Making and expiry dates now mandatory on every tray of sweets and bakery items: check before you buy, and ask the shopkeeper if they are missing

From October 26, it is mandatory in Uttarakhand to clearly display the manufacturing date and the expiry or 'use by' date on every tray and counter of loose sweets and bakery products. The rule has come into force on the orders of the Food Safety Commissioner, and shopkeepers who do not follow it will face action under food safety rules. On the first day, Amar Ujala found only price tags, and no dates, at several shops in Rudrapur. When buying sweets, look for both dates on the tray; if they are missing, ask the shopkeeper. Sweets made from milk and khoya can spoil quickly, so also check that the sweets are kept covered and the counter is clean. On packed sweets, always check the seal, maker's name, ingredients and weight.