Abu Dhabi Nutri-Mark

The aim of this policy is to improve public health by promoting healthier eating habits, helping consumers make informed and healthier food choices while combating issues like obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases. it also prompts food companies to improve the nutritional quality of their products. The Nutri-Mark grading system uses letters from A to E to rate a food products nutritional quality with A(dark green) indicating the highest nutritional value and E(dark orange) the lowest. The front-of-package color coded label helps consumers to quickly compare similar products in the same category.

The Nutri-mark policy came from Abu Dhabi's efforts to reduce the high prevalence of obesity and overweight which is a major public health concern in the emirate and UAE. it was necessitated by challenges like consumers finding it difficult to interpret complex nutritional information of packages which lead to unhealthy choices while contributing to the obesity burden. The policy aligns with the strategies for preventive health which includes the Obesity Control Program and it gets its inspiration from the global front-of-pack labelling system(Nutri-score) while adapting to dietary patterns and priorities. The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council(ADQCC/QCC) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre(ADPHC) collaborated to initiate this policy.

The policy is owned and primarily monitored by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC/QCC), which handles certification, guideline enforcement, market surveillance, periodic checks, re-evaluations, and compliance verification (including testing for accurate grading). The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) shares responsibility for public health alignment, awareness campaigns, and integration with obesity control goals. The enforcement involves inspections, product withdrawals from shelves for non-compliance, and fines for retailers/manufacturers.

The policy implementation started from the voluntary adoption from late 2024 which encouraged early labelling and reformulation. It became mandatory from June 2025 for priority categories, requiring front-of-pack A–E grades certified via ADQCC, with non-compliance leading to product removal and fines. In day-to-day operations, manufacturers submit products for grading/certification, apply certified labels, and retailers ensure compliance at point-of-sale. The authorities provide tools, guidance, and integration while market surveillance includes random checks and lab testing for accuracy. The policy encourages reformulation, many local and international brands have proactively reduced sugars, salt, fats or boosted fiber and protein to achieve better grades (C or higher), introducing healthier options even pre-mandatory. The consumer empowerment has simplified choices, increased preference for higher-graded products.

https://qcc.gov.ae/Media-Centre/News/ADQCC-ADPHC-Announces-NutriMark-at-ADIFE-2024, https://www.foodtimes.eu/consumers-and-health/abu-dhabi-nutri-mark-nutrition-labelling-system-2025,https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/health-news/abu-dhabi-s-nutri-mark-initiative-explained-what-it-is-how-will-it-transform-food-labels-and-health-choices-in-2026/ar-AA1VI1IC, https://smartfoodsafe.com/abu-dhabi-labeling-requirements, https://jawdah.qcc.abudhabi.ae/en/Registration/QCCServices/Services/STD/ADG/ADG-044-2024-En.pdf