipline specific courses (DSC), minor discipline specific courses, vocational, ability enhancement courses, interdisciplinary courses, skill enhancement courses or internship or dissertation, internship, dissertation, value-added, and research courses.

Discipline specific courses cover food science and food safety, food chemistry and nutrition, food microbiology and toxicology, post-harvest management of food produce, food safety and quality assurance, processing of agricultural produce, processing of animal produce, food safety and quality management system, food safety laws and regulations.

Job opportunities

• Candidates who complete the programme can grab job opportunities as:
• Food safety team leader or member in food industry or hospitality institutions
• Food safety officer or inspector in regulatory bodies
• Auditor in certification and inspection bodies
• Trainer or counsellor in training or counselling bodies.
• Member of supply chain management team in retail chain or industry
• Self-employment as certifying professionals, counselor, trainer, auditor