Ahead of Diwali, sweet shops in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh have been directed to follow new rules regarding the use-by and manufacturing dates on their products. The new rules aim to ensure that expired products are not sold to consumers during the festive season. Here’s what we know about this so far.
Uttar Pradesh Makes Use-By Dates Mandatory For Sweet Shops
Mithai forms an integral part of Diwali celebrations in India. Boxes of ladoos, pedas and more are bought for homes and distributed among family and friends. To ensure that consumers eat fresh sweets, authorities in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh have announced new rules. According to The Times of India, consumers buying sweets in Uttar Pradesh will have access to information about their freshness and shelf life from October 15.
The state’s Food Safety and Drug Administration has made it mandatory for sweet shops to display the ‘use-by date’ on the packaging. This rule will apply to sweets kept for sale as well as those in storage. However, the rule is particularly significant for sweets sold loose. This will help consumers make an informed decision. Sweets are perishable, and their taste and freshness can change within days. This is why the new rule is considered quite important.
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Similar Rules For Sweet Shops In Uttarakhand
Not just Uttar Pradesh, but sweet shops in Uttarakhand will also have to follow the same rule from October 26. According to India Today, shops across the state will display manufacturing dates and expiry or ‘use-by dates’ on trays and counters selling loose desserts and bakery products. The order issued by the state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aims to ensure the freshness of these products during the festive season.
Until now, in Uttarakhand, the requirement to display manufacturing and expiry dates applied only to pre-packaged sweet boxes. However, customers buying loose sweets often had no information about the products, such as when they were prepared or whether they were fresh and safe to consume.
But now, with the new rule, things will change. The shelf life of sweets depends on their ingredients and preparation methods. Some sweets can last up to 30 days, while others are fit to eat for only a day.
Also Read: Ever Heard Of Aam Ka Galka, A Raw Mango Delicacy From Uttar Pradesh Packed With Flavours?
What do you think of these new rules?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Sanchit Rastogi (Representative Image)
