{
  "id": 12611505,
  "title": "Move to limit sugar, salt and fat in food is latest step in UAE drive to boost nation's health",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/move-to-limit-sugar-salt-and-fat-in-food-is-latest-step-in-uae-drive",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-07T10:42:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/10/07/move-to-limit-sugar-salt-and-fat-in-food-is-latest-step-in-uae-drive-to-boost-nations-health/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced new regulations limiting the levels of sodium, sugar, and fat in packaged foods sold within the country. These measures form part of a broader strategy to promote healthier diets and combat lifestyle-related diseases. The caps will be phased in, with the final limits set to take effect by December 31, 2030. Companies that fail to comply face penalties such as fines, temporary closure, and license cancellation. The UAE adopted a similar taxation approach in 2017, imposing excise taxes on tobacco, energy drinks, and fizzy drinks to reduce consumption of harmful products and encourage healthier choices. This strategy has since expanded to include e-cigarettes, vaping products, and drinks containing added sugar and sweeteners. In 2026, the UAE introduced a new sugar tax system for drinks, with higher sugar content resulting in higher tax costs per litre. Abu Dhabi has also implemented a Healthy Living Strategy focused on increasing physical activity, improving diet and nutrition, and enhancing health awareness. Schools in Abu Dhabi are being monitored for unhealthy foods, with a \"Red List\" identifying products that cannot be consumed on school premises. Fast-food advertising restrictions are also in place to combat obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Restaurants in hotels and tourist areas must offer healthy options on their menus, and food manufacturers are reformulating their products to meet the new nutritional standards.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Move to limit sugar, salt and fat in food is latest step in UAE drive to boost nation's health",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/move-to-limit-sugar-salt-and-fat-in-food-is-latest-step-in-uae-drive-12620486",
        "published": "2026-10-07T10:42:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}