Abu Dhabi restaurant menus to feature labels identifying healthier dishes

Diners in Abu Dhabi's hotels now have a tool to make healthier dining choices, thanks to a new labeling system. Since October 1, some hotel restaurants in the emirate have displayed a SEHHI food programme mark next to dishes that meet nutritional criteria. The mark, which covers about 20 per cent of restaurants, identifies individual dishes that align with SEHHI's nutritional standards, rather than rating entire menus.

Restaurants must offer at least one qualifying dish in each adult menu category, and at least half of children's menu items must also meet the criteria.

Dr Ahmed AlKhazraji, executive director of Healthy Living at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, explained the initiative's goal: "You can order whatever you want, but now you will know what the healthier options are." The Healthy Living – Abu Dhabi movement, supported by the Abu Dhabi government, aims to make healthier choices more accessible through various changes in everyday environments.

The sector's focus on non-communicable diseases, which account for three-quarters of global deaths, underscores the importance of health beyond medical care.

The UAE recently announced limits on sugar, sodium, and fat in pre-packaged foods, set to be phased in from 2027. Meanwhile, Healthy by Design, a joint white paper, offers practical proposals for reshaping food and physical activity environments using behavioral science. According to Rasha Attar, director of the BSG at the Office of Development Affairs, information alone isn't enough to change behavior; awareness must translate into action.

Food reformulation and clearer labelling are key strategies. Reformulating commonly consumed products can boost nutritional value without changing consumer habits, while clearer front-of-pack labels can help people identify healthier options. Nutri-Mark, a grading system for pre-packaged foods, has already improved consumers' understanding of nutritional information by 30 per cent.

An upcoming initiative will also alter supermarket layouts to reduce the prominence of high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) products. These combined efforts aim to create a healthier environment that encourages both mindful eating and increased physical activity.