SRINAGAR: Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), has issued a detailed advisory to ensure scientific and responsible disposal of seized, rejected, and expired food items, following recent reports of such materials being improperly dumped into rivers and other natural water bodies.

Reiterating the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and guidelines issued by FSSAI, the advisory directs all Designated Officers, Food Safety Officers, and enforcement teams to strictly adhere to approved disposal procedures to prevent environmental harm, health risks, and misuse of unsafe food items.

The Department has emphasized that disposal of any seized, rejected, or expired food items including their packaging, into rivers, lakes, natural water bodies, or open land is strictly prohibited.

The advisory directs enforcement teams to adopt the approved disposal methods such as, authorized incinerators compliant with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms, Disposal in designated sanitary landfills with leachate control, composting or anaerobic digestion of biodegradable waste through certified units, in coordination with local municipal bodies, panchayats, or other statutory authorities.

All disposal activities must be video recorded in the presence of two independent witnesses. After completion, the supervising FSO must submit a certificate of disposal to the Designated Officer, with copies to the Commissioner of Food Safety and the concerned Food Business Operator (FBO).

Designated Officers have been instructed to identify suitable incineration, composting, or alternative disposal facilities and share the list with the Commissioner of Food Safety. For high-volume disposals, coordination with the State Pollution Control Board has been advised.

Additionally, Designated Officers must submit monthly disposal compliance reports to the Commissioner of Food Safety by the 3rd of following month, highlighting any deviations from the prescribed guidelines.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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