Advisory on Environmentally Compliant Disposal of Seized, Rejected and Expired Food Items

RCD-02005/10/2024-Regulatory-FSSAI-Part(1) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (A Statutory Authority established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006) Regulatory Compliance Division FDA Bhavan, Kotla Road, New Delhi-110002

िदनांक: 03rd नवंबर, 2025

परामशसूचना/ADVISORY

To,

1. खा सुरा आयु , सभी राय/संघ राय े
2. एफएसएसएआई के सभी ेीय िनदेशक
3. The Commissioner of Food Safety, All States/UTs
4. All the Regional Director, FSSAI

िवषय: जत, अवीकृत एवंसमाि तथ पार कर चुके खा पदाथ के पयावरणीय मानक के अनुप िनपटान के संबधं मपरामश। Subject: Advisory on Environmentally Compliant Disposal of Seized, Rejected and Expired Food Items – reg.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is committed to upholding the highest standards of food safety for protection of human life and health, as well as safeguarding consumers’ interests. As per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations framed thereunder, the proper handling and disposal of rejected, expired, or seized food items are critical in preventing health risks, misuse within the supply chain, and environmental harm.

Previous directives from FSSAI, including the guidelines dated 21.12.2020, outlined the procedure for disposal of seized food articles in accordance with the provisions under section 38(4) & 47(4) of the FSS Act 2006 and in cases where the law permits and the Adjudicating officer/court so orders for disposal of the seized articles by destruction.

Recently, there have been reports of instances, where seized, rejected, or expired food items were improperly disposed of by being dumped directly into rivers and other natural water bodies.

In view of the above, the earlier directives dated 21.12.2020 are reiterated. To ensure proper disposal of perishable, seized, and rejected food items, all the Designated Officers, Food Safety Officers, and enforcement teams under their respective jurisdiction are also directed to follow the procedure outlined below to prevent any recurrence of such incidents and to maintain full compliance with the prescribed norms:

1. 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.
2. The Approved Disposal Methods, which may be followed in coordination with the local municipal authority/ panchayat or any other statutory bodies, which includes but not limited to:
   • Incineration: Use authorized incinerators compliant with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms, ensuring complete combustion and maintain records of the facility used.
   • Landfill: Only in designated sanitary landfills with leachate control; biodegradable waste should be segregated and composted where feasible.
   • Biodegradable Waste: Compost or anaerobically digest organic matter through certified facilities.
3. Procedural Safeguards:
   • The disposal shall be supervised by the Food Safety Officer (FSO)/ officer duly authorised by the Designated Officer. Disposals should be done under video documentation, in the presence of two independent witnesses.
   • The certificate of disposal shall be submitted by the concerned FSO/ officer supervising the disposal of the said article / item seized to the designated officer with a copy to the concerned Commissioner of Food Safety and the concerned Food Business Operator (FBO).
   • Every Designated Officer shall identify suitable facilities for incineration/manuring/ composting or any other disposal method and furnish a list to the Commissioner of Food Safety of the concerned State/UT.
   • Coordinate with State Pollution Control Boards for high-volume disposals.
4. Monitoring and Reporting:
   • States/UTs must submit monthly disposal compliance reports to FSSAI by the 5th of the following month, flagging any deviations.
5. यह आवयक अनुपालन हेतुसम ाधकारी क वीकृत सेजारी िकया गया ह।ै This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority for necessary compliance.

Digitally signed by Dr. SATYEN KUMAR PANDA Date: 03-11-2025 डॉ. सयेन कुमार पंडा कायकारी िनदेशक (अनुपालन रणनीत)

तलिप:

1. वर िनजी सचव, अय महोदय, एफएसएसएआई
2. िनजी सचव, मुय कायकारी अधकारी, एफएसएसएआई
3. मुय सूचना ौोिगक अधकारी, एफएसएसएआई — एफएसएसएआई वेबसाइट पर अपलोड करनेहेतु

Copy to:

1. Sr PS to CP, FSSAI
2. PS to CEO, FSSAI
3. CITO, FSSAI- for uploading on the FSSAI Website.

RCD-02005/10/2024-Regulatory-FSSAI-Part(1) I/32037/2025