In an Order dated 24th February, 2020 the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) has issued directions regarding display of “Date of Manufacturing” and “Best Before Date” in case of pre-packaged and pre-packed sweets.
This Order will come into force from 1st June, 2020.
The “Date of Manufacturing” and “Best Before Date” must be mentioned on the labels of pre-packaged and pre-packed sweets as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (“Packaging and Labelling”) Regulations, 2011. Further, in case of non-packaged / loose sweets, the container or tray holding the sweet must display the “Date of Manufacturing” and “Best Before Date” of the product.
The Food Business Operators (“FBOs”) must decide and display the “Best Before Date” depending upon the nature of the product and local conditions.
The directions are for all business operators dealing in sweets.
Background:
Instances have been reported wherein stale and expired sweets have been sold to customers posing potential health hazards.
In light of these health hazards the present Order has been issued.
Further, in a Guidance Note dated 14/2020 the FSSAI has provided information for FBOs to help them ensure hygiene and sanitation in manufacturing and sale of milk products particularly sweets. The Guidance Note has provided logos which may be used by FBOs to indicate the shelf life of products for information of consumers. The shelf life of varieties of Indian sweets are also laid down in the Note.
Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
