UAE Introduces phased sugar, sodium and fat limits for packaged foods
The new UAE rules set tighter nutritional limits for bread, dairy drinks, yoghurt, salty snacks and processed cheese, with penalties for non-compliance.
UAE – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has begun implementing phased limits on sugar, sodium and fat in selected packaged food products, with manufacturers and food businesses required to meet final nutritional standards by December 31, 2030.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) said the resolution establishes a national framework for gradually reducing sodium, processed sugar and total fat in targeted food categories. The ministry said the measure is intended to “improve their nutritional value” and support “balanced food choices.”
Leavened bread will have a maximum total sugar content of 6 grammes per 100 grammes, while the final limit will be 5 grammes. Flat bread will follow the same sugar limits, declining from 6 grammes to 5 grammes per 100 grammes.
Sweetened milk drinks, including milk alternatives, will be subject to a total sugar limit of 9.6 grammes per 100 grammes initially. The limit will fall to 8 grammes in the final phase. For sweetened or flavoured yoghurt and laban, the maximum total sugar content will decline from 12 grammes per 100 grammes initially to 10 grammes in the final phase.
Sodium in leavened bread will fall from 444 mgs per 100 grammes in the first phase to 370 mgs in the final phase, while flat bread will decline from 384 mgs to 320 mgs.
The sodium limit for salted crackers will decrease from 696 mgs per 100 grammes to 580 mgs. Salted nuts and seeds will fall from 336 mgs to 280 mgs, pretzels from 912 mgs to 760 mgs, and extruded snacks and chips made from potatoes, vegetables or grains from 564 mill mgs to 470 mgs.
The rules apply to packaged foods manufactured domestically or imported into the UAE. They also cover establishments involved in production, processing, packaging, transportation, storage, distribution, display and sale, including free zone companies.
Food establishments handling first-group products must meet the initial limits within nine months. They must then continue reducing the targeted ingredients to meet the final standards by December 31, 2030.
Processed cheese is included in a second group. Businesses have up to two years and three months to meet first-phase limits, while final limits must be achieved by the end of 2030. For spreadable processed cheese, the sodium limit will move from 864 mgs processed cheese will decline from 1,200 mgs to 1,000 mgs.
Products manufactured or imported before the resolution takes effect may remain on sale for up to one year, or until their expiry date, whichever comes first. Products that do not meet the applicable requirements cannot be traded after that period.
The resolution allows businesses to request an exception when compliance would require reducing a targeted ingredient by more than 20%. Applications must be submitted to MoHAP within 30 days and include technical information, nutrition-label data and accredited laboratory test results.
An exemption does not remove the obligation to meet final limits by December 31, 2030. Federal and local health authorities will oversee compliance, while food establishments must provide information and documents required to verify adherence.
Violations may result in warnings, fines ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 500,000, temporary closure for up to six months, or cancellation of licences or approvals in coordination with the relevant licensing authorities.
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