As part of NDU’s ambitious Food Safety Initiative with the Municipality of Jounieh, the Office of Student Affairs (SAO), in collaboration with the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences (FNHS), launched its first Food Safety Inspector Training on Saturday, November 8, 2025. This marks an important milestone in a community-driven project that extends well beyond academic learning.
The full-day training, led by Zeina Nakat, a leading Agri-Food Expert and Food Safety and Quality Lead Auditor, brought together 50 committed students majoring in Food Safety and Quality Management, Nutrition, Medical Laboratory Technology, Food and Beverage Management, and Hotel Management. Students responded enthusiastically, with one participant noting, “This was the most practical, motivating, and industry-relevant training we’ve had.” Another added, “We finally understand what professional inspection looks like on the ground.”
Following the training, students will be able to inspect food businesses across the Jounieh area using the Ministry of Public Health checklist. The municipality will facilitate permissions to ensure professional and smooth visits. Students were reminded that their work carries real societal impact and were commended for their commitment and responsibility to the initiative, which aims to:
- Strengthen local food institutions;
- Equip students with hands-on inspection skills;
- Support food businesses in improving their practices;
- Build a model that other municipalities can adopt.
This initiative builds on previous successful collaborations with the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Economy and Trade to assess and enhance food safety compliance. Under the guidance of Dr. Charbel Zgheib, Dean of Students; Dr. Maria Njaim, Assistant Professor and Head of the Community Service and Awareness Department; and Dr. Christelle Bou-Mitri, Associate Professor of Food Science, students will continue with a second session focused on completing surveys during their inspections.
Reflecting its core value of serving society, NDU is committed to improving community life—beginning in Jounieh—through high-quality education and professional partnerships, working hand-in-hand with students, faculty, and government entities toward a safer and more resilient food system.