Abu Dhabi is making a decisive move to promote healthier eating with the launch of Nutri-Mark, a mandatory Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) system starting June 1, 2025. Developed by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Nutri-Mark features a clear A–E colour-coded rating. While inspired by Europe’s Nutri-Score, it is tailored to the regional context, aligning with UAE nutritional standards, local dietary patterns, and Halal requirements.
More than a simple label, Nutri-Mark is a structured public health initiative. It includes a phased implementation strategy, mandatory compliance for an initial five food categories, and strict enforcement mechanisms. The system is set to expand further, encompassing unpackaged foods and restaurant meals —demonstrating Abu Dhabi’s strong regulatory vision and commitment to informed consumer choice and long-term population health.
Abu Dhabi’s decisive implementation of Nutri-Mark stands in stark contrast to the European Union’s inertia, where lobbying efforts have hindered the adoption of Nutri-Score, despite its scientific validation and proven public health relevance.
Introduction to Front-of-Pack nutrition labelling and Nutri-Mark
Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) systems have gained significant global recognition as essential tools within comprehensive public health strategies aimed at addressing the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and premature mortality stemming from unhealthy dietary patterns. A growing body of evidence suggests that consumers prefer and are more likely to pay attention to interpretative nutrition information presented prominently on the front of food packaging compared to the detailed nutritional panels typically found on the back or side (Schulte-Mecklenbeck et al., 2013).
The World Health Organization (WHO) actively recommends the implementation of FOPLs as a vital component in promoting healthier diets and preventing the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (Al-Jawaldeh et al., 2020).
The specific context surrounding the introduction of the Nutri-Mark system in Abu Dhabi underscores the emirate’s commitment to broader public health goals, with a primary focus on fostering a healthier population. A central driving force behind this initiative is the urgent need to combat the increasing prevalence of obesity. Alarmingly high rates of overweight (reported at 61%) and obesity (at 22%) among the population of Abu Dhabi have necessitated the implementation of such a direct public health intervention. The Nutri-Mark system is designed to address this challenge by providing consumers with nutritional information in a simplified and transparent manner.
A for Apple, E for Excess: understanding Abu Dhabi’s new Nutri-Mark system
The Nutri-Mark system employs a clear and easily understandable visual representation, utilising a letter grading system ranging from A to E, where ‘A’ indicates the best nutrient profile and ‘E’ the worst. To further enhance its interpretability, each letter is associated with a distinct colour, ranging from dark green for ‘A’ to red for ‘E’ (Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, 2024).
The development and implementation of the Nutri-Mark system are being spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC).
In a significant step towards international transparency and alignment, the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council has officially notified the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding its Nutri-Mark certification scheme for food and beverage products, along with the detailed guidelines for its application.
Timeline and long-time vision
The timeline for the implementation of the Nutri-Mark system indicates that it will become mandatory for the identified food categories starting on June 1, 2025. This initial phase will encompass five key food categories:
- packaged and non-packaged breads and pastries;
- all types of beverages;
- fats, oils, and fat emulsions;
- food products specifically targeting children, including popular items like cereals and snacks.
Recognising the need for a transition period, existing food products will be granted six months to update their packaging to include the Nutri-Mark label. Furthermore, manufacturers who are introducing new products to the market are being actively encouraged to begin the application process for the Nutri-Mark label immediately.
The long-term vision for the Nutri-Mark system includes its eventual application to all food products available for sale within the emirate. Looking ahead, the second phase of implementation will involve the introduction of a system certification process specifically for non-packaged food items. Moreover, future plans are in development to extend the Nutri-Mark system to also cover restaurant menus and freshly prepared meals, ensuring that consumers have access to nutritional information regardless of their food source.
Scientific foundations and inspiration for Nutri-Mark
The introduction of the Nutri-Mark system in Abu Dhabi demonstrates a clear alignment with the Nutri-Score system that is currently in use across the European Union. Abu Dhabi’s initiative explicitly draws inspiration from similar successful programmes implemented worldwide, with the Nutri-Score system in Europe being a primary example (Devaux et al., 2024).
Authorities in Abu Dhabi conducted a thorough study of various existing nutritional labelling schemes and concluded that adopting an approach similar to Nutri-Score would be the most effective.
The objectives and design principles of Nutri-Mark exhibit a strong resemblance to those of the Nutri-Score system. Both systems utilise an A-E grading scale coupled with colour-coding to facilitate the easy understanding of nutritional information by consumers. The overarching goals of both Nutri-Mark and Nutri-Score are to assist consumers in making healthier food choices and to contribute to the broader effort of combating obesity.
