Times News Network
Lucknow: Buying sweets in Uttar Pradesh is set to become more transparent from Oct 15, with sweet shops required to prominently display the ‘Use By Date’ on all sweets, including loose varieties kept for sale.The move follows an order issued by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) on Sept 27. The department said the measure is aimed at helping consumers know the freshness and safe consumption period of sweets, especially during the festive season.Under the new rule, sweet sellers must clearly mention the last date of consumption at the point of sale. The requirement will apply not only to packaged products but also to loose sweets displayed in shops.FSDA commissioner Dr Roshan Jacob said consumers often lacked information about the manufacturing date and shelf life of sweets, prompting the department to introduce the system.The department has not prescribed a uniform shelf life for all sweets. Instead, food business operators will determine the ‘use by’ period based on factors such as ingredients, manufacturing process and storage conditions. The shelf life may vary from one day to 30 days depending on the product.Officials said businesses will be accountable for maintaining the quality and safety of sweets until the declared ‘use by’ date. Any sweet sold with a specified shelf life must continue to meet prescribed food safety standards throughout that period.The department said the measure would enhance transparency and enable consumers to make informed choices while purchasing sweets. Sweet traders now have only two days left to comply before the rule comes into force on October 15.
