IFT announces new partnership to bring CFS certification to CIFST members

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) today announced a new partnership with the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) that brings the Certified Food Scientist (CFS) certification to CIFST members. This partnership will expand the impact of the CFS program by providing 1,200 CIFST members involved in food science and technology with a new opportunity to differentiate their work experience in the global marketplace.

With now more than 1,000 food scientists from around the world officially certified, the certification program acknowledges the applied skills of food scientists, complements both academic and work experience, and ultimately, helps demonstrate the professions' commitment to safe, nutritious and plentiful food for consumers.

Through the CFS program, food scientists will now be formally recognized for their experience and expertise by the International Food Science Certification Commission (IFSCC), an independent third-party organization that oversees the governance and policy-making efforts for credentialing activities. Members of the commission include those from China, India, United States and Canada. Professionals from 42 countries participated in the practice analysis that was used to design the exam in order to represent important and frequently used knowledge and skills on a global level.

This certification will help distinguish food scientists throughout their professional careers and raise visibility on the important impact of the profession. The credential will also assist employers by creating a new way to identify, hire and retain the best talent, and to continue to meet the ongoing demand for knowledgeable food scientists throughout the international food system.

"We are pleased that CIFST is the inaugural organizational partner to endorse this first-of-its-kind certification for food scientists," said IFT Executive Vice President Barbara Byrd Keenan. "This new partnership complements the goals of each of our organizations and our collective commitment to advancing the impact of food science and technology through lifelong career development opportunities for food professionals."

"I am honoured to represent CIFST and serve on the inaugural International Food Science Certification Commission," said Dr. Jim Smith, past president of CIFST from 2007 to 2009. "This will ensure that CIFST's values contribute to the implementation of the CFS Program on behalf of CIFST members and other food science professionals globally."