FSSAI Directs Sweet Shop Owners To Show ‘Best Before Date’ On Unpackaged Products From 1 October

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has instructed sweet shop owners to compulsorily declare the ‘Best Before Date’ for loose and unpackaged sweet products that they sell, Mint reports.

The date will be mentioned on the container holding the sweets.

The food business operators (FBO) have also been asked to demonstrate the manufacturing date. However, it is not mandatory to do so. The traders will have to comply with these new regulations from 1 October.

Commissioners of food safety from all states and union territories have received instructions to ensure compliance.

“The FBOs shall decide and display the 'Best Before Date' of sweets depending on the nature of the products and the local conditions,” the letter read.

"...In the public interest and to ensure food safety, it has been decided that in case of non-packaged/ loose sweets, the container/tray holding sweets at the outlet for sale should display the 'Best Before Date' of the product mandatorily with effect from October 1, 2020.", the letter adds.

The report states that several complaints had been lodged with respect to the quality of sweets. They tend to worsen during the forthcoming festive season, which prompted FSSAI to release these dictums.