Dubai launches A-to-E food rating system to help shoppers make healthier choices

The Dubai Municipality has introduced an innovative food rating system to assist shoppers in making healthier food choices. Operated by the Dubai Central Laboratory, the service assesses the nutritional value of food products and assigns ratings ranging from A to E. This grading system, which employs laboratory testing to verify the accuracy of nutritional information displayed on food packaging, employs a traffic-light-style approach.

The five-grade system classifies products based on their nutritional value and approved assessment standards, enabling consumers to easily understand the nutritional quality of various foods. This initiative aims to address the accuracy of information provided on food packaging, ensuring shoppers have access to reliable nutritional data when making purchasing decisions.

Furthermore, the service supports food manufacturers, suppliers, and companies in verifying the accuracy of the nutritional information they provide through laboratory testing.

By combining scientific testing with a simplified grading label, Dubai Municipality seeks to make nutritional information more comprehensible for consumers, ultimately promoting more informed buying choices. The new service builds upon the existing capabilities of Dubai Central Laboratory, which already conducts food sample testing through its microbiological and chemical analysis facilities as part of the municipality's laboratory services.