FSSAI issues advisory on improper disposal of seized, rejected and expired food items

New Delhi [India], November 5 (HBTV): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory on the environmentally compliant disposal of seized, rejected, and expired food items following reports of such materials being improperly discarded in rivers and other water bodies.

According to the advisory, the proper handling and disposal of rejected, expired, or seized food items are critical to preventing health risks, misuse within the supply chain, and environmental harm. The directive reiterates previous FSSAI guidelines issued on December 21, 2020, which outlined procedures for disposal in accordance with Sections 38(4) and 47(4) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The advisory, sent to all State and Union Territory Commissioners of Food Safety and regional directors of FSSAI, stressed that recent instances of dumping food items into natural water bodies violate environmental and public health norms.

‘To ensure proper disposal of perishable, seized, and rejected food items, all Designated Officers, Food Safety Officers, and enforcement teams under their respective jurisdictions are directed to strictly follow the prescribed procedure to prevent recurrence of such incidents,’ the advisory stated.

It further emphasised that ‘it is strictly prohibited to dispose of seized, rejected, or expired food items, including their packaging, into rivers, lakes, natural water bodies, or open lands under any circumstances.’

Approved disposal methods include the use of authorised incinerators compliant with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms to ensure complete combustion. Biodegradable waste should be segregated and composted where feasible, and disposal must take place only in designated sanitary landfills with leachate control.

The advisory also mandates that all disposals be supervised by a Food Safety Officer or a duly authorised officer, carried out under video documentation, and conducted in the presence of two independent witnesses. A disposal certificate must be submitted to the designated officer, with copies sent to the respective Commissioner of Food Safety and the concerned Food Business Operator (FBO).

Each Designated Officer is required to identify suitable facilities for incineration, composting, or other disposal methods and furnish a list to the Commissioner of Food Safety of the concerned State or Union Territory. Coordination with State Pollution Control Boards is mandatory for high-volume disposals.

Additionally, States and Union Territories must submit monthly disposal compliance reports to the FSSAI by the fifth of every month, highlighting any deviations.

‘These directions are issued with the approval of the Competent Authority for strict compliance,’ the advisory noted.

(ANI)