In a bid to ensure and maintain the freshness of pleasantries during the festive season, the Uttarakhand government as ordered sweet shops across the state to display manufacturing dates and expiry or ‘use-by’ dates on trays and counters selling loose desserts and bakery products from October 26. The order has been issued under a new directive by the state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The move aims to improve transparency about food freshness and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
The order has been issued by FDA Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, making it mandatory for shopkeepers to clearly mention the date of manufacture and the last date for consumption on the trays or counters where such products are displayed.
The requirement will apply to loose sweets and bakery items sold in shops across the state.
NEW RULE TO IMPROVE FOOD SAFETY
Until now, the requirement to display manufacturing and expiry dates applied primarily to pre-packaged sweets. However, customers buying loose sweets often had limited information about when the products were prepared and how long they could safely be consumed.
During inspections, food safety officials observed that the absence of clear date markings made it difficult for consumers to assess the freshness of loose sweets.
The new directive seeks to address this gap by ensuring that relevant information is readily available at the point of purchase.
The shelf life of sweets varies depending on their ingredients and preparation methods.
While some varieties may remain suitable for consumption for only a day, others can have a shelf life of up to 30 days.
Displaying the manufacturing and ‘use-by’ dates will help customers identify the period within which the products should be consumed.
FOOD SAFETY ACT INVOKED
The FDA has introduced the measure under Sections 18(1)(a) and 30(2)(d) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The provisions provide the legal basis for measures aimed at safeguarding consumer interests and strengthening food safety standards.
The directive is also significant ahead of the festive and wedding seasons, when demand for sweets typically rises.
Sweet shops often prepare large quantities of products in advance to meet increased demand during these periods, making clear information about freshness and consumption timelines particularly important.
COMPLIANCE HOLDS KEY
The effectiveness of the directive will depend on how consistently sweet shops follow the requirement and how effectively the Food Safety Department monitors compliance.
Inspections and enforcement will be important to ensure that manufacturing and ‘use-by’ dates are displayed accurately and remain visible to customers.
The measure is expected to strengthen consumer awareness and encourage greater accountability in the sale of loose sweets and bakery products, particularly during periods of high demand.
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