That loaf on your breakfast table and the packet of chips on your couch are about to change quietly. Since 1 October, the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention has been rolling out limits on sodium, sugar and fat in selected packaged foods. Companies that ignore them could face fines of up to AED500,000.
What’s Getting Trimmed
The rules cover specified packaged foods, whether made locally or imported, and reach companies operating in free zones. Reported categories include bread, sweetened milk drinks, flavoured yoghurt, laban, salty snacks and processed cheese. Limits are set per 100g, and the cuts are gradual, with final targets due by 31 December 2030. Salted crackers, for example, see their sodium cap fall from 696mg to 580mg.
Will It Still Taste The Same?
The ministry says that’s the plan. Companies will use modern techniques to reduce the targeted ingredients while keeping the flavour and texture people know. Nouf Khamis Al Ali, who heads health promotion at the ministry, said food is tied to memories and gatherings, so the phased approach lets palates adjust slowly. One caution: less salt, sugar or fat doesn’t make a product unlimited. Calories are still calories.
The Salt Problem
A ministry study from 2024 and 2025 found that 96 per cent of people studied exceeded recommended salt levels. Average intake was roughly 5,000mg of sodium a day, against a recommended 2,000mg. Excess consumption is linked to obesity, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. The idea is to make the healthier option the default for busy shoppers who rarely stop to read labels.
What Happens To Rule-Breakers
Penalties range from a warning to fines of AED5,000 to AED500,000. Businesses can also face closure for up to six months, which is renewable, or cancellation of their licence. The severity depends on the breach and whether it has been repeated. Enforcement will include inspections, shop sampling and laboratory testing, and the Cabinet will issue a detailed schedule of violations.
What It Means For You
You won’t see empty shelves overnight. Companies handling the first product group get nine months to meet first-phase limits, and processed cheese gets longer. Older stock can still be sold for up to a year. Until then, keep reading labels and watching portions.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/laughingbreadbakery
FAQs
Which foods are affected?
Specified packaged foods, including bread, sweetened milk drinks, flavoured yoghurt, laban, salty snacks and processed cheese. Both locally made and imported products are covered, along with free zone companies.
Will food taste different?
The Ministry of Health and Prevention says manufacturers will use modern techniques to keep familiar taste and texture. The gradual rollout is meant to give companies time to adjust recipes and consumers time to adapt.
