FSSAI Bans Dumping of Expired Food into Water Bodies and Open Land

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strict order banning the dumping of expired, seized, or rejected food items into rivers, lakes, open land, or any natural water body. The decision comes after recent reports showed improper disposal of such food items in the environment.

Environment Safe Disposal Methods Required

To prevent pollution and protect public health, FSSAI has directed state authorities to follow approved scientific disposal methods. These include:

• Incineration: Burning waste in authorised facilities that meet Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards.
• Sanitary Landfills: Dumping waste only in designated landfills with leachate control.
• Biodegradable Processing: Composting or anaerobic digestion for food waste that can naturally decompose.

These methods must be carried out in coordination with municipal bodies, panchayats, or other authorised agencies.

Strict Monitoring and Recordkeeping

According to the advisory, disposal of expired or seized food must be supervised by an authorised Food Safety Officer (FSO). The process must be recorded on video and completed in the presence of at least two independent witnesses. After disposal, the FSO must submit a certificate of disposal to the Designated Officer and send copies to the State Food Safety Commissioner and the concerned Food Business Operator (FBO).

All Designated Officers have been told to identify proper disposal facilities within their region such as compost plants, incinerators, or waste management centres and share the list with the State Food Safety Commissioner. For large quantities of waste, states must work closely with their State Pollution Control Boards to ensure environmentally safe disposal.

Monthly Compliance Reporting Required

FSSAI has also asked states to submit a compliance report every month, by the 5th day, confirming that all expired or seized food items were disposed of according to the guidelines.

Official Notification

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