Food consultant

What does a food safety consultant do? – Tasks and work environment

A food safety consultant works with advising, supervision, and training in food safety, nutrition, and quality. The role often involves assessing and inspecting food handling at companies, restaurants, or public institutions, with a focus on ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. Tasks include inspections, information campaigns, investigations, and documentation. The environment is diverse; work takes place both in offices and on-site visits, requiring flexibility and good communication skills. Collaboration with authorities, companies, and the public is common.

Salary development over time

The salary for food safety consultants has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,000 SEK per month, increasing to 39 900 in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 41 000, which corresponds to an approximately 8% increase over three years. This development reflects a continued demand for expertise in food safety and environmental issues, where increased quality control and supervision requirements have contributed to a gradually higher salary level. Salary increases have been relatively evenly distributed, with no major gender pay gaps, although men tend to earn slightly higher wages on average. The trend indicates stabilization at a higher level, linked to market needs and regulatory changes in food handling.

Food safety consultant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,000 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-university education)
• Highest salary: 48,700 SEK/month (male, private sector, employed)
• Highest salary women: 48,100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary women: 38,200 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 246 SEK
• Men: 41 800 SEK/month
• Women: 40 700 SEK/month
• Women earn: 97% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a food safety consultant, a university degree in areas such as food technology, nutrition, environmental health, or similar is typically required. It is common to combine theoretical studies with practical training to gain a broad understanding of regulations and practical tasks. Many employers also value experience in supervision or advising within the food sector.

• Formal education: Bachelor's degree (3 years) in food science, environmental health, nutrition, or similar
• Certifications: Courses in food safety, HACCP, and quality assurance are advantageous
• Practical experience: Internships or trainee positions during studies are recommended
• Prerequisites: Eligibility for university studies and interest in science subjects
• Tips for choosing: Combine education with extra courses or projects in food and environment

Common benefits and compensations

Food safety consultants are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Pension schemes and extra vacation days are particularly common in the public sector. Other benefits include travel allowances and access to work tools such as mobile phones and computers.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a food safety consultant is considered moderate, with a stable number of job openings and a relatively balanced recruitment situation nationally. Challenges in the profession include keeping up-to-date with changing regulations and handling complex cases where different interests must be balanced. Clear communication, both written and verbal, is crucial for success. The profession also requires precision and integrity, especially during inspections and reporting. Digitalization and new working methods increase demands for flexibility and continuous skill development.

Tips for those wanting to become a food safety consultant

To succeed as a food safety consultant, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in food and public health. Seeking internships in supervision or advising during studies is wise to build experience and networks. Good communication skills are essential, as the job often involves explaining complex regulations understandably. Being solution-oriented and flexible facilitates interactions with both companies and authorities. Accuracy in documentation and reporting is important, and teamwork skills ease work in cross-functional teams. Engagement in sustainability and ongoing professional development are also valued qualities in the industry.

Key facts about food safety consultants

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in food science, environmental health, or nutrition
• Work environment: Alternates between office and fieldwork
• Job market: Moderate opportunities, 143 job openings
• Gender distribution: Women earn 97% of men's salaries
• Special skills: Food safety, legislation, advising

Career paths and future outlook

After 3–5 years as a food safety consultant, there are good opportunities to advance to senior roles such as team leader, project manager, or specialist in food safety and environmental issues. Some choose to further their education in leadership or deepen their expertise in areas like nutrition or quality management. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for environmental and health inspectors, where the profession is included, the job market is balanced with moderate opportunities nationwide. Demand is expected to be unchanged over the next five years, providing stable prospects. Digitalization and increased awareness of public health may gradually change the work content and create new career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about food safety consultants

• What is the average salary of a food safety consultant?
  - A food safety consultant has an average salary of 41 000 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a food safety consultant?
  - Usually, a bachelor's degree in food science, environmental health, nutrition, or equivalent.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of men's salaries in the profession.
• What are the future prospects for food safety consultants?
  - The job market is assessed to have moderate opportunities, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a food safety consultant?
  - The highest salary is 48,700 SEK and the lowest is 34,000 SEK per month.
• What is the work environment like for food safety consultants?
  - The work environment is varied, alternating between office work and site visits to companies and facilities.
• What benefits are common in the profession?
  - Common benefits include flexible working hours, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development.