Watchdog agencies in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are among those that have made this mandatory. The directive aims to help consumers assess freshness as inspections have revealed that buyers were not always given clear information about when sweets were made or how long they remained suitable for consumption, the agencies said.

New Delhi: How long will a peda stay fresh? For India's mithai makers, the question is becoming a business concern ahead of Diwali as tighter food safety rules in several states require the display of manufacturing and use-by dates even on loose sweets. Watchdog agencies in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are among those that have made this mandatory. The directive aims to help consumers assess freshness as inspections have revealed that buyers were not always given clear information about when sweets were made or how long they remained suitable for consumption, the agencies said. However, small and medium-sized manufacturers and sellers said that the frequent inspections and notices have made it difficult for them to operate during the festive season, when sales are at their highest. "Determining shelf life for different varieties could mean hiring external agencies, adding to costs and workload during the industry's busiest season," said Firoz H Naqvi, president of the Federation of Sweets and Namkeen Manufacturers. Advt

Eye on Adulteration Products on shelves are replenished many times a day during the busy season, said Naqvi. The Uttar Pradesh Mithai Namkeen Bakery Association recently urged the state food safety department to adopt a what it described as a supportive approach during the festive season, allowing small and medium-sized traditional businesses adequate time, training and technical guidance to formalise such practices.

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