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Regulation of Health Supplements in the UAE: Labeling Requirements

In the dynamic landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the market for health supplements continues to flourish, driven by a growing focus on wellness and healthy living. However, with this growth comes the responsibility for businesses to ensure compliance with stringent regulatory requirements, particularly concerning labeling. Understanding and adhering to these requirements is essential for not only gaining market access but also for ensuring consumer safety and trust.

Regulation of Health Supplements in the UAE Labeling Requirements

Why Labeling Matters for Health Supplements in the UAE?

Labeling serves as the primary means of communication between businesses and consumers. For health supplements, accurate and informative labels are crucial as they provide consumers with vital information about the product, including its ingredients, dosage instructions, and potential health benefits. In the UAE, labeling requirements are governed by regulatory authorities such as the Dubai Municipality, aimed at safeguarding consumer health and ensuring product transparency.

Importance of Claims and related Health Supplements Labelling Claims :

Two types of claims are allowed for health supplements in the UAE -

  • Health claims

  • Structure / function claim

 

Health Claims

Structure / function claim

Focus

Link a nutrient or ingredient to a disease or health-related condition

Describe the role of a nutrient or ingredient in maintaining normal bodily functions.

Wording

Use language that connects the product to disease prevention or health improvement.

Focus on supporting or maintaining normal biological functions without referencing disease.

Scientific Justification

Health claims must be backed by scientific evidence and by significant scientific consensus

Must be based on the known role of nutrients and do not need extensive scientific validation.

Examples

  • Calcium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

  • Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.

  • Calcium helps build strong bones.

  • Fiber maintains bowel regularity.

  • Antioxidants support a healthy immune system.

Regulation of Health Supplements in the UAE: Labeling Requirements

The labels must be in both Arabic and English, ensuring the content is identical in each language. It is mandatory for the labels to clearly state that the products are supplements and not substitutes for regular food.

Here's a breakdown of the essential labeling requirements:

  • Brand Name or Trade Name: Clearly display the product's brand or trade name.

  • Product Name: A concise description of the product should be provided. Trade Name or brand name cannot be replace the product name.

  • Manufacturer Details: Include details of the manufacturer or the agent acting in the UAE. Including Name, address, Website, Email ID.

  • Product Barcode or Unique Identification Code: Each product must have a unique code for identification purposes.

  • Dosage and Instructions for Use: Provide clear instructions on how to use the product including recommended daily dosage.

  • Production & Expiration Dates: Indicate the production date and the expiration date or the period after opening. This information shall be included with non-removable ink or non-removable sticker.

  • Pack Size, Net Weight or Volume: State the net weight or volume of the product.

  • Medical Claims: Ensure no medical claims are made on the label.

  • Batch Number or Lot Identification Number: Include the batch number or lot identification number.

  • Storage Conditions: Specify storage conditions if they affect the product’s validity.

  • Ingredients List: Provide a comprehensive list of ingredients, both active and inactive ingredients, highlighting any that may cause hypersensitivity.

  • Product Indications and Intended Use

  • Health Warning : Any warning and precautions related to the heath supplement in general or specific to any of the ingredients must be specified.

  • Country of Origin: Clearly declare the country of origin, ensuring specificity.

Key pointers to keep in mind regarding labeling of Health Supplements

  • Indication of “Food Supplement”: The label must indicate that the product is a food supplement.

  • Dietary Statement: State that Health Supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.

  • Quantity of Nutrients: Declare the amount of ingredients with nutritional or physiological effects in numerical form and per portion recommended for daily consumption. It is mandatory for the health supplements label to have a supplements fact panel.

  • Vitamins and Minerals: Express the information on vitamins and minerals as a percentage of the reference intake values listed for consumers.  (% DV)

The nomenclature used in the labelling, especially when including the names of the ingredients or the plants or animals shall be in accordance with the internationally recognized guidelines. The medical claims related to prevention or curing or treatment of any aliments is not allowed. The products making such claims may considered as medicinal products subjected to stringent regulations with more detailed registration requirements.

Additionally, any kind of illustrations, pictures inconsistent with the social norms and values are not allowed.

Compliance and Certification

Ensuring compliance with labeling requirements is paramount for market entry and consumer trust. In the UAE, health supplement labels must adhere to the standards set by regulatory authorities such as the Dubai Municipality. Additionally, obtaining certifications such as the Halal certificate for products containing animal derivatives is often necessary for market acceptance.

Navigating labeling requirements for health supplements in the UAE demands attention to detail and adherence to regulatory standards. By prioritizing accurate and informative labeling, businesses can not only meet regulatory requirements but also build trust with consumers. Ultimately, transparent and compliant labeling serves as a cornerstone for success in the thriving health supplement market of the UAE.

By adhering to these labeling requirements, manufacturers and distributors can ensure that their Health Supplements are compliant with Dubai Municipality's regulations, thereby safeguarding consumer health and promoting transparency in the market.

References :

 

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