Doha, 24 Feb 2026

The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, has introduced the 'Young Inspector' initiative as part of their shared commitment to promoting a stronger culture of food safety within the community, particularly among school students.

The initiative is designed to deepen students’ understanding of food safety concepts through a comprehensive awareness plan that features a variety of educational activities tailored to different age groups and academic levels. By combining learning with practical engagement, the programme seeks to make food safety knowledge both accessible and meaningful for students.

A key feature of the “Young Inspector” initiative is a series of field-based awareness activities. Selected students took part in guided inspection visits to food factories, where they were given first-hand insight into how food safety standards are applied in real industrial settings. These visits helped students understand the role of health inspectors, the importance of preventing contamination before it occurs, and the critical need for proper hygiene practices to safeguard public health.

The initiative also included four awareness workshops held in primary schools. These sessions delivered simplified, age-appropriate presentations on food safety basics, complemented by interactive activities designed to actively engage children. Students were also involved in inspecting their school canteens, an exercise that encouraged them to apply what they had learned. Through these activities, students gained practical knowledge about preventing foodborne illnesses, developed healthy habits from an early age, and strengthened their sense of responsibility for maintaining food safety both at school and at home.

As part of the programme’s scientific component, the Food Safety Department organised educational visits to the Ministry’s food safety laboratories. During these visits, students were introduced to laboratory testing procedures, learned about common food-related risks, and explored how laboratory analyses contribute to the early detection of contaminants and the overall assurance of food safety.

The Ministry of Public Health emphasised that the initiative aligns with its broader strategy to enhance health awareness among students and to nurture a well-informed generation that understands its responsibilities toward food safety. By linking theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience under the guidance of health inspection and food safety specialists, the programme aims to create a lasting impact.

The Ministry also expressed appreciation for the close cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, as well as the valuable support of private sector partners. It highlighted that strong collaboration between government entities and the private sector is essential to advancing national awareness initiatives and achieving sustainable health development goals.