Food department orders sweet shops to disclose ingredients, expiry and price

Sweet sellers will now have to display the name of the sweet, its main ingredients, the type of oil or ghee used, the last date it can be eaten, and the price per kilogram at their shops.

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control issued the directive in a notice on Friday, saying it was meant to ensure food hygiene and quality.

The directive applies to both those who make sweets and those who sell and distribute them. Sweet shops, hotels and sweet depots must display this information where customers can see it easily.

The department said the raw materials used in preparing the sweets must also be clearly stated. It expects the move to make it easier for customers to know the ingredients, shelf life and price of the sweets they are buying.