The Nutri-Score example
The scientific basis of the Nutri-Score system is robust and well-documented. It was developed by Santé Publique France, the French public health agency, drawing upon the foundational work of Professor Serge Hercberg from Sorbonne Paris North University. The Nutri-Score system relies on an advanced nutrient profiling system that is derived from the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency (FSA) nutrient profiling system, often referred to as the FSA score (Food Standards Agency, 2005). The FSA score itself was meticulously developed in 2004-2005 by the Food Standards Agency in the UK as a tool to assist Ofcom, the broadcast regulator, in differentiating food products based on their nutritional composition, specifically in the context of television advertising aimed at children (Rayner et al., 2009).
The FSA model employs a scoring mechanism that carefully balances the contribution of nutrients considered beneficial for a healthy diet, particularly for children, with the presence of food components that should be consumed in lesser quantities. This balance is achieved by awarding points for ‘negative’ nutrients, such as energy, saturated fat, total sugar, and sodium, and also for ‘positive’ nutrients, including fruit, vegetables, nuts, dietary fibre, and protein, all calculated per 100 grams of the food product. The Nutri-Score system’s calculation process involves assigning negative points based on the content of these problematic nutrients and positive points based on the content of the beneficial ones. The final Nutri-Score, which determines the A-E grade, is then derived from the difference between these positive and negative points (Hercberg et al., 2021).
Evidence-based support for interpretative Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) systems
There is substantial scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of interpretative FOPNL systems, such as Nutri-Score and Nutri-Mark, in influencing consumer behaviour and promoting healthier food choices:
- studies have indicated that FOP labels play a significant role in helping consumers to better identify and select healthier food products (Poon et al., 2018);
- specifically, the Nutri-Score system has demonstrated its effectiveness in guiding consumers towards making healthier food purchasing decisions (Egnell et al., 2021), with the potential to reduce the risk of NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases Deschasaux-Tanguy et al., 2024);
- consumers have generally reported a preference for the Nutri-Score label, finding it easier to use and understand compared to other FOPNL systems (Andreani et al., 2025).
Understanding the Nutri-Mark algorithm: aligning nutrition science with UAE public health policies
The Nutri-Mark system employs scientific criteria that have been developed by experts in the fields of health and nutrition to assess the nutritional profile of food products. This assessment takes into account several key nutritional factors, including the content of sugar, saturated fats, sodium, and the overall energy value (Kcal) of the product. Furthermore, the classification process involves evaluating the levels of these nutrients along with dietary fibre and other essential nutrients present in the food. Food products are graded on the Nutri-Mark scale from A to E based on these criteria, which encompass factors such as fat content, salt levels, the amount of dietary fibre, and the overall nutritional value of the food.
The key factors that are considered in the Nutri-Mark algorithm, as indicated by the available research, prominently feature sugar content, the amount of saturated fats, sodium levels, and the overall energy value (Kcal) of the food product. These are consistently identified as the primary ‘negative’ nutritional components in the descriptions of the Nutri-Mark system as well as in the underlying Nutri-Score and FSA models that it is based upon. The emphasis on these specific nutrients reflects the well-established scientific consensus regarding their significant impact on the development of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) when they are consumed in excessive amounts (Rayner, 2017).
While the core algorithm of Nutri-Mark is largely based on the Nutri-Score system, certain specific adaptations have been made to better suit the regional dietary patterns and regulatory requirements of Abu Dhabi, which include considerations for Halal compliance (Al-Jawaldeh & Meyer, 2023).
Implementation framework and stakeholder involvement
The Nutri-Mark system is being jointly developed by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), emphasizing the critical importance of providing simplified nutritional information to consumers. The ADQCC’s Central Testing Laboratory provides the scientific foundation for the system, while offering expert support to help manufacturers reformulate products without compromising taste or quality (Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, n.d.).
The regulatory framework includes strict enforcement measures — products without proper Nutri-Mark labels will be withdrawn from shelves, with non-compliant parties facing penalties and fines, including sanctions for falsely displayed higher grades. Implementation follows a well-organised process with active participation from various stakeholders, including government entities, manufacturers, retailers, and public health departments.
The system employs a phased approach, initially targeting five key product categories (oils, dairy, beverages, baked goods, and children’s foods) to ensure a manageable rollout, with mandatory compliance beginning May-June 2025.
Potential impact and future directions
The Nutri-Mark system in Abu Dhabi is expected to significantly influence consumer awareness and dietary choices by providing clear, accessible nutritional information in a visually intuitive format. Studies on similar labelling systems demonstrate their effectiveness in guiding consumers toward healthier food options within the same category (Schulte-Mecklenbeck et al., 2013).
Beyond consumer education, Nutri-Mark creates incentives for the food industry to reformulate their products to achieve better ratings, as already observed in France and other countries where Nutri-Score has been implemented (Steenbergen, Beulens, & Temme, 2024), potentially increasing the availability of healthier options in the market (Al-Jawaldeh et al., 2020).
