In connection with the approaching festive season, residents of Uttar Pradesh must be aware of a new requirement: from October 15, 2026, sweets will need to display a 'Use By Date'. There are only two days left until this rule takes effect.
It is important to note that this regulation applies not only to packaged sweets but also to those displayed for sale in open form in stores.
The Commissioner of the Department of Health and Drugs, Dr. Roshan Jacob, issued a detailed order on this matter on September 27. The goal of this initiative is to provide buyers with clear information regarding the freshness, quality, and safe consumption period of sweets. After the new system is implemented, consumers will know exactly until what date the product remains fit for consumption.
According to the new rules, sweet vendors will be required to clearly indicate the final use date for all sweets displayed or stored in the store. This will allow customers to obtain information about the product's quality and shelf life. This information must be placed in a location easily accessible to buyers.
Previously, inspections by the department often revealed a lack of clear information regarding the manufacturing date and use-by date of sweets. The new system is being introduced to eliminate this gap and increase transparency in the sweet trade sector.
Under this rule, there is no single expiration date set for all types of sweets. Vendors determine the shelf life based on the nature of the sweet, the ingredients used, the production process, and storage conditions. The shelf life can vary from one to thirty days and will differ for different types of sweets. Therefore, manufacturers must set an expiration date corresponding to their specific product.
The new system places on vendors the responsibility not only for displaying the expiration date but also for maintaining the product's quality and adhering to food safety standards throughout the declared period. For example, if a seller sets an expiration date of five days, they are obliged to guarantee the quality and safety of the sweet during those five days. This period must correspond to the nature of the sweet and its storage conditions.
During holidays, demand for sweets increases. Under these circumstances, it is crucial for buyers to know how long they can use the purchased sweet. With the display of the 'Use By Date', buyers will be able to make purchases with greater information and will also be able to distinguish between sweets that have been stored for a long time.
This system, which comes into force in Uttar Pradesh on October 15, imposes new obligations on sweet sellers while providing buyers with a clear basis for knowing the shelf life of products.