How to Become a Food Inspector

If you're interested in food safety, becoming a food inspector might be the career for you. Food inspectors provide inspections of organizations that handle and prepare food, including restaurants, supermarkets and even slaughterhouses. Food inspectors make sure food producers meet proper guidelines to ensure food is safe for human consumption. If this sounds interesting to you, follow these steps to become a food inspector.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Obtain an undergraduate degree in food safety or a related field such as agriculture, biology or chemistry from an accredited college or university.

2. Take certification classes offered by your local bureau of food and meat inspection. Becoming certified in the area of food inspection looks great on your resume and helps you qualify for better-paying food inspector jobs.

3. Enroll in the USDA Inspection Training Program. Complete the necessary application, which you can download from the United Fresh Produce Association website. The program is available at both the introductory and senior levels.

4. List at least one year's experience in the food industry on your resume, particularly in an industry that processes and handles food. This is necessary if you haven't obtained at least a bachelor's degree in the fields listed in the first step.

5. Apply to companies and agencies seeking food inspectors. Both state and federal agencies employ food inspectors. Private food companies have jobs as well. Choose the path you feel is right for you.

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