UAE launches survey on food consumption rates and patterns, running until 2025
UAE – Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has launched a comprehensive field survey to determine food consumption rates and patterns across Abu Dhabi.
The research is conducted in collaboration with the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD).
The survey seeks to gather up-to-date and accurate data on individual food consumption rates across various regions in the emirate, including Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
It will identify the types and quantities of food consumed, analyse consumption behaviours, and determine the environmental, social, demographic and cognitive factors that influence these behaviours.
Dr Arif Abdulwahed Kalantar, Acting Executive Director of ADAFSA’s Development and Innovation Sector, emphasised the importance of analysing food consumption patterns as an essential tool for understanding changes in consumer behaviours.
In addition, it will identify unhealthy dietary practices, combating malnutrition, responding to emerging consumption trends, assessing nutritional status, and developing effective food policies.
Dr Kalantar highlighted that the survey aims to also assess and compare food consumption patterns across different regions of Abu Dhabi, contributing to the achievement of food security, the improvement of public health, and the stimulation of economic growth.”
It also strives to understand the potential of using the survey’s data to identify investment opportunities in the food sector, develop innovative food products tailored to consumer needs, and design effective food awareness programmes and campaigns.
The research is part of ADAFSA’s dedication to promoting healthier dietary choices and encouraging positive food consumption behaviours, as well as curb improper food practices among consumers in the emirate.
It also aligns with ADAFSA’s broader objectives of supporting sustainable development, ensuring food security, encouraging agricultural and food investment, and improving the overall wellbeing of Abu Dhabi’s community.
The initiative also contributes to building a resilient society capable of confronting future challenges.
This survey targets individuals aged seven and above, collecting detailed information on household food consumption, food safety, nutrition, as well as data related to physical activity and body indicators.
This data will contribute to assessing the level of exposure to chemical hazards resulting from the consumption of common foods, enabling a deeper understanding of these risks and efforts to mitigate them.
The research team is focused on studying changes in food consumption behaviours among adults in Abu Dhabi, particularly examining the differences in consumption patterns across various population groups and socio-economic levels.
The aim is to provide comprehensive insights into consumer preferences and trends, supporting policymakers in future planning and development efforts.
The survey will continue until the end of 2025 and will target residents in the emirate aged 7 and above.
Data collection will be carried out by specialized staff from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), through home visits to a representative sample of households across the emirate, carefully selected in collaboration with the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD).
The survey will use the electronic Abu Dhabi Food Intake 24 programme, designed in line with the highest global standards to facilitate data collection and ensure its reliability and accuracy.
The programme will record detailed information about food and beverage consumption throughout the day while maintaining the confidentiality of all participants’ personal data.