World · South & Central Asia · 2 hrs ago
States require freshness dates on loose sweets ahead of Diwali
Several Indian states now require date labels on loose sweets so customers can see when they were made and how long they are suitable to eat.
Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are among the states enforcing the rule ahead of Diwali, when sweet sales rise.
Small and medium-sized sellers say the requirements add work and costs during their busiest period, including the need to assess the shelf life of different sweets.
The Uttar Pradesh Mithai Namkeen Bakery Association has asked the state food safety department for time, training and guidance, and for businesses to be allowed to correct minor problems.
The rules are intended to help customers judge freshness after inspections found that information was not always clear.
Food safety agencies are also stepping up checks for adulterated products during the festive season, following a wider call for increased surveillance from India’s food safety authority.
Sellers face added pressure as ingredient prices have risen, which manufacturers say is squeezing their margins.
Several Indian states require sellers to display manufacturing and use-by dates on loose sweets ahead of Diwali.
Food safety agencies say the information helps consumers assess freshness after inspections found buyers were not always told when sweets were made or how long they remained suitable to eat.
Small and medium-sized sellers say inspections and date-label requirements add costs and make business harder during the busy festive season.
The Uttar Pradesh Mithai Namkeen Bakery Association has asked the state to give traditional businesses time, training and guidance to adopt the practices.
- Who
- State food safety agencies and sweet sellers, including small and medium-sized businesses.
- What
- Several states require manufacturing and use-by dates to be displayed on loose sweets.
- When
- Ahead of Diwali in 2026.
- Where
- India, including Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
- Why
- Agencies say date information helps consumers assess freshness; sellers say meeting the requirements can add costs and workload.
State food safety agencies
Sweet sellers and industry groups
Purpose of date information
State food safety agencies
Agencies say it helps consumers assess freshness and addresses gaps found during inspections.
Sweet sellers and industry groups
Sellers say determining shelf life for different sweets can require external agencies and add costs and workload.
Enforcement
State food safety agencies
Agencies have made date displays mandatory in some states and have increased inspections.
Sweet sellers and industry groups
The Uttar Pradesh association has asked for time, training and guidance, and for correctable deficiencies to be addressed without immediate disruption or disproportionate action.
The Uttar Pradesh Mithai Namkeen Bakery Association wrote to the state food safety department asking for a supportive approach during the festive season.
States including Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand required manufacturing and use-by dates to be displayed on loose sweets.
The Economic Times published its report on the rules and sellers' concerns.
- States requiring dates
- Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
- Other states increasing vigilance
- Maharashtra, Karnataka and Haryana
- Association letter
- October 11
- Report publication
- October 21, 2026
- Industry group representative
- Firoz H Naqvi, president of the Federation of Sweets and Namkeen Manufacturers
What people are saying
Determining shelf life for different varieties could mean hiring external agencies, adding to costs and workload during the industry's busiest season
Inspections happen during all festival seasons and so good and hygienic practices have become a part of our processing and packaging systems