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United Foods Company (PJSC) (DFM: UFC), a leading UAE-based food manufacturing and distribution company, has reinforced its commitment to healthier food production in line with the UAE’s nationwide ban on partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs). As the regulation comes into effect this year, UFC has already eliminated PHOs from its entire product range in 2019.
UFC initiated the transition to remove PHOs more than five years before the official deadline. This proactive approach was driven by global clinical evidence on the health risks associated with trans fats and reflects broader international efforts to restrict their use in the food supply.
The UAE’s move to eliminate industrial trans fats, in line with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, represents a significant shift for the food manufacturing industry. Manufacturers are required to reformulate products, adapt supply chains, and invest in research and development to replace partially hydrogenated oils while maintaining product quality and performance. With trans-fat elimination becoming a regulatory requirement, the focus has shifted toward how effectively manufacturers can deliver on quality, performance, and consistency.
“The UAE’s 2026 ban on PHOs is a landmark development for public health
Consumers will benefit from access to healthier nutritional choices, while UAE food producers will find their products better aligned with international regulatory standards. This transition required deep technical expertise and long-term investment. At UFC, we see this as an opportunity to play a leading role in advancing healthier food production in the region,” said Mohamed Itani, CEO of UFC.
PHOs are widely recognised as the primary source of artificial trans fats in processed foods. Their elimination is expected to deliver meaningful public health benefits by helping reduce harmful LDL cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. This initiative supports the UAE’s broader efforts to address lifestyle-related health conditions and improve long-term population wellbeing.
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2024–2025 by the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE indicates that 22.4% of adults are obese, while over half of the population has elevated cholesterol levels and nearly 60% are physically inactive.
“At UFC, we see this as our core responsibility to educate consumers and involve our society for the urgent need for preventive health measures. Initiatives such as the trans-fat ban play an important role in encouraging healthier dietary habits and recommend lifestyle changes” said Obaid Shaikh, Head of Marketing at UFC.
As a company with a core portfolio of edible oils and fats, including vegetable ghee, oils, margarines, and butter blends, UFC undertook an extensive reformulation programme to eliminate trans fats while preserving product functionality. This included rigorous application testing across customer segments to ensure consistency in taste, texture, and performance, supporting a seamless transition for both retail and industrial customers.
Under the leadership of Mohamed Itani, UFC has strengthened its Research & Development (R&D) capabilities to support product innovation and future growth. The company continues to focus on performance, consumer wellness, and operational efficiency across its product portfolio.
“Our success is built on product quality, a strong understanding of consumer needs, and continued investment in talent and sustainability,” Itani added. “We are focused on building a more resilient, future-ready business that continues to meet the evolving needs of the region.”
UFC also highlights the importance of ongoing collaboration between regulators and manufacturers to ensure effective implementation of such initiatives, support industry readiness, and maximise long-term public health outcomes.
Looking ahead, UFC sees continued momentum in the UAE toward broader nutrition initiatives, including sugar and salt reduction, front-of-pack labelling, and growing demand for clean-label and functional food products. The company is continuing to invest in R&D, advanced food technologies, and sustainable sourcing to support the next generation of healthier food solutions.