Dubai: Dubai is planning new regulations that will push the food sector to deliver healthier options to prevent diseases caused by wrong dietary habits.

The regulations will also focus on controlling the marketing of food products aimed at children, officials said on Monday.

Dubai Municipality will organise the first Dubai International Conference on Applied Nutrition next month to have international collaborations to formulate such rules to support healthy eating and fight cardiovascular diseases and childhood obesity.

Announcing the details of the conference, officials said childhood obesity will be the most important theme to be addressed at the conference as it has become a complex problem affecting many families here.

Some 33 per cent of UAE children in the 5-17 age group are overweight and obese, which leads to diabetes and other lifestyle disorders.

“As we all know, there is a tremendous increase in diet-related chronic diseases in Dubai and the region, largely linked to excessive or unbalanced intake of certain types of food and sedentary lifestyle,” said Khalid Mohammad Sharif Al Awadhi, assistant director- general for Environment, Health and Safety Control Sector.

“We also have another risk in the form of unhealthy food choices wherein people are consuming certain foods that are high in calories or have ingredients that shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities such as salt, saturated fat and sugar in excess … Given the important role of nutrition for a healthy and active society, interventions that address our challenges are not only urgent but also have the potential to make a major contribution to our country’s economic and social development by ensuring a longer, healthy life for citizens and residents,” he pointed out.

Eman Al Bastaki, director of Food Safety Department, said the conference programme will not be limited to international efforts but will also talk about local initiatives to promote healthy food options in restaurants and Dubai Municipality will share the stage with local food businesses to come up with ideas and initiatives that can enhance healthy food options in Dubai.

Jehaina Hassan Al Ali, principal food studies and surveys officer at the department, told Gulf News that the recommendations from the conference will help shape regulations for the local market.

“We have a lack of regulations and policies that can support our actions to tackle nutritional issues in various aspects. Through the conference, we want to see the policies and regulations around the world and adopt the best practices and initiatives that will be suitable for our community,” she said.

The conference will run on November 7 and 8 alongside the Gulfood Exhibition at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. For more information, visit www.foodsafetydubai.com