The UAE is moving ahead with its plan to impose limits on sugar, sodium, and fat in some packed foods. And as it moves forward, manufacturers, importers, and other food businesses have already been given phased deadlines they need to comply with. As a result, flavoured dairy products or even bread that you buy regularly might have less salt, sugar, or fat. Here is all you need to know about this development.
UAE Limits Salt, Sugar & Fat In Food For Better Public Health
It was just a few months ago that the UAE announced its new rule, which would cut back on salt and sugar in everyday food. And as revealed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention in a report by Gulf News, it mentions how the plan aims to improve the nutritional value of everyday foods. It also aims to help reduce obesity and other such non-communicable diseases that are often considered to be a product of an unhealthy diet.
These Rules Cover Several Categories Of Food
This applies to products that are not just manufactured locally, but even those that are imported. However, the only exception to the rule would be those products that are manufactured for export unless these are also sold in the country. The rules cover everyday food categories such as:
- Sweetened milk drinks and milk alternatives
- Leavened and flat bread
- Sweetened or flavoured yoghurt and laban
- Processed cheese
- Salted nuts and seeds
- Pretzels
- Salted crackers
- Potato, vegetable and grain-based chips and snacks
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What Can Customers Affect?
For shoppers, the biggest change that they may notice would be inside the product. Packaged food would have different nutritional content. Companies would have to change recipes to reduce the amount of salt, sugar, or fat in the affected products. However, it’s worth mentioning that existing stocks that are manufactured or imported before this resolution takes effect can remain on sale for up to one year. Alternatively, they can be sold until the expiry date of the product, whichever of these happens first.
What About Fines?
Not only that, failing to comply with these limits would result in fines for food businesses and establishments. Businesses that are found violating the rule can face warnings and even fines that range from AED5,000 to AED 500,000. There can also be a closure for up to 6 months, which can later be renewed or even result in a cancellation of the license or approval.
So, with the goal of protecting public health, authorities are truly working hard to ensure people live a healthier life
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Mehrad Vosoughi from Pexels (Cover image is for representative purposes only)
FAQs
Why is the UAE limiting sugar, salt and fat content in food products?
The UAE is limiting sugar, salt and fat in food products to promote public health.
Who can be fined if they violate the rule after the deadline?
Businesses that are found violating the rules can face a fine of anywhere between AED5,000 to AED 500,000.