UAE launches phased limits on sodium, sugar and fat in packaged foods

The resolution, covering locally made and imported products, sets phased limits for bread, milk drinks and other items through 2030.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:14:12 GMT

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention announced on Tuesday that a new resolution capping sodium, sugar and fat in selected packaged foods is now being implemented, with phased deadlines extending to 2030.

What happened

The resolution applies to all packaged foods produced or imported into the UAE, including items handled by companies in free zones. It covers every stage of the food chain—from production and processing to import, storage, distribution, display and sale. Products made solely for export are exempt unless they are traded domestically.

Limits are introduced in two phases. For leavened bread, sodium is capped at 444 mg per 100 g in phase 1 and 370 mg in phase 2; total sugars at 6 g then 5 g; total fat at 8.4 g then 7 g. Flat bread limits drop from 384 mg to 320 mg sodium, 6 g to 5 g sugars and 8.4 g to 7 g fat. Sweetened milk drinks are limited to 9.6 g sugars in phase 1 and 8 g in phase 2; flavoured yoghurt and laban to 12 g then 10 g.

What the reports add

Gulf News detailed the specific numeric limits for bread and dairy‑based drinks, noting the per‑100‑gram measurement and the two‑phase schedule. Khaleej Times added that the resolution also covers salty snacks and processed cheese, and outlined the range of administrative penalties—from warnings to fines of Dh5,000 to Dh500,000, plus possible six‑month closures or licence cancellations.

What was said

The Ministry of Health and Prevention said the measure aims to protect public health and curb obesity and other non‑communicable diseases linked to unhealthy diets. Khaleej Times reported the ministry stating that the framework “supports more balanced food choices.”

How it came about

Earlier this year, the UAE government announced a broader nutrition strategy targeting diet‑related health risks. The current resolution builds on that strategy by establishing a national framework for gradual reduction of sodium, processed sugar and fat in everyday products. Felo News previously covered related health initiatives, including the launch of a new agricultural award to boost local farming (UAE agricultural award) and a cyber‑impact ranking that highlighted the nation’s digital resilience (UAE cyber impact ranking).

Key facts

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention is enforcing new sodium, sugar and fat limits on packaged foods. (gulfnews.com)
Limits are introduced in two phases, with specific caps for leavened bread, flat bread, sweetened milk drinks, yoghurt and laban. (gulfnews.com)
Violators may face fines from Dh5,000 to Dh500,000 and possible six‑month closures. (khaleejtimes.com)