Siliguri, 29th September: Unpacked sweets that we buy at the sweet shops do not come with manufacturing or expiry dates. However, from October 01, the ‘best before date’ will be made mandatory on the sweets.
As a safety measure, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made it mandatory to write ‘best before date’ on non-packaged sweet trays. Copies of the new guidelines have already been sent to the food safety commissioners of each state and union territory.
Reportedly, the ‘best before date’ of the sweets will be determined in terms of its ingredients and regional conditions. Besides, mentioning the ‘date of manufacturing’ does not have restrictions and has been left to the sweet traders.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released guidelines on sale of loose sweets. As per the new guidelines:
1. 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.
2. The food business operators (FBOs) might also display the date of manufacturing. It is not mandatory, however.
3. The FBOs shall decide and display the ‘Best Before Date’ of sweets depending on the nature of the products and the local conditions.
4. Food safety commissioners should ensure compliance.
While people have praised the decision, there are doubts regarding the effectiveness of the initiative.