Customers buying sweets in Uttar Pradesh will now be able to check how long loose sweets are suitable for consumption before making a purchase. From October 15, 2026, sweet shop owners across the state are required to display the Use By Date or Expiry Date on trays containing unpackaged sweets.
The directive has been communicated to the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, which is informing sweet sellers about the new requirement. The measure aims to improve food safety and help customers make more informed purchasing decisions.
Why Has Uttar Pradesh Introduced the New Sweet-Selling Rule?
Loose sweets displayed in shop counters and glass cases do not always carry clear information about their freshness. As a result, customers may find it difficult to determine when the sweets were prepared or how long they remain suitable for consumption.
The new requirement is intended to address this issue by making the Use By Date or Expiry Date visible to buyers. Selling sweets that have deteriorated or are no longer suitable for consumption can pose health risks, including stomach problems and food poisoning.
The shelf life of sweets varies depending on the type, with some lasting only one day and others remaining suitable for up to a month. Displaying the relevant date can help customers understand the freshness period of the products they purchase.
What Must Sweet Shop Owners Do From October 15?
Under the new directive, sellers of loose sweets must clearly display the applicable Use By Date or Expiry Date on the trays containing the products.
Assistant Food Commissioner Pradeep Rai has stated that displaying the expiry date became compulsory from October 15. Shopkeepers are expected to follow the requirement and ensure that customers can see the relevant information before buying sweets.
Some shop owners have expressed their willingness to comply with the rule. They have also indicated that they intend to prepare quantities of sweets that can be sold within their freshness period.
Penalties for Violating the New Rule
Sweet sellers who fail to comply with the requirement may face penalties and legal action under the applicable food safety regulations, according to the information provided by the Food Safety Department.
The directive is intended to improve transparency in the sale of unpackaged sweets and reduce the risk of customers unknowingly purchasing products that are no longer fresh.
The scale of the sweets trade can be seen in Kushinagar, where 547 sweet shops are officially registered, while the actual number is estimated to exceed 2,100. The new requirement applies across Uttar Pradesh, covering both large and small sweet shops.
What Should Customers Check Before Buying Sweets?
Customers are advised to look for the displayed Use By Date or Expiry Date before purchasing loose sweets. Checking this information can help them make a more informed decision about the product’s freshness.
The new rule places greater responsibility on sellers to provide clear information and gives consumers a way to check the stated freshness period before buying sweets.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only. The requirements and enforcement measures described are based on the information provided and should not be treated as a substitute for an official government notification. Shop owners and consumers should consult the relevant Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration Department announcements for the latest rules and compliance requirements.
