On November 3, 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories. It directed them to ensure that seized, rejected, and expired food products are disposed of safely and without harming the environment. The instruction strengthens the commitment to responsible waste management under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It also prevents unsafe food from re-entering the market and protects public health.
FSSAI had earlier released detailed guidelines on December 21, 2020, under Sections 38(4) and 47(4) of the FSS Act. Those guidelines explained how food items should be destroyed when permitted by law or ordered by an adjudicating officer or court. The new advisory was issued after reports of rejected or expired food being dumped in rivers and open areas, which caused serious contamination risks.
Prohibition on Unsafe Disposal Practices
FSSAI has clearly banned the dumping of seized or expired food products, including their packaging, in rivers, lakes, or open land. Such actions harm both the environment and public safety. The authority has advised manufacturers and enforcement officers to use approved disposal methods such as:
- Incineration at authorized facilities
- Sanitary landfills with proper leachate control
- Composting or anaerobic digestion for biodegradable waste
All disposal methods must follow the standards of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Monitoring and Accountability
The disposal process must take place under the supervision of a Food Safety Officer or another authorized officer. The entire process should be video recorded and witnessed by two independent persons. After completion, the officer must issue a disposal certificate and send it to the Designated Officer. Copies of the certificate should also go to the Commissioner of Food Safety and the concerned Food Business Operator.
Each Designated Officer must identify suitable facilities for waste disposal and coordinate with the State Pollution Control Board for handling large quantities of waste.
Every State and Union Territory must submit a monthly compliance report to FSSAI by the 5th of each month. The report should include details of the disposal activities and highlight any cases of non-compliance.
This advisory, approved by the competent authority, promotes environmentally sound practices within food safety enforcement. By following these procedures, food regulators can protect public health, prevent misuse of unsafe food, and reduce environmental damage. The directive ensures that India’s food safety system continues to align with sustainable and transparent waste management principles.