Because food is a basic life necessity, it must be kept safe from contamination to prevent illness or infection. Food safety specialists are tasked with observing and testing food samples to ensure the integrity of products in order to protect the general population.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.