Importer & Manufacturer | Source: FSSAI
Published On: 03-11-2025
Enforcement Date: 03 November, 2025
Advisory on Environmentally Compliant Disposal of Seized, Rejected and Expired Food Items
FSSAI has issued an advisory directing all States/UTs to ensure environmentally compliant disposal of seized, rejected, or expired food items. It prohibits dumping such items into rivers or open lands and mandates use of approved methods like incineration, composting, or sanitary landfills. Disposal must be supervised, video-documented, and reported monthly to ensure compliance with environmental and food safety norms.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released an advisory emphasising environmentally safe disposal of seized, rejected, or expired food products to prevent public health risks and ecological damage.
Key points include:
- Following reports of improper dumping into rivers and water bodies, FSSAI reiterated its earlier 2020 guidelines under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- The advisory strictly prohibits open or waterbody disposal and mandates approved methods such as incineration (as per CPCB norms), composting, or disposal in sanitary landfills.
- Food Safety Officers must supervise, video-record, and document all disposals, submitting certificates and reports to designated authorities.
- States and UTs are required to identify authorised facilities and coordinate with Pollution Control Boards, while monthly compliance reports must be submitted to FSSAI.
The advisory reinforces accountability and sustainability in food waste management.
Applicable For: Importer & Manufacturer
Reference Number: RCD-02005/10/2024-Regulatory-FSSAI-Part(1)
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