Our Background

Food science and technology is a relatively young profession. Although single scientific disciplines, like chemistry and biology, had been applied to food from the mid-19th century onwards, it was not until the 1950s that 'food science and technology' became a subject in its own right. This led to the establishment of the National College of Food Technology in 1952 and the development of food science degree courses in four UK universities and one polytechnic.

At this time, leaders in the field realised that a new profession was in the making, with professional needs that could not be met either by existing scientific professional bodies or by any of the various learned and specialist societies with food interests. Foremost among these was the late Professor Denis Mounfield, the then Principal of the National College of Food Technology.

During the 1970s, IFST further developed its range of professional qualifications and activities and, in 1980, became a full member of the Council of Science and Technology Institutes (the predecessor to the Science Council). Since then the profession and IFST have gone from strength to strength with IFST becoming the leading qualifying body for food professionals in Europe embracing an international membership.

IFST continues to actively support the continuing professional development (CPD) of members and other food professionals, including the production in 2001 of a CPD CD Rom and a corporate accreditation scheme for Marks and Spencer's food technologists. In collaboration with the Food & Drink Federation, a CPD Guidance Document was issued jointly in 2006.

Since 2020, the Institute has undergone significant growth and expanded its influence across the UK food sector and internationally. The organisation strengthened its core mission of supporting food science professionals while responding agilely to evolving industry needs. In 2025, the Institute announced its petition for the Royal Charter had been successful. This kicked off the transition to become the Chartered Institute of Food Science and Technology, which is expected to be announced in 2026.