Expiry Dates Must Now Be Stamped on Eggs; Action to Be Taken Against Shopkeepers Selling Stale Stock – New Rule in UP

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a major decision to safeguard the health of consumers. Effective April 1st, it will become mandatory to stamp the production date (lay date) and expiry date on every egg sold within the state. This means that shopkeepers will no longer be able to sell old or spoiled eggs under the guise of selling “fresh eggs.” Customers will now be able to check the dates themselves to determine how old an egg is and until when it remains safe for consumption.

This regulation is being implemented under the directives of the Animal Husbandry Department and the Food Safety Department. The Chief Veterinary Officer stated that eggs are directly linked to human health. Previously, stale eggs were sold in many places, and customers remained unaware of this fact. The implementation of this new rule will bring about transparency and ensure that people have access to safe eggs.

How Long Do Eggs Remain Safe?
At normal room temperature (approximately 30 degrees Celsius), eggs remain fresh for only two weeks. If stored in a cool environment (between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius), they can be safely consumed for up to five weeks. However, many shopkeepers and traders failed to utilize cold storage facilities properly. Now, thanks to the mandatory stamping, customers will be able to verify the freshness of eggs with ease.

What Happens If the Rule Is Violated?
If any trader or shopkeeper fails to comply with the regulation, their stock of eggs will be confiscated. These eggs will either be destroyed or clearly marked with a label stating that they are “Not Safe for Human Consumption.” The department will conduct strict inspections and take appropriate punitive action against offenders.

The State of Cold Storage Facilities
In a large state like Uttar Pradesh, there are currently only two primary cold storage facilities—one located in Agra and the other in Jhansi. According to food safety regulations, eggs cannot be stored in the same cold storage facility as vegetables, as the temperature requirements for the two commodities differ significantly. While the existing infrastructure is currently limited, the government has made it clear that excuses will no longer be accepted; compliance with the regulations is mandatory for everyone.

Benefits for Consumers
Previously, customers had to rely on guesswork to estimate the age of an egg. Consuming stale eggs often resulted in adverse health effects. Now, the egg itself will reveal its “date of birth” and “expiry date,” providing consumers with complete transparency and peace of mind. This will enable people to make better choices and consume safe food. Officials from the Animal Husbandry Department state that this decision is not merely an order, but a vital link in the chain of consumer safety. This regulation will soon be strictly enforced throughout the entire state. Shopkeepers and producers have been advised to make preparations in advance. This step is significant in strengthening food safety within Uttar Pradesh.