Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) has launched the SEHHI program to increase access to healthy food options and promote nutritious food choices in Abu Dhabi.

In line with Abu Dhabi’s vision to ensure a longer and healthy life and sustainable lifestyles for citizens by promoting preventive measures, the SEHHI program seeks to encourage the community to consume healthy food choices and improve eating habits.

Ensuring a wider reach and greater impact, three sub-programs have been identified, including SEHHI on Healthy Menus which involves placing the SEHHI logo on food menu items identifying healthy dishes with low fat, sugar and salt contents and higher fibres.

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H.E. Matar Al Nuaimi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, said: “ADPHC is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every member of the Abu Dhabi community and nutrition undoubtedly plays a critical role in promoting overall health.

"The SEHHI program aligns with our vision towards a healthy, safe society by consolidating the efforts of various stakeholders in the ecosystem to ensure access to healthy foods and promote more informed and educated dietary choices.”

H.E. Dr Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of Community Health at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, said: “The SEHHI program will support and empower the community to make well informed decisions when it comes to the consumption of food.

"Through the SEHHI program, ADPHC has made sure to reach all consumer touchpoints to encourage better dietary decisions. We strongly urge the community to follow healthy eating habits and ensure they are consuming a balanced diet.“

A comprehensive classification process has also been established to identify foods that fall under the SEHHI program, with the criteria considering calorie count, total fats, saturated and trans fats, sugar, salt, and fibre amounts.

Food outlets will also be able to input details about their food items into a digitized platform that will review and analyse the nutritional value of their dishes, identifying those that meet the SEHHI criteria.

Participating entities will receive guidance and a series of trainings to ensure the optimal implementation of the program. In parallel, the Abu Dhabi community will also be provided with information and guidance on making healthier food choices.

With the prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles globally and locally, encouraging balanced and nutritious dietary choices is essential to and overall health of society, and aligns with ADPHC’s vision of a healthy safe society by promoting preventive and public health.

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