From Bread and Yoghurt to Chips, Here’s What the New Limits Mean for UAE Shoppers.
Dubai: Everyday foods such as bread, flavoured yoghurt and packets of chips sold in the UAE could gradually contain lower levels of salt, sugar and fat as new food standards are introduced across the country.
The UAE has begun implementing maximum limits for sodium, sugar and fat in selected packaged food products, with manufacturers, importers and other food businesses required to meet the new standards according to phased compliance deadlines.
According to the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), the measures are intended to improve the nutritional quality of commonly consumed foods and help tackle obesity and other noncommunicable diseases associated with unhealthy diets.
But what exactly do the new standards cover, and what could they mean for consumers?
What is changing?
The regulations establish maximum permitted levels of sodium, sugar and fat in specific categories of packaged foods sold in the UAE.
The requirements apply to both locally manufactured and imported products and cover businesses throughout the food supply chain, including manufacturers, processors, packagers, importers, storage operators, distributors and retailers.
Products manufactured or imported exclusively for export are exempt from the requirements, unless they are also offered for sale within the UAE.
Which foods are affected?
The standards apply to several commonly purchased food categories, including:
- Leavened and flat breads
- Sweetened milk drinks and milk alternatives
- Sweetened or flavoured yoghurt and laban
- Salted crackers
- Salted nuts and seeds
- Pretzels
- Potato, vegetable and grain-based chips and snacks
- Processed cheese
The permitted levels will vary depending on the type of product, with some limits becoming progressively stricter over time.
For example, leavened bread will initially be allowed to contain a maximum of 444mg of sodium per 100g, before the limit is reduced to 370mg.
The permitted sugar content will similarly decline from 6g to 5g per 100g, while the maximum total fat content will fall from 8.4g to 7g per 100g.
For sweetened or flavoured yoghurt and laban, the maximum permitted level of total sugars will eventually be set at 10g per 100g.
Chips and similar snack products made from potatoes, vegetables or grains will also face tighter sodium requirements, with the maximum level gradually declining from 564mg to 470mg per 100g.
How will this affect shoppers?
For consumers, the most noticeable changes may be in the nutritional content of products rather than in what is available on supermarket shelves.
Food manufacturers may need to reformulate affected products to reduce their salt, sugar or fat content and meet the new requirements. As a result, some familiar foods could gradually have different nutritional profiles and, in some cases, subtle changes in taste or texture.
The transition, however, will take place gradually as businesses are being given time to adapt their products and operations to the new standards.
Existing products manufactured or imported before the resolution comes into effect may continue to be sold for up to one year or until their expiry date, whichever occurs first.
Once the relevant compliance deadline has passed, products exceeding the applicable sodium, sugar or fat limits will no longer be permitted to be traded in the UAE.
Why is the UAE introducing the limits?
The measures are intended to reduce the amount of sodium, processed sugar and fat people consume through commonly eaten foods.
Instead of placing responsibility solely on consumers to select healthier options, the regulations require manufacturers and other businesses across the food supply chain to reduce certain ingredients in affected products.
According to the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the broader objective is to protect public health and help reduce obesity and other noncommunicable diseases associated with unhealthy diets.
When will the new limits apply?
The requirements will be introduced gradually, with compliance deadlines varying according to the type of food product.
For the first group of affected products, including bread, businesses will have nine months from the date the resolution takes effect to comply with the initial limits.
Processed cheese manufacturers and suppliers will have a longer adjustment period, with up to two years and three months to meet the first-stage requirements.
However, all products covered by the regulations must comply with the final sodium, sugar and fat limits no later than December 31, 2030.
Certain existing products may qualify for an exemption from the first phase if compliance would require reducing a particular ingredient by more than 20 per cent.
These products will still be required to meet the final limits by the 2030 deadline.
Who can be fined up to Dh500,000?
The penalties apply to food businesses and establishments that fail to comply with the requirements, rather than individual consumers.
Federal and local health authorities will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the new standards.
Businesses found in violation may initially receive a warning, while financial penalties can range from Dh5,000 to Dh500,000, depending on the violation.
Authorities may also order an establishment to close for up to six months, with the possibility of extending the closure, or cancel its licence or approval in more serious cases.
