Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Social Activist Demands Mandatory 'Best Before' Dates on Sweets
When you buy sweets from a shop, you might want to know how long they stay fresh and safe to eat.
The 'Best Before' date on food tells you exactly that.
Some sweets are sold loose without any package, so shoppers cannot see that information.
A social activist named Basa Prakash wants every sweet shop to show the 'Best Before' date clearly.
A food safety group called FSSAI already made this rule in the year 2020.
Prakash says many sweet shops are still not following the rule.
He wants inspectors to visit sweet shops all over India and check them.
He also believes shops that break the rules should be punished.
Prakash is asking food safety leaders in all 36 States and Union Territories to make sure the rule is followed everywhere.
This way, people can know their sweets are fresh and safe to enjoy.
Social activist Basa Prakash demanded strict enforcement of the rule requiring 'Best Before' dates on non-packaged sweets to safeguard consumer health and safety.
Prakash addressed a press conference at the Press Club in Jagtial on Saturday, urging tough legal action against traders failing to follow food safety regulations.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued directives on September 25, 2020, making it mandatory for sweet vendors to prominently display 'Best Before' dates on loose sweets.
Prakash noted that numerous sweet shops across several States and Union Territories continue to ignore the FSSAI mandate despite years having passed since the order.
He is submitting formal representations to the Food Safety Commissioners of all 36 States and Union Territories and urged special inspection drives nationwide, with penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- Who
- Basa Prakash, a Limca Book of Records holder and social activist, along with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and state food safety authorities.
- What
- A demand for strict enforcement of the mandatory 'Best Before' date rule on non-packaged (loose) sweets, including nationwide inspections and legal action against non-compliant vendors.
- When
- The press conference was held on Saturday; the FSSAI directive was issued on September 25, 2020.
- Where
- Press Club in Jagtial, India; the demand applies to sweet shops across all 36 States and Union Territories of India.
- Why
- To safeguard consumer health and safety by ensuring buyers know the shelf life and safety window of the food they purchase.
- Activist
- Basa Prakash, Limca Book of Records holder and social activist
- Event
- Press conference at the Press Club, Jagtial (Saturday)
- FSSAI directive date
- September 25, 2020
- Mandate
- Prominent 'Best Before' date display on non-packaged/loose sweets
- Legal framework
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- Enforcement demand
- Special inspection drives at sweet shops nationwide
- Representations submitted to
- Food Safety Commissioners of all 36 States and Union Territories
- Penalties sought
- Strict penalties and legal action for non-compliant Food Business Operators