Residents Welcome Measures Promoting Healthier Food Choices
Supermarkets across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi have begun making changes under a new directive aimed at reducing the visibility and availability of unhealthy food and beverages, particularly at checkout counters.
The initiative is part of the Abu Dhabi Healthy Living Programme, which seeks to create a healthier shopping environment for residents. Chocolates, candies and other high-sugar products that children and adults often purchase impulsively while waiting at billing counters are being removed or relocated.
Residents have welcomed the decision, saying it could help families make healthier choices and reduce impulse purchases, especially among children.
Nutritional Labels to Guide Consumers
Packaged food products will also carry nutritional grading labels ranging from A to E. These labels are intended to help consumers understand the levels of sugar, fat and other nutritional components in a product before making a purchase.
Residents said the grading system would make it easier to compare products and choose healthier alternatives. The TAMM application can also reportedly help consumers identify products without clear labels and understand how they are classified.
Rather than imposing direct restrictions on consumers, Abu Dhabi is focusing on creating an environment that naturally encourages healthier lifestyle choices.
As part of this approach, the emirate has introduced strict standards for school meals and restrictions on advertisements promoting fast food and unhealthy food products.
Junk Food Advertisements Banned in Public Places
Advertisements for unhealthy food and beverages have been banned in public spaces across Abu Dhabi.
Such advertisements cannot be displayed on roadside billboards, buildings, bus shelters, taxis, buses or delivery vehicles. Companies are also not permitted to promote unhealthy products by displaying only the brand name without showing the product.
Authorities are tightening restrictions on the promotion of junk food because excessive consumption may contribute to obesity, heart disease and other lifestyle-related health conditions.
Only advertisements for food products that meet approved nutritional standards will be permitted in public spaces.
Premium Food Mark Introduced for Local Chicken Products
Abu Dhabi recently introduced a Premium Food Mark for locally produced chilled chicken products.
The initiative aims to improve the quality and safety of poultry products and has been developed under Abu Dhabi’s Healthy Living Strategy.
The Premium Food Mark standards will cover the entire production process, including poultry farming, animal feed, slaughtering, processing, packaging and distribution.
Authorities believe the certification will increase consumer confidence in locally produced poultry products by assuring customers that approved quality and safety standards have been followed.
Dairy Companies to Reduce Added Sugar
As part of the Healthy Living Programme, leading UAE dairy brands Al Ain Farms and Marmum Dairy have also decided to reduce the amount of added sugar in several of their products.
Ahead of the new academic year beginning in September, the companies plan to reduce added sugar by approximately 10% to 20% in many of their products.
The changes will apply to commonly consumed items such as flavoured milk, yoghurt and laban.
The companies aim to offer healthier products while maintaining their existing taste and quality. The wider initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s continued efforts to encourage healthier eating habits and reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases among residents.
