Abu Dhabi has rolled out a new food labelling initiative called “Nutri-Mark,” featuring QR code-based labels designed to give consumers clearer insight into the nutritional value and health quality of packaged food products.
The system introduces an easy-to-understand rating format that helps shoppers make more informed dietary choices while grocery shopping.Under the new framework, food items will display a visible health rating linked to detailed nutritional data accessible through a QR code. By scanning the label using a smartphone, consumers can view information such as calorie content, sugar levels, salt composition, and overall nutritional balance.
This digital approach moves beyond traditional packaging labels, offering a more interactive and transparent method of understanding what is in everyday food products.The Nutri-Mark system is part of Abu Dhabi’s wider public health strategy aimed at encouraging healthier eating habits and reducing lifestyle-related diseases. Authorities believe that providing simplified nutritional guidance at the point of purchase can influence better food choices and improve long-term health outcomes across the population.Unlike conventional labeling systems that rely heavily on technical nutritional tables, the new rating model translates complex data into a clearer format that is easier for the general public to interpret.
This allows consumers to quickly compare products and select healthier alternatives without needing advanced nutritional knowledge.Retailers and food manufacturers are expected to gradually adapt to the system as it becomes integrated into packaging requirements. Over time, more products on supermarket shelves will carry Nutri-Mark labels, expanding the reach of the initiative across the food supply chain.Public health experts view this development as a step toward modernizing food transparency in the region.
By combining digital tools with everyday consumer habits, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself at the forefront of health-focused innovation in food regulation.As implementation expands, the Nutri-Mark system is expected to reshape how residents interact with packaged food, turning nutritional awareness into a simple, accessible part of daily shopping decisions.
