Uttar Pradesh mandates "Use by Date" for all sweets to ensure consumer health
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Food processing & supply chain· Prelims·
Food safety and labeling standards: a GS3 case study on public health and regulatory compliance.
Why in news
The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration Department mandated a 'Use by Date' for all sweets, including loose sweets, to ensure consumer health and transparency.
Background
The mandate was issued by the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration Department. It specifically targets loose sweets and bans the use of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in milk processing, permitting propylene glycol as an alternative.
Facts for Prelims
- FactMandate: 'Use by Date' required for all sweets, including loose sweets, in Uttar Pradesh.
- FactBanned substances: Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in milk processing.
- FactPermitted alternative: Propylene glycol for milk processing.
- BodyRegulatory body: Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration Department.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the food safety mandate in Uttar Pradesh, consider the following statements:
- The mandate requires a Use by Date for all sweets, including loose sweets.
- Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol are permitted for use in milk processing.
- The mandate was issued by the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration Department.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: These substances are banned; propylene glycol is the permitted alternative.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the importance of food safety regulations and labeling standards in ensuring public health and enhancing consumer trust in the unorganized food sector.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Information asymmetry: Lack of standardized labeling for loose sweets hinders consumer choice and safety.
- Regulatory enforcement: Challenges in monitoring decentralized, unorganized sweet shops for chemical compliance.
- Public health risk: Potential toxicity of industrial chemicals like ethylene glycol in dairy supply chains.
Keywords: Consumer Protection · Food Safety Standards · Public Health Policy · Transparency · Regulatory Compliance
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.