Abu Dhabi's Nutri-Mark System: Transforming Food Labels to Tackle Obesity

In a bid to promote healthier eating habits and combat rising obesity rates, Abu Dhabi will launch the Nutri-Mark System in June 2025. This innovative initiative, unveiled during the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE), introduces a front-of-pack nutritional grading system that empowers consumers to make informed food choices.

What is Nutri-Mark?

The Nutri-Mark System simplifies nutrition information by assigning food products a letter grade from A (highest nutritional value) to E (lowest nutritional value). Starting with categories like dairy products, oils, beverages, baked goods, and children's snacks, the program will eventually cover all food products sold in Abu Dhabi.

Foods are assessed for beneficial nutrients (fiber, protein, fruits, vegetables, legumes) and detrimental components (sugars, saturated fat, sodium, salt).

Existing products will have six months to update packaging, and new imports must comply with Nutri-Mark standards before entering the market. Non-compliance could result in product removal, ensuring transparency and adherence to nutritional guidelines.

Why Nutri-Mark?

The system addresses Abu Dhabi's alarming obesity rates:

• 61% of adults are overweight or obese, with 22% classified as obese.
• Among children, 37% are overweight or obese, and 18% are obese.

Dr. Ahmed Al Khazraji of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre highlighted obesity’s significant impact on mortality, fertility, and cognitive performance. These challenges underscore the urgent need for accessible nutritional guidance.

Globally, similar systems like Nutri-Score in the EU have proven effective in promoting healthier dietary choices by evaluating factors such as energy, sugars, saturated fat, salt, fiber, and protein.

Empowering Consumers Through Transparency

Nutri-Mark labels, prominently placed on packaging, aim to educate rather than restrict. By providing clear and actionable information, consumers can better understand the nutritional value and potential health impacts of their food choices.

“This is about empowering consumers, not restricting them,” Dr. Al Khazraji emphasized.

A Collaborative Public Health Effort

The initiative exemplifies a holistic approach, involving government agencies, food manufacturers, retailers, and educators. Nutri-Mark reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to public health and positions the emirate as a global leader in tackling obesity and improving dietary habits.

As a food intelligence platform, NutriCal is proud to support businesses and authorities in driving transparency and healthier food ecosystems. Exhibiting at ADIFE and the Global Food Security Summit, NutriCal celebrates initiatives like Nutri-Mark, which align with its mission to empower informed food choices through data-driven solutions.

Nutri-Mark represents a significant step toward a healthier future, setting a benchmark for consumer-centric food policies worldwide.

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Reference - https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2024/11/26/abu-dhabi-food-labelling/