Jammu Kashmir: FDA Orders Safe Disposal of Seized and Expired Food Items | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Jammu Kashmir Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has issued a directive prescribing stringent procedures and safeguards for the environmentally compliant disposal of seized, rejected, and expired food items across the Union Territory.

The order, issued by the Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, Jammu Kashmir emphasises that improper disposal of food products poses serious risks to public health, food safety, and the environment. It said that such disposal must be carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

As per the directive, disposal of seized, rejected, or expired food items, including their packaging, into rivers, lakes, natural water bodies, or open land is strictly prohibited under all circumstances. The order mandates that disposal shall be carried out only through approved, environmentally safe methods. These include incineration at CPCB-compliant authorised facilities, disposal at designated sanitary landfills with leachate control mechanisms, and composting or anaerobic digestion of biodegradable waste through certified facilities, in coordination with municipal bodies, panchayats, and other statutory authorities.

The directive further stipulates that all disposal activities must be conducted under the supervision of the concerned Food Safety Officer, with mandatory video documentation and in the presence of two independent witnesses. A disposal certificate is required to be submitted to the Designated Officer, with copies forwarded to the Commissioner of Food Safety and the concerned Food Business Operator.

Designated Officers have been instructed to identify suitable disposal facilities within their respective jurisdictions and to coordinate with the State Pollution Control Board, particularly in cases involving large volumes of waste. They are also required to submit monthly compliance reports to the Commissioner by the 3rd of the succeeding month, clearly highlighting any deviations from the prescribed procedures.

Firdous Ahmad, State Nodal Officer, JK Food and Drugs Administration, in the meantime said that the order aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to food safety and environmental norms. He cautioned that any deviation from the prescribed disposal procedures would be viewed seriously. (GNS)