Abu Dhabi's New Policy Moves Junk Food From Prime Store Spots

A new responsible food placement policy has been introduced for supermarkets and online grocery platforms in Abu Dhabi, redesigning in-store layouts and online interfaces so that products high in fat, salt and sugar are no longer displayed in the highest-traffic, highest-visibility locations. The requirements will become mandatory from January 1st, 2027.

Developed by Healthy Living in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority and several government entities, the policy regulates where products classified as unhealthy under the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre's SEHHI system can be promoted. The measures apply to both physical and online retail platforms without restricting the sale of any products.

Under the new rules, products classified as unhealthy will no longer be permitted in high-visibility areas such as store entrances, end-of-aisle displays and checkout counters. Online grocery platforms will also be required to remove these products from prominent positions, including home pages, search results, promotional pop-ups and checkout pages. The in-store requirements will apply to supermarkets larger than 4,000 square feet.

Consumers will continue to have access to all products, with affected items remaining available in their usual aisles for purchase. According to the authorities, the policy is intended to encourage healthier purchasing decisions by changing product placement rather than limiting consumer choice.