Only 'expiry date' for food items, not 'best before': Ram Vilas Paswan

Paswan will convene a meeting of his department to 'work out' and implement this measure

Union minister for consumer affairs, food and public distribution Ram Vilas Paswan said on Sunday labels printed on food items should carry only “expiry date” and not “best before”, which has no meaning.

“We want that only there is ‘expiry date’. There is no meaning in ‘best before’”, Paswan told PTI here.

Paswan said he would convene a meeting of his department to “work out” and implement this measure.

National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission President D K Jain said last week consumers got confused about labels printed on food items and the Food Safety and Standards Authority should look into labelling issues related to ‘expiry date’ and ‘best before’.

Jain had wondered if ‘best before’ label meant it was fit for human consumption after six months.

Paswan also said the Centre was in discussion with the National Association of Street Vendors of India on earmarking certain areas in cities for selling of such goods. “We want a system... We want this activity to take place in particular places,” he said.

Paswan noted people enjoy food in “dhabas”. Similarly, street food can also be safe and cheap and can be sold in an enjoyable atmosphere.

Noting that the Association had held a “mela” in “Dilli Haat”, Paswan said such an initiative, whereby certain areas are earmarked for street food, should be implemented in other places in the country.