The UAE is introducing mandatory caps on sodium, sugar and fat across a range of packaged foods, with manufacturers, importers and other food businesses given phased deadlines to comply.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) said the goal is to reduce obesity and noncommunicable diseases tied to unhealthy diets by changing what goes into commonly eaten products at the supply level, rather than leaving the choice to consumers alone.
The rules cover eight food categories: leavened and flat bread, sweetened milk drinks and milk alternatives, sweetened or flavoured yoghurt and laban, salted crackers, salted nuts and seeds, pretzels, potato and grain-based chips and snacks, and processed cheese. They apply to both locally produced and imported goods across the full supply chain, from production and packaging through to retail. Products made solely for export are exempt, unless they are also sold domestically.
The limits tighten over time. Leavened bread faces an initial sodium cap of 444mg per 100g, falling to 370mg; its sugar limit drops from 6g to 5g per 100g, and total fat from 8.4g to 7g. For sweetened yoghurt and laban, total sugars will eventually be capped at 10g per 100g. Chips and similar snacks see their sodium allowance cut from 564mg to 470mg per 100g.
For shoppers, the change is more likely to show up inside the product than on the shelf. Food companies will need to reformulate recipes to stay within the limits, meaning nutritional content in familiar products may shift gradually. Existing stock manufactured or imported before the resolution takes effect can remain on sale for up to one year, or until its expiry date, whichever comes first.
Businesses have varying timelines to comply. Bread producers must meet initial requirements within nine months of the resolution taking effect, while processed cheese manufacturers have up to two years and three months to hit first-stage limits. All products must meet final limits by December 31, 2030. A limited exception applies to the first phase: companies that would need to cut an ingredient by more than 20 per cent can apply to defer, but must still meet the 2030 targets.
Federal and local health authorities will monitor compliance. Businesses found in breach face warnings, fines ranging from AED5,000 to AED500,000, closures of up to six months, or licence cancellation. The fines apply to food businesses, not consumers.
