Abu Dhabi supermarkets must remove junk food from checkouts by January 2027

Supermarkets in Abu Dhabi are preparing for new rules that will restrict the placement and promotion of high-fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) food and drinks. The rules, effective January 1, 2027, will apply to supermarkets larger than 4,000 square feet and require retailers to move HFSS products away from high-traffic locations such as entrances, end-of-aisle displays, and checkouts. Online, these products cannot be prominently featured on homepages, search results, promotional pop-ups, or checkout pages. HFSS products will not be banned and can continue to be sold, but retailers must relocate them. Major retailers including Choithrams, GMG, and Lulu Group are already reviewing store layouts and merchandising strategies. Retailers expect the changes to affect their supply chains as healthier products move into prime locations traditionally used to drive impulse purchases. The policy was developed by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and other authorities.