Residents across the UAE have been urged to immediately stop using several health supplements and a laboratory product after the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) ordered their withdrawal from the market.

In four urgent circulars, the regulator announced the recall and ban of three food supplements and one medical product, citing safety concerns including unapproved ingredients, contamination risks and quality defects. The authority warned consumers not to purchase the named products, particularly through online sales platforms.

Businesses have also been instructed not to advertise, distribute, store or sell the affected items in pharmacies, medical warehouses, health shops or via e-commerce channels in the UAE.

Products that residents are advised to avoid

In its first alert, the EDE warned against an unauthorised supplement marketed as “Super Immune+”, stating that it contains unapproved ingredients, including dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), molybdenum amino acid chelate, and boron citrate. The product was neither registered nor legally imported into the UAE.

A second circular ordered the withdrawal of “WoundVite”, sold under the brand ZEN NUTRIENTS, after authorities identified the presence of a novel food ingredient not authorised under European regulations. The supplement had not undergone regulatory assessment in the UAE.

In a third notice, the EDE referenced a safety update issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), coordinating with disease control authorities, regarding the recall of certain batches of “Rosabella Moringa Capsule” due to potential Salmonella contamination.

Separately, specific batches of the laboratory product “Isotonac-4” were recalled following a reported quality defect. The manufacturer and supplier have been instructed to implement an immediate withdrawal.

Public advisory

The EDE urged residents to verify the registration status of supplements and medical products before purchase and to avoid buying unverified health products from unofficial online sellers.

Consumers who have purchased any of the named items are advised to discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any adverse effects.

Authorities continue to monitor the market to ensure consumer safety and prevent the circulation of unauthorised health products.

Dubai has introduced a new Unified Health Screening service that combines residency medical fitness tests and occupational health examinations into one streamlined digital process, with residency permits issued automatically once medical results are approved.

Launched under the City Makers initiative, the service is designed to simplify procedures for residents, professionals and employers across sectors. Instead of completing separate medical fitness and occupational health screenings, applicants can now finish all required examinations in a single visit.

How the unified health screening works

Through a smart digital platform, applicants select their profession and the system automatically determines the required medical tests. Once completed and approved, the results are digitally integrated across government entities. Residency permits are then issued automatically, eliminating duplication, paperwork and additional processing time.

The service connects databases between key authorities, allowing secure and real-time data exchange. Officials say this improves efficiency, reduces errors and supports preventive planning as Dubai continues to grow economically and demographically.

Government integration across dubai

The initiative was developed in collaboration with:

• Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
• General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai)
• Dubai Municipality
• Supreme Legislation Committee
• Department of Finance

Officials described the launch as a “qualitative leap” in government integration, highlighting its role in automating processes, accelerating data exchange and improving customer experience.

The new system also supports inspection teams by providing access to real-time occupational health data, enhancing compliance monitoring and emergency preparedness.

Where the Service Is Available

The Unified Health Screening service is currently available at Dubai Health medical fitness centres, including:

• Al Garhoud
• Al Nahda
• Al Karama
• Al Yalayis
• Bur Dubai
• Jebel Ali Free Zone
• Zabeel
• Smart Salem Centres

Authorities confirmed that additional centres will be added in the next phase to meet growing demand.

What Is the City Makers Initiative?

The City Makers initiative promotes cross-government collaboration to deliver integrated, customer-focused public services across Dubai.

Parents in Abu Dhabi will need to rethink lunchboxes from the 2025/26 academic year after the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) introduced strict new food rules for schools.

Under the new policy, a wide range of foods and drinks are banned on school grounds, including items brought from home.

What foods are banned

The ADEK “red list” includes:

• Deep-fried foods such as falafel, samosas, fried chicken and fries
• Sweets including cakes, doughnuts, candy and chocolate with less than 50% cocoa
• Ice cream and high-sugar desserts
• Soft drinks — including diet and zero-calorie sodas
• Energy drinks, sports drinks, iced coffees and sweetened teas
• Processed meats such as hot dogs, mortadella, salami, pepperoni, and smoked turkey
• High-calorie sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise and ranch
• Pickled vegetables
• Foods containing artificial dyes, MSG, high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners
• All nuts, sesame seeds and soy products due to allergy concerns

Even zero-sugar sodas have been prohibited due to concerns over sweeteners and a lack of nutritional value.

Why these foods are banned

ADEK says the changes aim to improve students’ health, concentration and overall well-being. Schools were warned that certain foods can contribute to:

• Hyperactivity
• Poor concentration
• Sleep disruption
• Weight management issues
• Long-term health risks linked to high sodium and saturated fats

What foods are allowed

Some favourites can stay, with healthier tweaks.

• Oven-baked or air-fried versions of falafel and similar dishes are permitted
• Water, sparkling water and unsweetened fruit-infused water are encouraged
• Unflavoured milk and unsweetened yoghurt are allowed
• Lean grilled meats and fish are preferred over processed meats
• Fresh vegetables instead of pickled options
• Low-sugar, portion-controlled whole-grain baked goods

When do the new rules start

Schools have been instructed to comply starting from the Autumn term of the 2025/26 academic year.

The authority emphasised that schools play a key role in promoting healthy eating habits, and parents will now be expected to align with the new guidelines when preparing packed lunches.