The Ministry of Health & Prevention has launched a ‘Healthy Restaurant’ initiative in the UAE.
The initiative is in line with the Ministry’s strategic objectives to promote healthy lifestyles in the UAE through the development of legislation that decreases the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
Restaurants have been asked to adhere to mandatory and optional criteria to improve the nutritional value of their offerings and empower consumers to make healthy choices.
This includes offering at least two healthy meals and a separate healthy food menu for children.
Affiliated establishments will be certified as healthy restaurants by the Ministry of Health & Prevention, and will be provided with free consultations with a nutrition specialist who will assist participating restaurants in improving the nutritional value of their offer.
Training and education will also be provided to cooks and service providers.
To ensure compliance of accredited establishments there will be random inspections, client evaluation and regular data submission by participating restaurants.
The Ministry conducted three workshops in April 2015 to educate restaurants on the initiative.
The Ministry will launch a media campaign this month, which includes radio adverts and promotional messages via social media and other online platforms to promote the initiative and the list of healthy restaurants in the country.
The initiative was announced during a press conference attended by H.E. Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for the health centers and clinics sector; Dr. Fadila Sharif, director of health education and Nouf Khamis Al Ali, head of section for health promotion program and tobacco control.
Representatives from economic and municipal departments and restaurants involved in the initiative were also present.
