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In the state of Uttar Pradesh, it has been mandatory since October 15, 2026, to indicate the Use By Date on open and packaged sweets. The purpose of this requirement is to provide buyers with information regarding the freshness, quality, and safe consumption period of these products.

However, the publication Aaj Tak conducted an inspection at three different confectionery shops in Lucknow to assess compliance with this new rule. At the first inspected location, the sweets lacked any labels indicating the final date of use. When asked about this, the seller stated that the labels had been ordered and were expected to arrive in two days, meaning there was no labeling despite the rule taking effect.

A similar situation was observed in the second confectionery. The sweets displayed for sale had no markings indicating the expiration or consumption date. The seller here also responded that the labels had been ordered and would be ready in two days.

The situation was different at the third shop: the sweets had appropriate labels attached containing information about the manufacturing date (MFG) and 'best before.' This allows consumers to obtain information about the production and quality retention period of the sweets.

The sellers in the third shop positively assessed the new system, noting that it would increase customer trust in the stores. In their opinion, this rule would benefit the business rather than harm it, as buyers would receive clear information about the product's quality and freshness.

The analysis of all three locations showed inconsistent compliance with the rules: two shops lacked the necessary labels, while the third shop demonstrated the presence of the required information. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this inspection was conducted only in a limited number of shops, and conclusions about compliance across the entire state cannot be drawn from it.

A detailed order on this matter was issued by the Commissioner of the Department of Food Safety and Drugs, Dr. Roshan Jaikb, on September 27, 2026. According to this directive, it became mandatory to affix a 'Use By Date' on sweets starting October 15. This requirement applies not only to packaged sweets but also to those displayed openly in stores.

The main goal of this measure is to inform buyers about the freshness level of the sweets and the date up to which their consumption will be considered appropriate. This will allow buyers to make decisions when choosing sweets based on information about their safe usage period. Despite the fact that Aaj Tak found no labels in two shops and markings of MFG and 'Best Before' in one, ensuring compliance during the initial period of system implementation remains critically important for the Department of Food Safety.