Uttar Pradesh mandates ‘use by date’ for all sweets

The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) of Uttar Pradesh has mandated that all sweets displayed or stored for sale must clearly indicate a ‘use by date’ starting October 15, 2026. This regulation, issued by Commissioner Dr. Roshan Jacob, aims to protect consumer health and interests by ensuring transparency regarding the freshness and quality of food products.

While packaged sweets were already required to carry expiration dates, this new rule specifically targets loose or open sweets kept in trays and on counters, which previously lacked mandatory expiration labeling. Inspections by the department revealed that many establishments failed to provide customers with clear information regarding when sweets were manufactured or when they would expire.

The shelf life for these items will vary based on their ingredients and nature, ranging from one to 30 days. The department noted that the quality, taste, and freshness of sweets degrade over time, and providing clear dates will allow consumers to make informed decisions, especially during festive seasons.