Gulf News: The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) has revealed that the new Nutri-Mark initiative enables consumers to instantly access clear nutritional information by scanning a QR code on products available across participating retail outlets.

The initiative follows agreements signed between the Council and four major retail chains, which will be the first to exclusively implement the nutritional labeling system on their products. By presenting nutritional information at the exact moment consumers make purchasing decisions, the initiative is expected to encourage healthier eating habits and support informed, faster, and healthier food choices.

The Nutri-Mark initiative, the first of its kind in the region, was launched by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC). It introduces a front-of-pack nutrition labeling system designed to empower consumers to make informed and healthier dietary choices.

Promoting nutritional awareness and disease prevention

Engineer Abdullah Hassan Al Maeeni, Executive Director of the Central Testing Laboratory Sector at QCC, explained that Nutri-Mark is a science-based front-of-pack nutrition labeling system that enables consumers to compare the nutritional value of similar products through a simple and easy-to-understand assessment method.

He noted that the initiative is built on three key pillars:

Health: Enhancing nutritional awareness and preventing diseases.

Quality: Providing transparent and accurate standards for product classification.

Technology: Empowering consumers through innovative digital solutions that facilitate access to information.

Al Maeeni stated that Nutri-Mark compares the nutritional value of similar products and classifies them from Grade A, representing the highest nutritional value, to Grade E, representing the lowest. Each grade is assigned a distinct color based on factors such as fat, salt, fiber content, ingredients, and overall nutritional value.

He emphasized that partnerships with major retail chains are strategically important for the initiative’s success, as these retailers reach a broad consumer base across Abu Dhabi and the UAE, ensuring widespread visibility of the label. Adoption by retailers also encourages suppliers and manufacturers to comply with the system, either by displaying the label or improving their products to achieve higher ratings.

The initiative further benefits from being associated with trusted retail brands, helping consumers make healthier food choices and contributing positively to quality of life and public health.

Rising diabetes rates in the UAE

Al Maeeni noted that modern lifestyles characterized by physical inactivity and poor dietary choices have contributed to an increase in chronic diseases, shifting the healthcare burden from communicable to non-communicable diseases.

According to available data, 20.7% of adults aged 20 years and above in the UAE are living with diabetes, with the figure projected to rise to 23% by 2050. The number of younger individuals affected by diabetes is also steadily increasing.

He stressed that Nutri-Mark simplifies complex nutritional information and helps consumers better understand the health implications of food products, enabling them to make healthier and more informed dietary decisions. In the long term, this is expected to improve preventive health outcomes and reduce nutrition-related diseases.

Supporting the UAE’s long-term health objectives

Al Maeeni stated that Nutri-Mark aims to enhance consumer confidence, strengthen brand image, increase market value and competitiveness, and improve product offerings while positively influencing public health and supporting the UAE’s long-term health goals.

Businesses can support the initiative by displaying and promoting the label on their products. In return, products carrying the Nutri-Mark gain a competitive advantage in a growing market that values transparency and nutritional quality.

He added that awareness campaigns rely on multiple channels, including digital platforms such as the TAMM application and social media, to provide interactive and easy-to-understand content explaining how to read and interpret the label.

Al Maeeni also highlighted that the initiative has already begun influencing manufacturers. Although the system is not yet mandatory, several international companies have modified their products after receiving Nutri-Mark evaluations, demonstrating its potential as an effective preventive public health tool.

He revealed that the Council has received overwhelmingly positive feedback through social media since the initiative’s launch. International experiences have also demonstrated its effectiveness, with countries implementing similar systems reporting at least a 10% improvement in the nutritional quality of products selected by consumers, highlighting its ability to drive long-term behavioral change that benefits both public health and the national economy.

The nutritional assessments are based on globally recognized scientific studies and analyses in nutrition and public health. The Council also plans to conduct regular random inspections to verify product information and ensure the accuracy of nutritional classifications.

