Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Uttar Pradesh Cracks Down on Misleading Food Date Labels
Food packages use dates to help people understand what they are buying.
A packing date tells when food was packed, while a manufacturing date refers to when it was made.
The two dates should not be shown as if they mean the same thing.
Uttar Pradesh is taking action over this labeling issue.
Manufacturing and expiry dates are important for consumer awareness.
People also need other required information on food packages.
Times Now Digital has reported on the issue through its “E-Comms Hiding Health Info” campaign.
The campaign has also discussed actions by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the need for clear information as online shopping grows.
Uttar Pradesh is acting against displaying a packing date as a manufacturing date on food products.
The issue involves manufacturing dates, expiry dates and other mandatory consumer disclosures.
Times Now Digital’s “E-Comms Hiding Health Info” campaign has highlighted the labeling concerns.
The campaign has examined consumer complaints and views from health and legal experts.
The coverage says quick-commerce and e-commerce growth must not weaken consumers’ right to information.
- Who
- Uttar Pradesh authorities, food businesses, consumers, Times Now Digital, health experts, legal experts and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
- What
- A crackdown is addressing the practice of showing a packing date as a manufacturing date on food products.
- When
- The articles do not specify a date for the crackdown.
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh, within the wider Indian food, quick-commerce and e-commerce markets.
- Why
- To protect consumers’ right to accurate information and support awareness of manufacturing dates, expiry dates and other mandatory disclosures.
- Main issue
- A packing date cannot be shown as a manufacturing date.
- Affected information
- Manufacturing dates, expiry dates and other mandatory disclosures.
- Location
- Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Media campaign
- Times Now Digital’s “E-Comms Hiding Health Info” campaign.
- Regulator mentioned
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
- Consumer concern
- Accurate labeling supports consumer awareness and complaints.
- Market context
- Quick-commerce and e-commerce growth must not undermine the right to information.