DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOOD-MICROSCOPIST

This paper describes the processes through which the food microscopist develops his/her skills. It is based around a framework of Shakespear e's seven ages of man. The first stage is learning about equipment: ho w it works and how not to abuse it. Next, attention turns to how to pr epare samples for examination whilst maintaining the validity of the o bservations and avoiding damage to the instrument. The ''Lover'' is th e time at which an understanding of the basic structures of food produ cts is gained and the ''Soldier'' starts to interpret these structures in terms of the performance of the food-stuff. Next, the interpretati on must be negotiated with food technologists in order to influence th e processes of manufacture. The sixth age sees a more managerial overv iew of food microscopy. The final challenge is to avoid the near obliv ion of Shakespeare's last scene of all!