UAE enforces new sodium, sugar and fat limits in food; fines up to Dh500,000

The UAE has begun implementing new limits on sodium, sugar and fat in selected food products as part of a nationwide effort to improve nutrition and reduce obesity and other noncommunicable diseases. The resolution applies to specified packaged foods manufactured locally or imported into the UAE, including products in free zones. It introduces phased reductions across bread, sweetened milk drinks, flavoured yoghurt, laban, salty snacks and processed cheese. Businesses handling products in the first group will have up to nine months from the resolution's effective date to meet first-phase limits, then must reach final limits by December 31, 2030. Those handling processed cheese have up to two years and three months for first-phase compliance. Food establishments that fail to comply could face warnings, fines between Dh5,000 and Dh500,000, closure for up to six months, or licence cancellation. Stocks manufactured before the resolution takes effect can be sold for up to one year or until expiry. Businesses may seek exceptions where compliance requires cutting an ingredient by more than 20 per cent, but must commit to at least 20 per cent reduction and ultimately meet all final limits by December 31, 2030.