These Guidelines developed by the Minsitry of Health aim to (i) improve the nutritional status of the UAE population; (ii) prevent malnutrition, obesity, and chronic diseases; (iii) contribute to reducing diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer. They are intended for use in government and community nutrition education, health institutions and nutrition clinics, meal planning based on health conditions, educational and social institutions and sports clubs, as well as for integration into curricula, programs, and awareness campaigns. The Guidelines provide core healthy-eating recommendations, along with specific guidance for infants and children, including exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months followed by appropriate complementary foods from six months of age. They also provide age-specific recommendations for physical activity. Separate dietary and physical-activity guidance is provided for adolescents and adults. The guide organizes foods into five main groups - grains and starches, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and protein - alongside fats and water. It promotes whole-grain options such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats and distinguishes naturally occurring sugars in foods such as fruit and milk from added sugars. Consumers are encouraged to read food labels and identify added sugars under terms such as sugar, brown sugar, honey, molasses, glucose, and dextrose. The guide also recommends prioritizing unsaturated fats from sources such as olive and canola oils, nuts, seeds, fish, olives, and avocado. In addition, it emphasizes food safety, including purchasing food from safe sources, hygienic preparation and cooking, proper storage and temperature control, appropriate utensils and equipment, and compliance with hygiene requirements for food handlers.
阿拉伯联合酋长国 · 2019-01-01