Abu Dhabi Enhances SEHHI Initiative for Healthier Work Environments

The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre has broadened the SEHHI initiative, aiming to boost healthy food accessibility in workplaces across the emirate. This enhancement features new technical guidelines designed to foster improved nutrition habits among the workforce.

With a primary focus on weaving preventative health into everyday living, the initiative aims to enhance environments where individuals spend considerable time. The ultimate aim is to facilitate easier access to healthy options without imposing additional effort on individuals.

The fresh workplace guidelines offer a tangible framework for both public and private sector entities. These standards assist employers in translating their health commitments into actionable steps by creating environments that encourage healthy choices and behaviours.

Key measures include the requirement to display calorie counts at food service points, alongside ensuring that a minimum of 30% of menu items comply with SEHHI nutritional criteria. Additionally, the guidelines provide recommendations for the organization of meals, beverages, snacks, and the items available in vending machines, ensuring healthier options are more easily seen and accessed.

The framework precisely outlines the responsibilities of all stakeholders, including employers and food suppliers. It includes steps for registration, assigning responsibility among staff, approving food items, training, conducting awareness initiatives, and continuous monitoring of progress and effectiveness.

Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that workplaces significantly influence daily habits, with the programme aiming to embed healthy choices into everyday routines.

These guidelines are applicable to all workplaces across Abu Dhabi that provide food and beverages, which encompasses cafeterias, catering services, kiosks, coffee stations, and vending machines. Employers are urged to register and begin implementing the initiative via the official SEHHI channels.