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UAE sets phased caps on salt, sugar and fat in packaged foods, fines up to Dh500,000
Коротко
The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention has begun implementing a resolution that caps sodium, sugar and fat in selected packaged foods, with phased limits running until the end of 2030. The rules apply to locally made and imported products, including those handled in free zones, and non-compliant companies face fines of up to Dh500,000. First-phase limits include 444mg of sodium per 100g for leavened bread and 9.6g of total sugars for sweetened milk drinks.
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The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention has started implementing a resolution that caps sodium, sugar and fat in selected packaged foods, the ministry said. The measure sets a national framework to gradually reduce these ingredients through phases extending to the end of 2030, aiming to improve nutritional value and reduce obesity and other noncommunicable diseases linked to unhealthy food. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The resolution applies to packaged foods, whether manufactured locally or imported, and to food establishments handling them, including free zone companies. It covers all stages of the food chain: production, processing, packaging, import, storage, distribution, serving, display and sale. Products made or imported solely for export are excluded unless they are traded within the UAE. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Maximum levels are set per 100 grams of product over two phases. For leavened bread, the first phase caps sodium at 444mg, total sugars at 6g and total fat at 8.4g; the final phase lowers these to 370mg, 5g and 7g. Flat bread limits fall from 384mg sodium, 6g sugars and 8.4g fat to 320mg, 5g and 7g. Sweetened milk drinks, including milk alternatives, are capped at 9.6g total sugars in the first phase and 8g in the final phase. Sweetened or flavoured yogurt and laban are limited to 12g then 10g, according to Gulf News. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Sodium limits for salty snacks are also being introduced. Gulf News reported that salted crackers must fall from 696mg to 580mg, salted nuts and seeds from 336mg to 280mg, pretzels from 912mg to 760mg, and extruded snacks and chips made from potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables or grains from 564mg to 470mg. [ 1 ]
Companies that fail to comply could face administrative penalties, including fines of up to Dh500,000, according to the documents. The National reported the penalties also include a warning, a fine of between Dh5,000 and Dh500,000 ($1,360 to $136,147), closure of the establishment for up to six months, or cancellation of its licence or approval. Federal and local health authorities are in charge of enforcement. Products made or placed on the market before the new requirements take effect can remain on sale for up to one year or until their expiry date, whichever comes first. The final limits are due to take effect by December 31, 2030. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Почему это важно
The regulation affects food manufacturers, importers and retailers in the UAE, including free zone companies, as they will need to reformulate products to meet the phased caps. It may also affect exporters to the UAE, since imported packaged foods must comply unless made solely for export. Public health authorities say the measure aims to reduce obesity and diet-related diseases.
Ключевые факты
- The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention began implementing a resolution capping sodium, sugar and fat in selected packaged foods. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The limits are phased, with final caps due by December 31, 2030. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The resolution applies to locally made and imported packaged foods, and to establishments including free zone companies. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Non-compliant companies face fines of up to Dh500,000, closure of up to six months, or licence cancellation. [ 1 , 3 ]
- Leavened bread sodium limits are 444mg per 100g in the first phase and 370mg in the final phase. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Flat bread sodium limits fall from 384mg to 320mg per 100g. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Sweetened milk drinks, including milk alternatives, are capped at 9.6g total sugars in the first phase and 8g in the final phase. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Products made or placed on the market before the new requirements take effect can remain on sale for up to one year or until their expiry date, whichever comes first. [ 3 ]
Подтверждено несколькими источниками
- The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention is implementing a resolution that caps sodium, sugar and fat in selected packaged foods. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The measure aims to reduce obesity and noncommunicable diseases linked to unhealthy food. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The limits are phased, with final caps due by the end of 2030. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The resolution applies to locally made and imported packaged foods, and to establishments including free zone companies. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Leavened bread must meet sodium caps of 444mg per 100g in the first phase and 370mg in the final phase. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Flat bread sodium limits fall from 384mg to 320mg per 100g. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Sweetened milk drinks, including milk alternatives, are capped at 9.6g total sugars in the first phase and 8g in the final phase. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Products made or imported solely for export are excluded unless traded within the UAE. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Companies face fines of up to Dh500,000 for non-compliance. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Пока неясно
- The complete list of packaged food categories covered by the resolution. Document 1’s article text is truncated after processed cheese, and the other documents do not provide the full list.
- The exact start date of the first phase of limits. Documents say the final limits take effect by December 31, 2030, and that compliance is phased, but they do not give a start date for the first phase.
- Whether restaurant-prepared or freshly served foods are covered, or only packaged products. The resolution is described as applying to packaged foods and establishments that handle them, including serving and display, but the documents do not clarify coverage of freshly prepared meals.
Что пишут местные СМИ
Хронология, местное время
- Gulf News publishes a report detailing phased caps for leavened bread, flat bread, sweetened milk drinks, yogurt and laban, and salty snacks. [ 1 ]
- Emirates 24|7 reports the resolution and fines of up to AED500,000. [ 2 ]
- The National reports penalties, enforcement by health authorities, and a December 31, 2030 deadline for final limits. [ 3 ]