A CALL to oblige restaurants and cafés in Bahrain to display calorie counts on menus has been made by public representatives.
Although the rule was initially approved in 2018 and set for implementation on January 1, 2019, it has yet to be enforced due to the absence of a standardised tool or methodology for calculating calorie content.
The delay was further compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, during which dine-in services were heavily restricted.
However, as Saudi Arabia successfully rolled out the measure, closing down non-compliant outlets, Bahraini MPs and municipal officials are urging action to ensure the rule is finally implemented in Bahrain.
Mr Al Salloom
Strategic Thinking Bloc president and Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom, who is also a Bahrain Chamber board member, suggested outsourcing the task to a private company.
“The implementation of calorie counts on menus has been delayed for years because the Industry and Commerce Ministry lacked the tools or standardised procedures to enforce it,” he explained.
“The task should be handed over to a specialised private company that can handle inspections and provide certifications for a reasonable fee.”
He proposed delaying the enforcement of the rule until December 2025 to allow time for a company to be hired and for the necessary framework to be established.
“The firm should conduct calorie calculations, issue certifications and carry out inspections on behalf of the government. This would ensure accuracy and compliance while relieving the ministry of the technical burden,” he added.
The urgency of the initiative is underscored by alarming statistics.
According to official data, nearly one-third of Bahraini teenagers are overweight or obese.
Health experts attribute this to the consumption of foods high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats – factors directly linked to obesity.
The proposal to mandate calorie counts was first suggested by the Muharraq Municipal Council in September 2018, inspired by a similar initiative by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.
“The aim is to empower consumers to make informed choices about what they eat,” said Mr Al Salloom.
“Just as canned foods and beverages sold in supermarkets are required to display calorie labels, the same should apply to prepared meals and beverages in restaurants and cafés.”
Despite the rule’s importance, Mr Al Salloom pointed out several obstacles that have hindered progress.
“The government’s Standards and Metrology Directorate, which develops national technical regulations, does not currently have calorie charts for reference,” he said.
“This has left the Consumer Protection Directorate, tasked with enforcing the rule, without the framework needed to take action. A grace period for implementation was suggested, and we hope a ministerial edict on the next step will be issued soon to put things on the right track.”
The Health Ministry previously announced plans to require food outlets not only to list calorie counts but also to include ingredients and fat percentages on menus, signboards, websites and social media accounts.
This move is expected to help consumers identify foods with low nutritional value and high levels of harmful components.
Ms Al Qattan
Capital Trustees Board vice-chairwoman and Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society vice-chairwoman for financial and administrative affairs Khulood Al Qattan expressed strong support for the initiative.
“People deserve to know what they are consuming, whether they’re buying packaged foods in supermarkets or dining out at restaurants,” she said.
“Implementing the rule would not only promote healthier lifestyles but also align Bahrain with global standards.
“This is about consumer protection and creating a more health-conscious society. It’s a step in the right direction, and with the right tools and partnerships, we can make it happen.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))