Lok Sabha Question No. 3462 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Food Business Operators
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Arun Bharti

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3462 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21 ST MARCH, 2025

## FOOD BUSINESS OPERATORS

## 3462. SHRI ARUN BHARTI:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued any advisory to Food Business Operators (FBOs) regarding the management of expired or rejected food products, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure that expired or rejected food items are not rebranded and sold as human consumption products;
- (c) the manner in which the new provisions introduced by FSSAI for the quarterly submission of information on rejected or expired food products is likely to be implemented;
- (d) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure that FBOs comply with the regulations for segregation and secure storage of food items such as raw, processed, rejected, recalled or returned materials; and
- (e) the penalties/actions likely to be taken against FBOs failing to adhere to the said guidelines?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (c): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory dated 16.12.2024 regarding the proper management of expired or rejected food products to ensure that such products do not re-enter the supply chain and compromise consumer safety. The advisory is available in public domain at https://www.fssai.gov.in/advisories.php.

As per regulatory provision under Section 26 and 27 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Schedule IV of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011, Food Business Operators (FBOs) are mandated to segregate and clearly mark rejected/ expired products and follow FIFO (First In First Out)/FEFO (First Expired First Out) stock rotation systems. Further, FBOs are directed to maintain accurate records of actions taken on such products, including destruction, auction for alternative use, or disposal through authorized agencies, ensuring these items do not re enter the food chain.

(d) & (e): As per Schedule IV of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011, FBOs are mandated to ensure proper segregation and distinguishable marking of raw, processed, rejected, recalled, or returned products to prevent cross-contamination and misuse.

In order to ensure the above, regular inspections and audits are conducted by FSSAI through Food Safety Officers of Central and State Authorities to verify compliance with storage, segregation, and hygiene requirements under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. In case FBOs found violating storage and segregation norms, penal action is taken against the defaulting FBOs as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations.

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