Starting June 1, 2025, Abu Dhabi will implement a mandatory nutrition grading system for certain food items, including baked goods, oils, dairy products, children’s food, and beverages. This initiative aims to combat rising obesity rates among residents by requiring clear nutritional information on supermarket shelves.
What is Nutri-Mark?
The Nutri-Mark system will grade the nutritional value of food items from A to E, with A representing the healthiest options. Products without the Nutri-Mark label will be removed from shelves, and retailers will face fines. Manufacturers must conduct scientifically-backed assessments to ensure accurate grading and produce Nutri-Mark labels for their products.
Enforcement and Compliance
Abdulla Al Muaini, Executive Director of the Central Testing Lab at the Abu Dhabi Quality & Conformity Council (ADQCC), stated that supermarket surveillance will monitor compliance. Any products found without the Nutri-Mark after the deadline will be withdrawn, and manufacturers with inaccurate grading will also face penalties.
Addressing Obesity Rates
The new grading system targets obesity by providing consumers with straightforward nutritional information. Dr. Ahmed Al Khazraji, Acting Director-General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, highlighted concerning statistics: 61% of residents are overweight, with 22% classified as obese. The initiative aims to promote healthier eating habits by simplifying nutritional information.
Understanding Nutritional Content
Nutri-Mark does not categorize foods as “good” or “bad”; instead, it highlights differences in nutritional content among similar products. This approach follows successful models in other countries and aims to empower consumers to make informed choices about their diets.
Future Developments
The Nutri-Mark initiative represents a collaborative effort between ADQCC and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, announced during the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE). The program will expand beyond the initial five product categories in future phases, further enhancing public health awareness in the emirate.By implementing this nutrition grading system, Abu Dhabi seeks to foster a healthier society and reduce obesity rates among its residents.
