Doha, Qatar – The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) is marking World Food Safety Day, observed annually on June 7, with a series of educational initiatives and events under the global slogan, “Food Safety is Everyone’s Business.” This year’s theme, “Food Safety – Science in Action,” underscores the essential role of science in shaping policies and practices that safeguard public health.
Through an extensive awareness campaign across social media platforms, MoPH aims to inform the public about the importance of safe food practices and to promote habits that help reduce exposure to foodborne risks.
Wasan Abdulla Al Baker, Director of the Food Safety Department at MoPH, stated, “Qatar continues to enhance its food safety efforts, recognizing that food cannot be considered safe unless it meets stringent safety standards. Food safety is a cornerstone of food security.”
Al Baker highlighted that food safety is key to preventing foodborne illnesses and that World Food Safety Day serves as a powerful platform for educating the public and raising awareness on effective prevention strategies. She also stressed that responsibility for food safety spans the entire supply chain — from producers and suppliers to consumers.
The Ministry’s Food Safety Department has made significant strides in adopting a science-driven approach, focusing on capacity-building for risk assessment and data-led response mechanisms to food safety incidents. These efforts are enabling swift, evidence-based interventions in case of potential food hazards.
An internal scientific research team has also been established within the department to set food safety research priorities, oversee the execution of critical studies, and align findings with the Ministry’s broader vision.
World Food Safety Day serves as a reminder that protecting public health requires coordinated action across sectors and society, with science as the guiding force behind every step — from farm to fork.