Power
From the leaders of the FDA to the good people at companies like Nabisco and Oscar Mayer, food scientists do work that affects tons of peoples' daily lives, at least around mealtimes. Basically, food scientists develop and monitor the ingredients and practices that shape the quality and selection of the food we eat.
In a way, most of the power belongs to the consumer, because they're the ones who determine a product's popularity based on taste and nutrition preferences, and private companies are eternally seeking to develop the product that will be the most popular with the most people.
When it comes to food safety, "food justice," and other standards and practices, however, it is up to the food scientists and regulatory agencies to ensure that the private companies are meeting guidelines set by law. They also need to be working with governments to make sure that animal rights are protected.
Food scientists also work with agricultural researchers, charities, genetic engineers, and politicians to resolve global issues of hunger and starvation. It's an immense responsibility in this era of great change in the world economy and climate.
Of course, even if you play a highly important role in one of the big fights of food science, no one's going to be kneeling at your feet, or kissing your ring...so don't wear a crown to your day job. That would just freak out your coworkers.