Big news for the residents of Uttar Pradesh… For those with a sweet tooth, this new regulation is quite beneficial. Effective as of today, October 15th, a fresh rule has been enforced throughout Uttar Pradesh. Shop owners are now prohibited from selling stale or spoiled sweets without a Use By Date/Expiry Date clearly marked on loose sweets displayed in trays or behind glass in their shops.
The government has communicated this directive to the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, which is now issuing notifications to all confectioners, big and small.
Reasons behind the introduction of this regulation:
Often, visually appealing sweets in shops may appear fresh, but their actual production date is unknown. Unlike packaged sweets that carry an expiration date, loose sweets lack this crucial information. Some shopkeepers exploit this loophole by selling sweets that are a few days old, posing health risks such as stomach upsets and food poisoning. This initiative allows consumers to distinguish between freshly made sweets and older ones.
The shelf life of sweets can vary from 1 day to 1 month depending on the type. In Kushinagar alone, despite 547 officially registered sweet shops, the actual number exceeds 2,100, highlighting the scale of the issue across Uttar Pradesh.
Consequences of non-compliance with the rules
Assistant Food Commissioner Pradeep Rai has made it clear that starting October 15th, it is compulsory to display the expiry date. Any shopkeeper found violating this regulation will face repercussions. Shop owners have expressed their willingness to adhere to the rule, committing to producing sweets in quantities they can sell within the freshness period. Customers are pleased with this new development and are encouraged to check the date before purchasing sweets.
What are the new regulations regarding sweets in Uttar Pradesh?
Commencing October 15, 2026, every vendor selling loose sweets in Uttar Pradesh must indicate the Use By Date/Expiry Date on the tray.The rule aims to prevent the sale of old sweets without customers’ knowledge, reducing the risks of food-borne illnesses and ensuring consumer safety. As per the Food Safety Department, any shopkeeper failing to display the expiry date on sweets will face penalties and legal actions.