Abu Dhabi, 1 March, 2025 – The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), represented by the Standard Technical Committee for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has approved the Abu Dhabi guideline for the use of the Nutri-mark label. This initiative was developed in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) and key stakeholders from both government and private sector entities, including the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA). The guideline marks a significant step in the Emirate’s efforts to combat the growing burden of obesity and enhance the well-being of the community.
The ‘Nutri-mark’ label initiative is the first of its kind in the region, a pioneering nutritional labeling system that will be placed on the front end of food products. ‘Nutri-mark’ is designed to promote healthier eating habits and enable consumers to make healthier and informed decisions. The guideline aims to enhance food manufacturer’s understanding of product nutritional value through standardised nutritional labeling. The system utilises an A-to-E letter grade (A being the highest nutritional quality) and a color-coded grading system (green to red) that simplifies comparisons of nutritional value within the same food category.
H.E. Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of the Community Health Sector at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, said: “The launch of the Abu Dhabi guideline for the use of the Nutri-mark label reflects Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre’s (ADPHC) unwavering commitment to enhancing the community’s health and well-being in the Emirate. This initiative serves as a testament to ADPHC’s dedication to addressing the obesity health crisis, setting new benchmarks for food labeling on a local and global scale. Through empowering consumers with clear, accessible information and fostering accountability within the food industry, we are laying the foundation for a healthier population. In collaboration with our esteemed partners, we will continue to pursue innovative solutions that create a lasting impact and enable our community to make informed healthier decisions.”
H.E. Engineer Bader Khamis Alshemaili, Executive Director of the Conformity and Standards Services Sector at the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council and Chairman of the Standard Technical Committee said: “The development of Abu Dhabi’s guideline for the ‘Nutri-mark’ label represents a strategic step in promoting health awareness among consumers. The Council is working closely with our partners to achieve the goals of the Obesity Control Programme, by supporting companies in enhancing the nutritional value of their products, reducing the prevalence of obesity, and mitigating the long-term costs associated with chronic diseases.”
The guideline serves as a strategic tool to support Abu Dhabi’s efforts to combat obesity and promote community health, encouraging food companies to enhance the nutritional quality of their products and contribute to reducing obesity rates and improving the overall well-being of the community. Additionally, it outlines principles, requirements and responsibilities for food manufacturers implementing the ‘Nutri-mark’ label. Furthermore, they are provided with a standardised methodology for classifying products based on their nutritional composition and value, encouraging companies to reformulate products with healthier ingredients and facilitating informed food choices.
The guideline specifies the nutritional criteria that food manufacturers must adhere to when applying the Nutri-mark label, including requirements for fat content (total and saturated fats), carbohydrates and sugars, protein and fibre, salt content and calorie values. By ensuring standardized and transparent nutritional labeling, the initiative aims to improve consumer awareness and promote healthier food consumption patterns.
The approval of the guideline was part of the recurring meeting of the Standard Technical Committee for Abu Dhabi Standards during the fourth quarter of 2024, chaired by H.E. Engineer Bader Khamis Alshemaili, and attended by representatives from 25 governmental entities. The meeting also covered discussions on additional technical standards and guidance documents aimed at enhancing quality and ensuring regulatory compliance across various sectors in Abu Dhabi.
As part of its broader mission, the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council continues to lead efforts to advance public health, regulatory excellence, and quality assurance. The Council remains committed to supporting innovative solutions that enhance consumer well-being and create a healthier, more sustainable community.
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