Nutri-Mark system set to transform food labelling in Abu Dhabi
On 26 November, 2024, during the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE), the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) announced a significant development in public health policy. The Nutri-Mark system is expected to become mandatory in Abu Dhabi starting from 1 June, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance public health by providing clear and accessible nutritional information on food products, thereby enabling consumers to make healthier choices.
What is the Nutri-Mark system?
The Nutri-Mark system will require all relevant products to display a front-of-pack label indicating their nutritional grade from A to E. Each grade will be represented by a different colour, based on the product's nutritional content, with 'A' indicating the highest nutritional value and 'E' the lowest. This system allows consumers to easily compare items within the same food category and make more informed decisions.
Implementation and guidelines
The authorities are preparing a comprehensive guideline, known as the Abu Dhabi Nutritional Mark, detailing the grading calculation methodology. This methodology is fundamentally aligned with the current Nutri-Score system used in the EU. Additionally, a Certification Scheme for foods and beverages using the Nutri-Mark is being developed.
This scheme will outline the certification procedure for obtaining the right to display the Nutri-Mark on products. A Nutri-Mark Calculation Tool is also in the works, designed to record product details and automatically apply the calculation methodology based on the Abu Dhabi guideline.
Products covered
Initially, the Nutri-Mark will apply to five product categories: oils, dairy, beverages, baked goods, and children’s food, including cereals and snacks commonly consumed by children. In the second phase, a system certification for non-packaged food will also be introduced.
Other emirates and GCC MS
Currently, there is no specific information suggesting that the Nutri-Mark system will be mandatory in other emirates or GCC member states. However, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been proactive in enhancing nutritional intake through various initiatives, such as the voluntary Traffic Light Food Labelling system.
Regulatory support
For help in preparing for the upcoming labelling changes in Abu Dhabi, reach out to us at [email protected].
Leatherhead Food Research Members are kept up to date with changing regulations such as these through the weekly Global Legal Highlights newsletter. To learn more, get in touch with our membership team at [email protected]
