IFT CFS case studies

IFT CFS · Put your knowledge to work in context.

The Certified Food Scientist (CFS) was a professional credential administered in connection with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), aimed at food science practitioners who wanted to demonstrate breadth across the discipline rather than depth in a single commodity or function. According to IFT's own program page, the CFS program has been sunset, so the credential is no longer a route a new candidate can pursue; IFT directs anyone with questions about the program during this transition to the International Food Science Certification Commission (IFSCC) at [email protected]. The IFT CFS case studies are 5 cases and about 5,391 words.

Four Listeria Positives and 26,000 Pounds on Hold

You are the quality and food safety manager at a co-packer that produces deli-style chicken salad for three retail chains. The product is ready-to-eat, supports the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, and carries a 21-day shelf life.

1,077 words, about 5 min 2

Short Vent on Retort 3: 43,488 Cans of Low-Acid Soup

You are the food safety manager at a cannery producing 12-oz cans of chicken noodle soup, a low-acid product at pH 6.2 and water activity above 0.85. The scheduled process on file with FDA for still retort 3 specifies a vent of 8 minutes, a come-up of 6 minutes, and 24 minutes at 118.3°C (245°F).

1,070 words, about 5 min 3

Removing Red 40 from a Clear-Bottle Lemonade

You are the R&D lead for a beverage company formulating a 20-oz PET bottle of strawberry lemonade for school foodservice. The product is hot-filled at 92°C, has a pH of 3.4, carries a 9-month ambient shelf life, and is sold in a clear bottle with a clear shrink sleeve.

1,065 words, about 5 min 4

Nine Farm Lots, One Wash Line, and a 24-Hour Clock

You are the food safety and traceability lead at a fresh-cut processor. On one shift, the plant runs 9 lots of romaine from 6 growers through a single wash line and one packaging line over 8 hours.

1,095 words, about 5 min 5

Recyclable Tray Versus Four Percent Unsaleable Product

You are the sustainability manager for a frozen entrée brand. The current package is a polypropylene tray with a polyethylene lidding film.

1,084 words, about 5 min