Future plans include extending the system to fresh foods and restaurant menus, implementing certification for non-packaged items, and developing mobile applications that allow consumers to scan barcodes for detailed nutritional information, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for informed food choices.
Conclusions
The introduction of the Nutri-Mark system in Abu Dhabi represents a significant step forward in the emirate’s ongoing efforts to combat poor dietary habits and the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases. By adopting a mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling system that is closely aligned with the scientifically validated Nutri-Score model used in Europe, Abu Dhabi is demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based public health interventions.
The Nutri-Mark system, with its clear A-E grading and colour-coding, aims to empower consumers to make informed and healthier food choices. Furthermore, it is expected to incentivise the food industry to reformulate their products, leading to a wider availability of more nutritious options in the market. This initiative aligns with global best practices in nutrition labelling and has the potential to make a lasting positive impact on the well-being and health of the emirate’s population.
Dario Dongo
Cover art copyright © 2025 Dario Dongo (AI-assisted creation)
References
- Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council. (2024). Abu Dhabi guideline for the use of the nutrition mark (ADG-044-2024-En). Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/document/835973595/ADG-044-2024-En-1
- Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council. (n.d.). Registration portal. https://jawdah.qcc.abudhabi.ae/en/Registration/pages/default.aspx
- Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council & Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre. (2024, November 26). ADQCC & ADPHC announces Nutri-Mark at ADIFE 2024: A new front of pack labelling for informed food choices. https://qcc.gov.ae/Media-Centre/News/ADQCC-ADPHC-Announces-NutriMark-at-ADIFE-2024
- Al-Jawaldeh, A., & Meyer, A. L. (2023). Reshaping food systems to improve nutrition and health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Open Book Publishers. https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0322
- Al-Jawaldeh, A., Rayner, M., Julia, C., Elmadfa, I., Hammerich, A., & McColl, K. (2020). Improving Nutrition Information in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Implementation of Front-Of-Pack Nutrition Labelling. Nutrients, 12(2), 330. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020330
- Andreani, G., Sogari, G., Wongprawmas, R., Menozzi, D., & Mora, C. (2025). Nutri-Score and Eco-Score Labeling: A Systematic Review of Their Impact on Consumer Understanding, Attitudes, and Behaviors. Food Reviews International 1-25.https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2025.2460052
- Deschasaux-Tanguy, M., Srour, B., Egnell, M., Andreeva, V. A., Touvier, M., Julia, C., … & Hercberg, S. (2024). Nutritional quality of diet characterized by the Nutri-Score profiling system and cardiovascular disease risk: A prospective study in 7 European countries. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, 46, 101006. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101006
- Devaux, M., Aldea, A., Lerouge, A., Vuik, S., & Cecchini, M. (2024). Establishing an EU-wide front-of-pack nutrition label: Review of options and model-based evaluation. Obesity Reviews, 25(4), e13719. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13719
- Egnell, M., Seconda, L., Neal, B., Mhurchu, C. N., Rayner, M., Jones, A., … Julia, C. (2021). Prospective associations of the original Food Standards Agency nutrient profiling system and three variants with weight gain, overweight and obesity risk: results from the French NutriNet-Santé cohort. British Journal of Nutrition, 125(8), 902–914. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114520003384
- ood Standards Agency. (2005). Nutrient profiling technical guidance. UK Government. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7cdac7e5274a2c9a484867/dh_123492.pdf
- Hercberg, S., Touvier, M., & Serry, A. (2021). The Nutri-Score: A science-based front-of-pack nutrition label. International Agency for Research on Cancer. https://www.iarc.who.int/wpcontent/uploads/2021/09/IARC_Evidence_Summary_Brief_2.pdf
- Poon, T., Labonté, M. È., Mulligan, C., Ahmed, M., Dickinson, K. M., & L’Abbé, M. R. (2018). Comparison of nutrient profiling models for assessing the nutritional quality of foods: a validation study. The British journal of nutrition, 120(5), 567–582. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114518001575
- Rayner, M. (2017). Nutrient profiling for regulatory purposes. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 76(3), 230–236. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665117000362
- Rayner, M., Scarborough, P., & Lobstein, T. (2009). The UK Ofcom nutrient profiling model: Defining ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ foods and drinks for TV advertising to children. British Heart Foundation Health Promotion Research Group, Department of Public Health, University of Oxford. https://www.ndph.ox.ac.uk/food-ncd/files/about/uk-ofcom-nutrient-profile-model.pdf
- Schulte-Mecklenbeck, M., Sohn, M., de Bellis, E., Martin, N., & Hertwig, R. (2013). A lack of appetite for information and computation: Simple heuristics in food choice. Appetite, 71, 242–251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2013.08.008
- Steenbergen, E., Beulens, M. J. W. J., & Temme, E. H. M. (2024). Nutri-Score in the European food retail supply: A potential incentive for food reformulation? Nutrients, 16(23), 4184. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234184
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
