The Department of Food Science and Nutrition, S.N.D.T. Women’s University was established in 1962. Since its inception it has concentrated on vital issues in nutrition, health and food science, through its academics, research, training and extension. The Department is making constantly working to impart quality education for developing skilled professionals in the fields of Food Science and Nutrition, with focus on Public Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, Medical Nutrition Management, Food Science, Food Processing, Food Safety and Quality, Product Development, Functional Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics in Ayurveda, Exercise, Sports and Fitness among others. The Department serves as a resource and provides technical inputs to other colleges and universities as well as national bodies. Besides this it provides and shares expertise at different hierarchal levels in various related sectors in Maharashtra state and elsewhere from the grassroots upto administration level and is involved in public nutrition efforts of the State, UNICEF and several non-governmental organizations.

The academic programmes are aimed at preparing students to fulfil multifarious roles required of a Nutritionist/Medical Nutrition Therapist/Food Scientist/Entrepreneur/Researcher in the various professional arenas. The programmes prepare the students through theory, practical work and internship to understand, integrate and apply the knowledge gained in different settings. Experts/professional from relevant fields are involved in teaching. There is emphasis on independent study,seminars, practicals, project work and extension work. Field visits and exposure visits are organized for students.Research is an important component and students are required to undertake independent or joint research projects. Students are trained for presentations, seminars and scientific writing. Value added courses are offered to students for capacity building. Internship is an integral part of the programme in order to provide opportunities for application of academic learning. Students are placed in various industries, reputed national institutions, hospitals, fitness centres, voluntary and government organizations.

The department works in collaboration with numerous academic and research institutions/organizations such as IIT- Mumbai. NCL Pune; BARC, Anna University, SIES School of Packaging, CIFE, DAE Inter University Consortium, Kolkata, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, Bhavan’s Microbiology Research Centre, Kasturba Health Society, Indian Institute of Packaging, Bombay Veterinary College, ICT-Mumbai, CLI-Mumbai, UNICEF. It also works in collaboration with several industries, hospitals and voluntary organizations. The department’s contribution in the area of maternal and child nutrition is well recognized by UNICEF and State Government.

Alumni of the department are well placed in numerous academic and research institutions not only in India but also in several institutions in the U.S and other countries, in several industries and voluntary organizations both national and international. The faculty members are intensively involved in research and have undertaken several research projects sponsored by government agencies, bilateral agencies as well as industries.