New limits on sodium, sugar and fat in packaged foods take effect in stages through 2030

The Ministry of Health and Prevention has implemented new restrictions on sodium, total sugar and fat content in selected packaged foods, whether manufactured in the UAE or imported. The move follows the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2024–2025, which found that 96.2 per cent of adults aged 18 to 69 exceeded recommended sodium intake, while 27.3 per cent consumed more sugar than recommended, and 22.4 per cent of adults are living with obesity.

Compliance will take place in two phases, with all affected products required to meet final limits by December 31, 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 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. 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.