JUN
23
The UAE is considering a ban on hydrogenated oils, used by food manufacturers to extend shelf life, due to health concerns. Dr. Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, discussed the proposal during an FNC session, highlighting the associated health risks. The National Committee for Food Safety has partially approved the ban, with the ministry planning a grace period for compliance. Stringent standard specifications will precede the ban’s enforcement, ensuring food establishments adhere to regulations.
Hydrogenated oil — a type of fat that food manufacturers use to keep foods fresher for longer — may soon be banned in the UAE, based on a Federal National Council (FNC) hearing.
During a session of the FNC, Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, discussed the possibility of a ban on hydrogenated oils in the country’s food industry.
She emphasised on the health risks associated with these oils and stated that the National Committee for Food Safety has partially approved the ban already.
The ministry will provide a grace period for food establishments across the nation to comply with certain standard specifications before the ban takes effect. It will also monitor the implementation of the ban through relevant authorities.
The session emphasised the need to expedite the completion of all food safety regulations, increase coordination between the relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and verification of food safety, and complete the development, standardisation, and implementation of the national food product registration system (ZAD), especially regarding food or feed registration procedures and supervision.
