UAE begins implementing limits on salt, sugar and fat in food items

The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has begun implementing a new resolution that sets caps on sodium, sugar and fat levels in selected food products.

The measure aims to improve nutritional quality, support healthier food choices and help reduce obesity and other non-communicable diseases linked to unhealthy diets.

Under the resolution, food manufacturers and suppliers will be required to gradually reduce levels of sodium, processed sugar and fat in a range of products, including bread, sweetened milk drinks, flavoured yoghurt and laban, salty snacks, nuts, crackers, chips and processed cheese.

The framework applies to packaged foods, whether locally produced or imported, as well as food establishments handling those products across the UAE, including companies operating in free zones.

Food establishments must meet initial compliance targets within set deadlines before reaching the final limits by December 31, 2030.

For example, the sodium limit for leavened bread will fall from 444 milligrams per 100 grams in the first phase to 370 milligrams in the final phase.

For flat bread, the limit will drop from 384 to 320 milligrams.

The maximum sodium level for salted crackers will decrease from 696 to 580 milligrams, while the limit for pretzels will fall from 912 to 760 milligrams.

For sweetened milk drinks, including milk alternatives, the total sugar limit will be reduced from 9.6 to 8 grams per 100 grams. For sweetened or flavoured yogurt and laban, it will fall from 12 to 10 grams.

Food establishments handling products in the first group must meet the initial limits within nine months of the resolution taking effect, and reach the final limits by December 31, 2030.

For processed cheese, which falls under the second group, establishments have up to two years and three months to meet the first-phase limits, followed by further reductions through to the end of 2030.

Existing stock manufactured or imported before the resolution takes effect may remain on sale for up to one year, or until its expiry date, whichever comes first.

The resolution also provides for limited exceptions during the first phase in certain cases where compliance would require a reduction of more than 20 per cent.

Applications must be submitted to the Ministry within 30 days and supported by technical information and accredited laboratory test results.

Authorities will monitor compliance, and violations may result in a warning, fines ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 500,000, temporary closure of an establishment, or cancellation of its licence or approval.

MoHAP said the regulations cover all stages of the food chain, from production, processing and packaging to distribution and sale.

The resolution does not apply to food products manufactured or imported for direct export or onward export outside the UAE, unless they are traded inside the country.

Ministry of Health and Prevention starts implementing a resolution setting caps on levels of sodium, sugar and fats in selected food products pic.twitter.com/idpiAfYfD4

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) October 6, 2026