BSc Food Science, South Bank University

Team Leader with Brent Council's Environmental Health Department

My degree course was a 4-year sandwich course with two 6-month industrial placements. The first was at Moir and Palgrave, Public Analysts, where I carried out microbiological and chemical testing of foods. The second placement was with RHM Foods in the technical department. Here I was involved in developing new products, shelf-life trials and sensory testing.

On qualifying I worked for a manufacturer of delicatessen products who supplied the major supermarkets. The job was varied involving supplier audits, development of systems to ensure that safe food is produced (HACCP) and dealing with consumer complaints.

Through this work I became interested in working in environmental health and went to work for Sevenoaks District Council as a food inspector, before moving on to Brent Council. At Brent I have been responsible for devising the sampling programme for the Borough, inspecting the larger businesses for foods standards and safety issues and dealing with food labelling. I am currently working as a Team Leader for food safety where I manage environmental health officers, food safety officers and technical officers. This involves the day-to-day management of the department, development of policy and issues arising centrally from the Food Standards Agency. The work is varied and challenging as there are public health concerns that need to be dealt with immediately. Brent Council has always recruited food technologists as they bring an expertise to food inspections of the larger manufacturers and importers, both in terms of food standards and food safety.

If you want to work in Environmental Health there are now prescribed qualifications and you will need to undertake further study.