Now, “Best before date” will have to be mentioned in Hindi and Punjabi too. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had made display of “Best before date” on non-packaged/ loose sweets, container /tray holding sweets at the outlet for sale mandatory with effect from October 1, 2020.
As most of the shopkeepers were mentioning this information in English, it became difficult for many consumers to understand it. Now, orders have been issued to give this information in the local language also.
Under the rules, the duration of use of sweets made from milk will be maximum one to two days and duration of peda, barfi and other milk products has been fixed for maximum four days, while the duration of use of sweet made from cereals and pulses can be 7 to 30 days. The order also states that the FBO’s (Food Business Operators) can also display ‘date of manufacturing’; however the same is voluntary and not mandatory.
