📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Paul Hamilton
Food
Uttarakhand Orders Sweet Shops to Show Use‑By Dates from Oct 26
✍️ India Today
🗓 20 Oct 2026, 02:32 AM
👁 14
The Uttarakhand government has mandated that all sweet shops display the use‑by dates of sweets on display starting 26 October to improve food safety.
The Uttarakhand government has issued a directive requiring all sweet shops to display the use‑by dates of sweets that are on sale from 26 October onwards. The move aims to enhance consumer awareness and curb the sale of expired sweets. Local authorities will monitor compliance, and shops that fail to comply may face penalties or temporary closure. Shop owners have expressed concerns about the additional cost of labeling but acknowledge the importance of food safety.
The directive comes amid growing consumer demand for transparency in food labeling. By making use‑by dates visible, the government hopes to reduce health risks associated with consuming stale sweets. The move is part of a broader initiative to improve food safety standards across the state.
Consumer groups have welcomed the directive, stating that it will empower shoppers to make informed choices. However, some shopkeepers worry about the administrative burden and potential loss of sales if customers perceive sweets as less fresh. The state government assures that support will be provided to help shops comply with the new requirement.
The enforcement will be carried out by district food safety officers, who will conduct periodic inspections. Non‑compliant shops may face fines or temporary suspension of their operating license until the required labels are displayed.
The directive comes amid growing consumer demand for transparency in food labeling. By making use‑by dates visible, the government hopes to reduce health risks associated with consuming stale sweets. The move is part of a broader initiative to improve food safety standards across the state.
Consumer groups have welcomed the directive, stating that it will empower shoppers to make informed choices. However, some shopkeepers worry about the administrative burden and potential loss of sales if customers perceive sweets as less fresh. The state government assures that support will be provided to help shops comply with the new requirement.
The enforcement will be carried out by district food safety officers, who will conduct periodic inspections. Non‑compliant shops may face fines or temporary suspension of their operating license until the required labels are displayed.