Uttar Pradesh is set to introduce mandatory date labelling for sweets sold across the state from October 15, 2026. The requirement will also cover loose sweets, requiring sweet shops and manufacturers to clearly display a “Use by Date” for consumers.
The decision has been taken by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (FSDA) following inspections that highlighted a lack of information available to consumers about the freshness and safe consumption period of loose sweets.
Use By Date Required for Loose Sweets
Under the existing system, packaged sweets are required to carry an expiry date or “Use by Date”. However, there was no clear mandatory requirement for similar information to be displayed on loose sweets.
According to the department, the shelf life of sweets can vary significantly depending on their type and composition. Some products may remain suitable for consumption for only one day, while others can have a shelf life of up to 30 days.
The FSDA said that clearly displaying the “Use by Date” will help consumers understand how long a sweet should be consumed and make more informed purchasing decisions.
The move is also intended to improve transparency in the confectionery sector and provide consumers with essential information about the products they purchase.
Ban on Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol in Milk Processing
Alongside the new sweet-labelling requirement, Uttar Pradesh has also prohibited the use of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol as coolants in milk and milk-product processing units.
During inspections, the FSDA found that some establishments were using these chemicals during processes including pasteurisation and refrigeration.
The department highlighted the potential food-safety risk if these substances were to enter milk or milk products following leakage from processing equipment.
Propylene Glycol as an Alternative
The department has stated that propylene glycol can be used as an alternative coolant. It is already being used by several milk-processing establishments.
The move is aimed at reducing the risk of chemical contamination while strengthening food-safety controls within milk and dairy processing facilities.
What This Means for Food Businesses
From October 15, sweet manufacturers and sellers in Uttar Pradesh will need to pay particular attention to date labelling, including for loose sweets.
Milk and dairy processing establishments will also need to review their cooling systems and ensure that prohibited chemicals are not being used in food-processing operations.
The measures reflect a broader focus on consumer information, food freshness and prevention of chemical contamination in food businesses across the state.
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