The Department of Human Nutrition at Qatar University (QU) organized a special event to celebrate World Food Safety Day, an annual campaign organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to raise awareness about the importance of food safety and its impact on our health. The event witnessed the participation of a large number of government agencies and private institutions concerned with food safety.

The event, titled “Preparing for the Unexpected,” emphasized the critical role of preparedness in ensuring food safety as well as QU's ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of food safety and the quality of the country's food supply. Representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Mazzraty, Widam, Dr. Food, and Boecker attended the event.

The event also honored the first batch of students who completed their sub-specialization in food safety, highlighting the important role played by the university in qualifying specialized cadres in this vital field.

Dr. Shaikha Al-Zeyara, Environmental Health and Food Safety Advisor at the Food Safety Department at the Ministry of Public Health, emphasized the importance of the food safety sub-specialization program for the state of Qatar. Dr. Al-Zeyara noted its vital role in providing graduates with the skills needed to ensure public health and open up career opportunities in ministries, health institutions, schools, food establishments, agriculture, and more.

In their statements, Mr. Abdulrahman Hamad Al Mana, Chairman of the National Agricultural and Animal Production Group Mazzraty, and Mr. Saad Mohammed Al Mana, Business Development Manager at Al Mana Group, emphasized the importance of scientific research, social sharing, and promoting healthy food to ensure food safety. They believe that focusing on scientific research drives innovation, while social sharing fosters awareness and collective accountability. Additionally, their focus on nutritional guidelines helps guide healthy food choices and safeguard food systems. Besides, Mazzraty takes pride in its commitment to these principles and its role in ensuring food safety.
Ms. Amal Essa, Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist at Wadam Foods, said: “We're thrilled to participate in Qatar University's students celebration for World Food Safety Day, and we embrace ongoing collaboration with universities and schools, supporting educational projects in the food industry. Proudly upholding top food safety standards, we hold ISO 22000 and 9001 certifications. Our goal is to deliver superior food quality to our community.”

Ms. Hala Makhoul, Food Safety Manager at Boecker, emphasized the importance of commitment to social responsibility and stated, “In alignment with its core values of social responsibility and commitment to global well-being, Boecker® Public Safety, the largest public health company, proudly participated in the World Food Safety Day organized by Qatar University. World Food Safety Day serves as a reminder of the critical importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of the global food supply chain.”

The event also saw the announcement of the winners of the Food Safety Video Competition for students majoring in Human Nutrition and Food Safety, reflecting the students' commitment to actively participate in spreading awareness of the importance of food safety in the community.

The event reflects the commitment of the university and related companies and organizations to continuously work towards enhancing food safety and quality and highlights the joint efforts to ensure the provision of healthy and safe food to the community.