Archive · 27 Sep 2026
Uttar Pradesh Mandates Use-By Dates for Sweets
Uttar Pradesh is introducing a new rule for sweets.
From October 15, 2026, sellers must show the last date when sweets should be eaten.
The rule is especially important for loose sweets sold without packages.
Officials said different sweets stay usable for different periods, ranging from one day to 30 days.
The date will help buyers judge how fresh the sweets are.
Packaged sweets already have similar date-labeling requirements.
The new rule is intended to give consumers clearer information before they buy.
The department also banned two chemicals, ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, in milk-processing units.
These chemicals could be harmful if they leaked into milk.
Processing units may use propylene glycol instead.
Uttar Pradesh will require sweets displayed or stored for sale to carry a use-by date from October 15, 2026.
The requirement particularly addresses loose sweets, which previously lacked a clear mandatory date-labeling rule.
Officials said sweets can have shelf lives ranging from one to 30 days, depending on their type.
Packaged sweets already must carry an expiry date or use-by date under the existing system.
Uttar Pradesh has also banned ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in milk-processing units, permitting propylene glycol as an alternative.
- Who
- The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, Commissioner Dr Roshan Jacob, and sweet and milk-processing establishments.
- What
- Uttar Pradesh will require use-by dates on sweets displayed or stored for sale and has banned ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in milk-processing units.
- When
- The sweet-labeling requirement begins October 15, 2026; the articles do not specify when the chemical ban takes effect.
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Why
- The measures aim to protect public health, improve transparency, and give consumers clearer information about freshness, shelf life, and food-safety risks.
- Use-by-date start date
- October 15, 2026
- Affected sweets
- Sweets displayed or stored for sale, particularly loose sweets
- Reported shelf-life range
- One to 30 days, depending on the type of sweet
- Existing packaged-sweet rule
- Packaged sweets must carry an expiry date or use-by date
- Banned chemicals
- Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in milk and milk-product processing units
- Permitted alternative
- Propylene glycol
- Legal basis cited
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, including Sections 18(1)(a) and 30(2)(d)
