Abu Dhabi sets January deadline to remove junk food at supermarket checkouts

Starting January 1, supermarkets across Abu Dhabi will not be allowed to display junk food at checkouts and "high-traffic locations" as authorities step up efforts to promote healthier food choices for the community.

Supermarkets will also have to change the way food and beverage (F&B) products with "high-fat, salt and sugar (HFSS)" are placed on their online platforms, especially "home pages, search results, promotional pop-ups and checkout pages".

It comes as part of a collaboration between government-led wellbeing movement 'Healthy Living' and Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s (ADDED) arm for regulating the business sector in the emirate, targeting supermarkets larger than 4,000 square feet. 

The policy will not restrict the sale of these items, but will prohibit its placement at "high-exposure locations, including store entrances, end-of-aisle displays and checkout areas".

The policy - developed by Department of Health (DoH), Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC), and Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) - is based on evidence from markets where similar initiatives have been successfully implemented.