SIFST was founded in 1977 as a non-profit scientific society with members working in food science, food technology and related professions in industry, academia and government. The Institute's mission is the furtherance of food science and technology through learning and interaction and collaboration between professionals in Singapore and worldwide, and has the following objectives:

*To promote the standing of the food profession and to maintain high ethical standards throughout the profession;

*To develop and maintain collaboration with other National and International bodies concerned with food science and technology;

*To promote the dissemination of knowledge and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas amongst members;

*To further the education and training of food scientists and technologists.

SIFST is a member of both the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST )and the Federation of Institute of Food Science and Technology in ASEAN (FIFSTA). SIFST is also an allied organization of the Institute of Food Technologists of USA and a co-operating society of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (UK).