# UP mandates use-by date on all sweets, bans hazardous coolant in milk

2026-09-27T19:01:25+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration has ordered that all sweets stored and displayed for sale in the state must carry a 'Use by Date' from October 15, officials said on Sunday. The move is especially significant for loose sweets, which previously had no mandatory requirement to display an expiry date. The department also banned the use of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in milk and milk product processing units, citing health risks if these chemicals contaminate food products through leaks. Food Safety Commissioner Dr Roshan Jacob said shelf life varies from one day to 30 days depending on the type of sweet. Inspections found many consumers were not given clear manufacture or expiry information. The department said propylene glycol can be used as an alternative coolant. The measures aim to improve transparency and reduce health risks.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

Both Indiatoday and NDTV report the measures as straightforward regulatory action, with no government-critical framing. Neither source highlights enforcement challenges or industry pushback, which might affect compliance in small sweet shops. The ban on ethylene glycol is notable for public health but omits any mention of testing frequency or penalties for violation. The real test will be inspection coverage from October 15 onward.

## Coverage

- indiatoday.in (neutral report) <https://www.indiatoday.in/india/uttar-pradesh/story/uttar-pradesh-sweets-use-by-date-rule-october-15-glycol-banned-milk-units-ptag-3004299-2026-09-27?utm_source=rss>
  Presents order as straightforward consumer protection measure with no critical framing
- ndtv.com (neutral report) <https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/up-makes-display-of-use-by-date-mandatory-for-all-sweets-12106500#publisher=newsstand>
  Brief wire-style report with no slant or additional commentary

Tags: Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, milk, Roshan Jacob, sweets, Uttar Pradesh
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