From April 1, a new food safety regulation has come into effect in Uttar Pradesh, making it mandatory for every egg sold to carry both the date of laying and an expiry (best-before) date. The move is aimed at improving transparency and ensuring consumers can easily assess the freshness of eggs at the time of purchase.
The rule applies across the supply chain—from poultry farms to wholesale markets and retail sellers—and marks a significant shift in how eggs are handled and sold in the state.
What exactly has changed
Under the new directive, egg producers and distributors must now stamp two key details directly on each egg: the date it was laid and the expiry date. Earlier, such information was either unavailable or limited to packaging, making it difficult for consumers to judge freshness.
Authorities have clarified that the marking must be done on the egg itself, regardless of whether it is sold loose or in trays, ensuring visibility at the point of sale.
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Shelf life and safety standards
Officials have indicated that eggs are generally considered safe for consumption for up to 28 days from the date of laying, provided they are stored properly. Beyond this period, selling such eggs would violate food safety norms.
Storage conditions also play a key role. Eggs kept at room temperature have a shorter shelf life, while refrigerated storage can extend usability. The stamping system is intended to help consumers make informed decisions based on these factors.
Strict action for non-compliance
The government has made it clear that non-compliance will attract strict penalties. Eggs without proper date markings may be declared unfit for human consumption or even destroyed, sending a strong signal to producers and traders to adhere to the new norms.
Food safety authorities have also been tasked with monitoring compliance across districts, and awareness campaigns are being conducted to help stakeholders adapt to the changes.
Eggs are one of the most widely consumed protein sources in India and are often sold individually in open markets. Until now, the absence of a standardised system made it difficult for consumers to determine how fresh an egg was.
Authorities introduced the rule to bridge this information gap, improve hygiene standards, and enable better enforcement of food safety regulations.
What it means for consumers
For buyers, the change brings greater clarity and control. Instead of relying on verbal assurances, consumers can now directly check the stamped dates to ensure they are purchasing fresh eggs.
While the new system may require minor adjustments for sellers, experts believe it will boost consumer confidence and improve overall food safety standards in the long run.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
