UAE imposes new limits on salt, sugar and fat after survey shows 96% exceed sodium recommendations

The measures, which took effect in October, set maximum thresholds for sodium, total sugars and total fat across selected categories of packaged products, whether produced locally or imported. Authorities aim to improve dietary habits and reduce the prevalence of obesity and related non-communicable diseases.

Survey findings reveal widespread dietary imbalances

The National Health and Nutrition Survey 2024–2025, published in January and endorsed by the World Health Organisation, found that 96.2 per cent of people aged 18 to 69 consumed more sodium than recommended. More than a quarter of respondents (27.3 per cent) exceeded the suggested intake of sugar, while 27.4 per cent reported consuming sugar-sweetened drinks daily.

Fat intake was also above recommended levels for 56.1 per cent of participants. Average daily fibre consumption stood at 23.1 grams. The survey, conducted by the Ministry of Health and Prevention together with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre and other federal and local bodies, highlighted the scale of the challenge facing health authorities.

Obesity affected 22.4 per cent of adults, 16.1 per cent of children aged six to 17, and 2.2 per cent of younger children.

Phased compliance and product categories

Under the rules introduced in October, maximum levels of sodium, total sugars and total fat have been established for several categories of packaged food. Businesses handling affected products — whether locally manufactured or imported — must comply. Products intended exclusively for direct export or re-export are exempt unless sold within the UAE.

Food manufactured or imported before the rules took effect may remain on sale for up to one year from the implementation date or until its expiry date, whichever comes first. Compliance will take place in two phases, with all affected products required to meet final limits by 31 December 2030.

The first group, which includes leavened and flatbread, sweetened milk drinks and milk alternatives, flavoured yoghurt and laban, and high-salt snacks, has up to nine months from the rules taking effect to meet initial requirements. Processed cheese, assigned to a second group, has two years and three months to comply with first-stage limits.

For leavened bread, the final sodium limit will be 370 milligrams per 100 grams, down from 444mg in the initial phase. Total sugar will be capped at five grams and fat at seven grams per 100 grams. Sweetened milk drinks will face a final sugar limit of eight grams per 100 grams, while sweetened or flavoured yoghurt and laban will be limited to 10 grams per 100 grams.

Broader initiatives: schools, weight management and economic impact

Beyond regulating food ingredients, the UAE has taken steps to improve consumer choices in supermarkets and online shopping platforms. In October, Abu Dhabi’s Healthy Living initiative recognised several organisations for their commitments to promoting healthier products and reducing the prominence of foods high in fat, sugar and salt.

Similar efforts have extended to schools. In January, the Ministry of Health and Prevention launched the School Canteen Lab initiative in collaboration with education authorities, supporting the National Nutrition Strategy 2030. The initiative brought together 80 pupils, 20 teachers and parents, and four chefs and specialists in Sharjah. Participants took part in food tastings, recipe testing and meal preparation, with pupils involved in selecting the dishes they preferred to make healthier options more appealing.

The national effort also focuses on earlier identification of obesity and improved access to weight management services. In April, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre announced an expansion of its cooperation with pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk to support a personalised weight management programme. The initiative aims to raise awareness and equip family doctors and healthcare professionals to identify people at risk earlier and direct them towards appropriate care. Each participant receives a follow-up plan based on health indicators, lifestyle and risk factors.

A report launched in May in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism estimated that more effective obesity treatment and weight management could generate cumulative healthcare savings of up to $1.5 billion and add approximately $51 billion to the UAE’s gross domestic product by 2031. The report, titled ‘Beneath the Surface: The Hidden Socioeconomic Impacts of Weight Loss,’ examined broader economic and social benefits, including implications for productivity and healthcare spending. Its findings suggest that accelerated intervention could help more than 1.2 million adults overcome obesity by 2031. The figures are projections based on more effective intervention rather than savings or economic gains already achieved.