Move to limit sugar, salt and fat in food is latest step in UAE drive to boost nation's health
The move to cut the amount of sodium, sugar and fat in packaged foods is the latest in a range of policies the UAE has introduced to promote healthier diets and tackle lifestyle-related diseases. The new rules, approved on Tuesday, affect packaged foods sold in the Emirates, whether locally manufactured or imported. The caps on levels of sodium, sugar and fat will be introduced in phases, with…
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is implementing new regulations to limit the sodium, sugar, and fat content in packaged foods, aiming to enhance the nation's overall health. These measures, approved on Tuesday, apply to both locally made and imported packaged foods sold in the Emirates. The caps on sodium, sugar, and fat levels will be gradually introduced, with the final limits taking effect by December 31, 2030.
Non-compliant companies may face penalties, including fines up to Dh500,000 ($136,147), temporary closure, and license cancellation.
The UAE's strategy to combat lifestyle-related diseases involves a "sin tax" approach, which includes excise taxes on tobacco, energy drinks, fizzy drinks, e-cigarettes, and sugary drinks. This approach has since evolved to focus on modifying products to improve their nutritional value. In early 2026, a new sugar tax system for drinks will be implemented, with higher taxes on beverages containing more sugar.
Abu Dhabi's broader Healthy Living Strategy aims to increase physical activity, improve diet and nutrition, and enhance health awareness. The strategy includes measures to change the food environment, such as restricting the placement of high-fat, salt, and sugar foods near entrances, checkouts, and the ends of aisles in supermarkets larger than 4,000 square feet.
Schools are also being monitored for unhealthy foods in their lunches, with a "Red List" identifying prohibited items like deep-fried falafel, fries, and many desserts.
In addition to these measures, Abu Dhabi has introduced restrictions on fast-food advertising to address obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Restaurants in hotels and tourist areas must include at least one healthy item in each menu category, and at least half of the items on children's menus must meet specific nutritional criteria.
Food manufacturers are already reformulating their products, with Al Ain Farms Group reducing added sugar in various juices, flavored milk, flavored yogurt, and laban by 10 to 20 percent.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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