A promising step for preventive healthcare

Dr. Ahmed Al Khazraji, Executive Director of the Healthy Lifestyle Sector at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, described Nutri-Mark as a promising development for preventive healthcare.

“We believe it will help promote healthier lifestyles and reduce rates of obesity, diabetes, and other nutrition-related diseases,” he said.

He explained that the initiative benefits a wide range of community groups, particularly children, senior citizens, and individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, who require clear and reliable nutritional information. It also serves as a valuable tool for parents seeking healthier food options for their children amid the growing prevalence of processed and packaged foods.

Healthy adults and young people can also benefit by developing sustainable nutritional awareness and reducing future health risks through better daily food choices.

TAMM application enhances accessibility

Aisha Al Marzouqi, Executive Director of Customer Experience and TAMM Platform Development, stated that the TAMM application makes Nutri-Mark easily accessible with a single click, similar to other government services, encouraging widespread adoption across all segments of society.

She noted that technology is no longer an option but a necessity, and expanding its use across sectors including preventive healthcare remains a national priority for the UAE.

This initiative represents a practical model of integration between innovation and quality, supporting Abu Dhabi Government’s vision of building a healthier and more sustainable society. Technology serves as a powerful tool for promoting informed food choices by providing consumers with clear and accurate nutritional information instantly.

Society’s growing preference for digital solutions

Al Marzouqi noted that daily practices show increasing public preference for digital solutions due to their convenience, speed, and transparency, making them ideal tools for spreading nutritional awareness and transforming it into a sustainable daily habit.

Through the TAMM application, consumers can instantly access Nutri-Mark information by scanning or photographing nutritional labels on products. The application then displays the product’s classification from Grade A (highest nutritional value) to Grade E (lowest nutritional value), along with nutritional details, consumption guidance, and alerts for sensitive groups such as children and people with diabetes.

The role of smart solutions and digital data

Al Marzouqi emphasized that smart solutions and digital data play a vital role in transforming consumers from passive recipients of information into informed decision-makers.

“We have not only provided information through this initiative, but also simplified it visually through colors and symbols, making it accessible to everyone,” she said.

She added that integrating Nutri-Mark into smart government platforms such as TAMM strengthens institutional transparency. Government applications carry a high level of credibility because they neither promote specific products nor serve private interests; instead, they communicate a unified national standard based on scientific evidence and subject to rigorous regulatory oversight.

This gives consumers confidence that the information provided is accurate, impartial, and standardized across products while ensuring easy access and long-term sustainability.

Combating malnutrition and poor dietary habits

Dr. Al Khazraji explained that malnutrition today often refers not to food scarcity but to the excessive consumption of foods with low nutritional value, making it one of the most significant health challenges associated with dietary habits in Abu Dhabi.

He stressed that Nutri-Mark is expected to play a critical role in raising awareness about the importance of choosing products with higher nutritional value.

From the Centre’s perspective, partnerships with commercial entities are fundamental to the initiative’s success because they ensure consumers encounter the label at the point of purchase. Retailers are not merely implementation partners; they serve as a bridge connecting public health policies with everyday consumer behavior.

Such partnerships also encourage companies to reformulate products to become healthier, supporting the objectives of the UAE’s preventive health agenda.

What is the Nutri-Mark Initiative?

Nutri-Mark is the first nutrition labeling system of its kind in the region, designed to help consumers identify healthier food products through a simplified front-of-pack nutrition label.

The initiative has been launched exclusively through four major retail outlets in Abu Dhabi.

Key facts about the initiative

Supervising authorities: The initiative is a joint effort between the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC).

Purpose of the label: To provide a simple, easy-to-read nutritional assessment that complements the mandatory nutritional information displayed on the back of food packaging.

Retail availability: Products carrying the Nutri-Mark label are currently available exclusively through four major retail outlets in Abu Dhabi.

For more information about the system and product ratings, consumers can visit the official website of the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council.