Non-packaged sweets must display manufacturing and expiry date: FSSAI

A new order issued by the food regulator of India, Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI), has now made it mandatory for Food Business Operators (FBOs) to display ‘best before dates’ on the sweets that are not packaged. Starting June 1, 2020, the new mandate will become effective. In the last few months, FSSAI has received multiple complaints regarding the poor quality of food, especially sweets.

Currently, best before date or manufacturing date are displayed only on the packaged food items made by sweet shops and other similar businesses. With the new norm – that requires the display of expiry or manufacturing date on the loose and non-packaged sweets – people can now feel safe while consuming the non-packaged sweets. Food Business Operators (FBOs) are advised to take into consideration the nature of ingredients and their condition before labeling the best before date. A list containing the possible shelf life of different types of commonly available sweets in the market has also been issued by the Food regulator to assist the FBOs in complying with the new norms. RasMalai, Rajbhog, Rasgullas and Badam Milk are some of the items that are to be consumed within two days of manufacturing.

To ensure 100 percent compliance, the FSSAI has asked the help of the food regulators in all the states. Business owners, on the other hand, have shown skepticism to the order by FSSAI.