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According to the UAE National Health Survey (2017–2018), an alarming 67.9% of adults aged 18–69 were either overweight or obese, with a notably higher incidence among women. Further, the Ministry of Health & Prevention’s 2023 Obesity Study revealed that 27.8% of adults and 17.3% of children suffer from obesity. These statistics underscore the urgent need for systemic interventions to promote healthier lifestyles.
Addressing this challenge head-on, the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) unveiled Nutri-Mark, a pioneering front-of-pack nutritional labeling system. Announced at the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE) 2024, held from November 26–28 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Nutri-Mark aims to revolutionize how consumers assess and choose food products. Inspired by similar initiatives globally, Nutri-Mark sets new benchmarks for food labeling in the UAE by making nutritional information clearer, promoting transparency, and holding the food industry accountable.
Comprehending the Nutri-Mark Initiative
As the first initiative of its kind in the region, Nutri-Mark assigns food products a letter grade from A to E, with A denoting the highest nutritional quality. This grade is determined using a color-coded scale that simplifies comparisons of nutritional value within the same food category.
The Central Testing Laboratory plays a vital role as the scientific foundation of Nutri-Mark. Employing advanced analysis techniques, the lab evaluates food products’ nutritional content and collaborates with manufacturers, importers, and retailers to ensure compliance. This rigorous approach helps consumers make informed decisions, fostering a culture of healthier eating and combating obesity trends.
Implementation Nature of Nutri-Mark Labels
The Nutri-Mark initiative is being rolled out in stages. Initially, it will focus on five product categories: oils, dairy, beverages, baked goods, and children’s foods such as cereals and snacks. By mid-2025, Nutri-Mark labels will start appearing on packaged products.
The subsequent phase will extend to non-packaged food items, which will require certification. While participation will be voluntary for the first six months, the system will become mandatory thereafter, ensuring widespread adoption.
What Does the Letters of Nutri-Mark Mean
Nutri-Mark’s grading system is both scientific and consumer-friendly. Food products are graded from A (dark green) to E (red), based on criteria such as fat, salt, fiber content, and overall nutritional value. Importantly, these labels do not categorize products as “good” or “bad.” Instead, they provide a relative comparison within the same category, allowing consumers to choose based on their dietary needs. This ensures that while products with lower grades may have less nutritional value, they are still safe and meet stringent UAE food safety standards.
Why Nutri-Mark Matters for the UAE
Nutri-Mark represents a unified effort involving government bodies, retailers, food manufacturers, and educational partners to promote healthier eating. By making nutritional information accessible, it addresses the root causes of unhealthy food choices—complex ingredient lists and lack of awareness. This initiative not only empowers consumers but also reinforces the UAE’s commitment to public health and food quality.
At its core, Nutri-Mark reflects the philosophy of proactive health management: preventing illnesses before they arise. By simplifying nutritional information and fostering informed decision-making, it lays the foundation for a healthier, more conscious society. Thus, the introduction of Nutri-Mark is not just a step forward in public health—it is a leap toward a healthier, more transparent food culture in the UAE. Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, the initiative is set to leave a lasting impact on the nation’s health and wellness landscape.
Smart Label: A Smarter Label Management Solution to Employ When Complying With Nutri-Mark Labeling System
For UAE food businesses aiming to ease the process of adoption of Nutri-Mark, digital label management solutions like Smart Label provide an effective compliance pathway by systematizing the integration of Nutri-Mark requirements into existing labeling practices. Smart Label makes it possible by:
• Incorporation of Nutri-Mark’s Color-Coded System
Smart Label can assist in incorporating Nutri-Mark’s color-coded scale, allowing users to design compliant front-of-pack labels that effectively communicate nutritional quality to consumers.
• Real-Time Compliance with Labeling Standards
Automatic updates to the software ensure that any regulatory changes are reflected in the labeling process without additional effort from the user.
• Customizable Front-of-Pack Label Templates
Pre-designed templates aligned with Nutri-Mark’s formatting requirements allow users to quickly create visually appealing and regulation-compliant labels without additional design expertise.
• Multi-Language Labeling for UAE’s Diverse Market
The software supports multi-language labeling, including Arabic and English, ensuring Nutri-Mark labels are accessible to the UAE’s diverse population.
• Automated Nutrition Fact Label Generation
Smart Label’s automated nutrition fact label generation capability enables easy calculation of the nutritional breakdown of each ingredient, ensuring that Nutri-Mark letter grades are assigned with precision, reducing the likelihood of errors that could lead to regulatory non-compliance.
• Scalable Solution for Food Manufacturers & Distributors
Whether you’re a small business or a large-scale distributor, Smart Label’s flexible features accommodate varied operational scales, making compliance with Nutri-Mark achievable for enterprises of all sizes.
