No junk food at checkouts: Abu Dhabi supermarket retailers explain new rules

According to the Khaleej Times, supermarket retailers in Abu Dhabi have begun implementing new guidelines regarding the placement of food products at checkout counters. The initiative aims to promote healthier dietary choices among consumers by restricting the availability of high-sugar and high-fat items, commonly referred to as junk food, in the immediate vicinity of point-of-sale areas.

Retailers explained that the move is part of a broader effort to align with public health goals in the UAE, which seek to combat lifestyle-related health issues through improved consumer environments. By removing impulse-buy snacks from checkout aisles, stores hope to encourage shoppers to make more conscious decisions during their visit.

While the policy represents a shift in traditional retail layout, store managers noted that the transition is being managed to ensure minimal disruption to the shopping experience. The new rules are expected to be rolled out across major supermarket chains in the emirate, reflecting a growing trend in the region toward prioritizing nutritional awareness and public wellness initiatives in commercial spaces.