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\n The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has begun implementing a new resolution that sets caps on sodium, sugar and fat levels in selected food products.\n <\/p>\n
The measure aims to improve nutritional quality, support healthier food choices and help reduce obesity and other non-communicable diseases linked to unhealthy diets.<\/p>\n
Under the resolution, food manufacturers and suppliers will be required to gradually reduce levels of sodium, processed sugar and fat in a range of products, including bread, sweetened milk drinks, flavoured yoghurt and laban, salty snacks, nuts, crackers, chips and processed cheese.<\/p>\n
The framework applies to packaged foods, whether locally produced or imported, as well as food establishments handling those products across the UAE, including companies operating in free zones.<\/p>\n
Food establishments must meet initial compliance targets within set deadlines before reaching the final limits by December 31, 2030.<\/p>\n
For example, the sodium limit for leavened bread will fall from 444 milligrams per 100 grams in the first phase to 370 milligrams in the final phase.<\/p>\n
For flat bread, the limit will drop from 384 to 320 milligrams.<\/p>\n
The maximum sodium level for salted crackers will decrease from 696 to 580 milligrams, while the limit for pretzels will fall from 912 to 760 milligrams.<\/p>\n
For sweetened milk drinks, including milk alternatives, the total sugar limit will be reduced from 9.6 to 8 grams per 100 grams. For sweetened or flavoured yogurt and laban, it will fall from 12 to 10 grams.<\/p>\n
Food establishments handling products in the first group must meet the initial limits within nine months of the resolution taking effect, and reach the final limits by December 31, 2030.<\/p>\n
For processed cheese, which falls under the second group, establishments have up to two years and three months to meet the first-phase limits, followed by further reductions through to the end of 2030.<\/p>\n
Existing stock manufactured or imported before the resolution takes effect may remain on sale for up to one year, or until its expiry date, whichever comes first.<\/p>\n
The resolution also provides for limited exceptions during the first phase in certain cases where compliance would require a reduction of more than 20 per cent.<\/p>\n
Applications must be submitted to the Ministry within 30 days and supported by technical information and accredited laboratory test results.<\/p>\n
Authorities will monitor compliance, and violations may result in a warning, fines ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 500,000, temporary closure of an establishment, or cancellation of its licence or approval.<\/p>\n
MoHAP said the regulations cover all stages of the food chain, from production, processing and packaging to distribution and sale.<\/p>\n
The resolution does not apply to food products manufactured or imported for direct export or onward export outside the UAE, unless they are traded inside the country.<\/p>\n
Ministry of Health and Prevention starts implementing a resolution setting caps on levels of sodium, sugar and fats in selected food products pic.twitter.com\/idpiAfYfD4<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) October 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n