The UAE has begun implementing new limits on sodium, sugar and fat in certain food products as part of a nationwide initiative to improve nutrition, reduce obesity and combat non-communicable diseases.

The resolution applies to certain packaged foods produced in or imported into the UAE and also covers companies operating in free zones.

Under the new regulations, levels of sodium, processed sugar and fat will be gradually reduced in products including bread, sweetened milk-based beverages, flavoured yoghurt and laban, savoury snacks and processed cheese.

Food establishments that fail to comply with the prescribed limits may face administrative penalties ranging from warnings to fines of between AED 5,000 and AED 500,000.

Authorities may also close a non-compliant establishment for up to six months, with the possibility of an extension, or revoke its operating licence or approval in coordination with the licensing authority.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention said the resolution establishes a national framework for gradually reducing the targeted nutrients, improving the nutritional value of food products and encouraging more balanced dietary choices.

The regulations cover every stage of the food supply chain, including production, preparation, processing, packaging, transport, import, storage, distribution, supply and sale.

Products specifically manufactured in or imported into the UAE for direct export or re-export are exempt unless they are also supplied or traded within the country.

New Limits for Bread and Milk-Based Beverages

Products covered by the regulations have been divided into two groups, with different deadlines for implementing the first phase.

The first group includes bread, sweetened milk-based beverages, flavoured yoghurt and laban, and certain savoury snacks. The second group covers processed cheese.

For leavened bread, the first-phase limits per 100 grams have been set at 444 milligrams of sodium, 6 grams of total sugar and 8.4 grams of total fat.

In the final phase, these levels will fall to 370 milligrams of sodium, 5 grams of sugar and 7 grams of fat.

For flatbread, the sodium limit will fall from 384 milligrams in the first phase to 320 milligrams in the final phase. Sugar will decrease from 6 grams to 5 grams, while total fat will fall from 8.4 grams to 7 grams.

For sweetened milk-based beverages, including milk alternatives, the total sugar limit has been set at 9.6 grams in the first phase and will fall to 8 grams in the final phase.

For sweetened or flavoured yoghurt and laban, the limits will be 12 grams in the first phase and 10 grams in the final phase.

Lower Sodium Levels for Savoury Snacks and Cheese

The new regulations also target snacks with high salt content.

The sodium limit for savoury crackers will fall from 696 milligrams to 580 milligrams, while the limit for salted nuts and seeds will decrease from 336 milligrams to 280 milligrams.

For pretzels, the sodium limit will fall from 912 milligrams to 760 milligrams.

For extruded snacks and chips made from potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables or grains, the maximum sodium level will decrease from 564 milligrams to 470 milligrams.

Processed cheese is the second group of products covered by the resolution.

For spreadable cheese, the maximum sodium level has been set at 864 milligrams in the first phase and will fall to 720 milligrams in the final phase.

For other processed cheeses, the sodium limit will decrease from 1,200 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams.

Compliance Deadlines for Companies

Companies handling products in the first group, including bread, sweetened milk-based beverages, flavoured yoghurt and laban, and savoury snacks, will have up to nine months from the resolution’s effective date to comply with the first-phase requirements.

They must then continue reducing the targeted nutrients to meet the final limits by December 31, 2030.

Companies dealing with processed cheese will have two years and three months from the resolution’s effective date to comply with the first-phase requirements. They must also meet the final limits by December 31, 2030.

Stocks of products manufactured or imported before the resolution takes effect may continue to be sold for up to one year after that date or until their expiry date, whichever comes first.

After this period, products that do not comply with the prescribed limits will no longer be allowed on the market.

Exemptions Available in Certain Cases

Under the resolution, companies may apply for a first-phase exemption in specific circumstances, particularly where compliance with a new limit would require reducing one of the targeted nutrients by more than 20% from its previously established level in the product.

This option is available only for products manufactured, imported or marketed in the UAE before the resolution takes effect.

Exemption applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Health and Prevention within 30 days of the regulations taking effect and must include technical information, nutrition label data and results from an accredited laboratory.

Companies granted an exemption must commit to reducing the targeted nutrient by at least 20% during the first-phase implementation period.

However, an exemption does not remove the requirement to comply with the final limits, and no exemption may extend the final deadline for full implementation beyond December 31, 2030.

Regulatory Oversight

Federal and local health authorities and other relevant bodies, in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, will be responsible for implementing the resolution and monitoring compliance.