UAE Imposes Strict Nutrition Standards with Penalties Up to Dh500,000 to Combat Obesity

The UAE has launched a nationwide initiative to reduce salt, sugar, and fat levels in various packaged foods to enhance their nutritional quality and combat obesity and diet-related health conditions. The Ministry of Health and Prevention announced that these caps will be rolled out in phases, with final limits scheduled to take effect by December 31, 2030.

Approved on Tuesday, the resolution applies to both locally manufactured and imported packaged foods, as well as businesses handling these items in the UAE, including free zone companies. However, products manufactured or imported exclusively for direct or onward export are exempt unless they are traded domestically.

Companies failing to comply face severe administrative penalties, including official warnings, fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh500,000 ($1,360 to $136,147), establishment closure for up to six months, and the cancellation of trade licenses or approvals. Federal and local health authorities, along with partner agencies, will enforce these rules and collect necessary implementation data.

To help manufacturers adjust, the ministry implemented a phased compliance schedule. Products already on the market before the new rules take effect may remain available for up to one year or until their expiration date. The policy establishes maximum limits for salt, sugar, and fat per 100g across two distinct phases, targeting everyday items such as bread, dairy products, and salty snacks.

Businesses handling the first group of products have up to nine months to meet initial phase limits before making further reductions ahead of the 2030 deadline. Companies managing a second group, which includes processed cheeses, have up to two years and three months to reach initial targets. Companies may apply for temporary exceptions for the first phase if reductions exceed 20 percent, though all products must ultimately comply with final standards by December 31, 2030.