LUCKNOW, Sept. 24 -- Food establishments across Uttar Pradesh will now have to maintain mandatory licences, health and water test certificates/records, besides providing consumers detailed information on allergens, artificial colours, sweeteners, cooking medium and, in larger establishments, calorie content, said officials. The Food Safety and Drug Administration department issued detailed directions following shortcomings detected during inspections under its statewide 'Shuddh Hi Shubh Hai' campaign. The campaign focuses on hygiene, safe storage, food quality and compliance with food safety norms. As per directions issued by FSDA commissioner Roshan Jacob, establishments must keep seven records available for inspection: food licence/registration, staff health certificates, half-yearly water test reports conforming to IS 10500, pest control certificates, raw material purchase bills, storage room stock registers and cleaning schedules with records. Menu cards or food packaging must disclose allergens, artificial colours, artificial sweeteners and the cooking medium used. If MSG (Ajinomoto) is used, a declaration must state that its consumption is not recommended for infants below 12 months and pregnant women. Establishments holding a central licence or operating 10 or more outlets must additionally display the kilocalorie value. The department has also directed that aluminium foil used for packing prepared food must be food-grade and comply with the Packaging Regulations, 2018. For semi-cooked or ready-to-cook packaged ingredients, labels must mention ingredients and storage conditions. Food operators must also ensure prescribed storage conditions are maintained during transportation from manufacturing units to warehouses. The directions take immediate effect, while compliance with all specified requirements will be incorporated into departmental enforcement and inspection action from November 1, 2026....