Newswise — North Ryde, NSW, Australia and Chicago, IL, USA – The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) and the Institute of Food Technologists announced today that AIFST will endorse and promote the Certified Food Scientist (CFS) certification to food professionals in Australia.

The CFS program is a first-of-its-kind certification for food professionals worldwide and is designed to meet the International Standards Organization (ISO) 17024 standard for personnel certification programs. The CFS program is governed by the International Food Science Certification Commission (IFSCC).

“This partnership underscores the global nature and importance of the Certified Food Science credential to the food science profession” said Kurt Buckman, CFS, who currently serves as the International Food Science Certification Commission Chair. “We look forward to working with AIFST and the exceptional food scientists in Australia as the program continues to grow worldwide”.

The purpose of the Certified Food Scientist certification is to:• Assess the applied knowledge and skills of food scientists• Assure consumers that food scientists have demonstrated the knowledge essential to their job role/function• Help employers, practitioners and the public identify individuals with certain knowledge and skills• Raise the visibility and credibility of the food science profession through a certification program• Promote lifelong learning related to the food science profession

There are more than 1,550 Certified Food Scientists from 55 countries around the world. These CFS credential holders play important roles in food science, industry, academia and government, among other areas. For professionals working in the food science field, obtaining the CFS credential enables them to demonstrate their application of fundamental science knowledge to the food sector. Food professionals with degrees in food science and related fields are eligible to apply for the exam. Earning the CFS requires meeting certain educational and work history requirements, and passing a rigorous exam at any of the nearly 5,000 testing centers worldwide, 45 of which are located in Australia.

“The CFS provides important credentials and international recognition,” said AIFST President Anne Astin. “We’re keen to provide Australian food professionals the opportunity to join this important group of industry leaders.”

About IFTThis year marks the 75th anniversary of the Institute of Food Technologists. Since its founding in 1939, IFT has been committed to advancing the science of food, both today and tomorrow. The non-profit scientific society—with more than 18,000 members from more than 100 countries—brings together food scientists, technologists and related professions from academia, government and industry. For more information, please visit ift.org.

About AIFSTFounded in 1967 the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) is the leading independent qualifying body for food professionals in Australia and the only professional body in Australia concerned with all aspects of food science and technology. As a registered not for profit organization, it is independent of government, industry, lobby or special interest groups. For more information, please visit http://www.aifst.asn.au/