Luxury hotels are now under stricter food safety scrutiny as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) steps up inspections across the country.
FSSAI recently held a meeting with representatives of leading 5-star hotels to review food safety, hygiene, kitchen practices and regulatory compliance.
The message from the food regulator was clear: there will be zero tolerance for food safety violations.
Hotels were also asked to strengthen their safety systems and ensure that all food and hygiene standards are properly followed.
FSSAI Finds Serious Violations at Two Delhi Luxury Hotels
The stricter action comes after FSSAI issued notices to two luxury hotels in Delhi’s Aerocity — JW Marriott and Andaz Delhi by Hyatt.
Officials reportedly found several serious food safety issues during inspections.
At Andaz Delhi, inspectors found around 87 kg of sweets and other food items that had expired. An expired cake base and packets of expired bread were also reportedly found.
But the concerns did not stop there.
Officials also noticed signs of pest infestation. Cockroaches were reportedly found near freezers, while mosquitoes were seen in the grinding room. Houseflies and spider webs were also observed.
Inspectors further alleged that fresh date labels had been placed over expired bread packaging.
The inspection also reportedly found a strong unpleasant smell in the premises.
FSSAI noted that chillers were located between two bathrooms, with their exhaust vents opening into the chiller area.
Park Plaza Hotel Also Faces FSSAI Action
This is not the first time FSSAI has taken strict action against a luxury hotel in Delhi.
Earlier, the regulator suspended the licence of Park Plaza, operated by Mahagun Hotels, over multiple food safety violations.
One of the major concerns was the use of severely degraded cooking oil.
According to FSSAI, the oil being used for frying was dark in colour and had deteriorated to the point that it was considered unfit for consumption.
The inspection also revealed several hygiene problems.
Water was reportedly leaking inside walk-in chillers, while stagnant water had collected around damaged floor tiles. Inspectors also found a heavy presence of flies and cockroaches.
Spoiled Food and Expired Products Found
The condition of some food items in the kitchen also raised concerns.
FSSAI said tomatoes and beetroot showed visible fungal growth, while spoiled lemons were also being stored for use.
Inspectors also found that vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, ingredients and utensils were not being stored separately.
Adding to the concerns, live earworms were reportedly found in the food preparation area.
Around 63.60 kg of expired food products were also found stored for use in food preparation.
FSSAI Steps Up Monitoring of Luxury Hotels
With these inspections, FSSAI appears to be taking a tougher approach toward food safety in high-end hotels.
Random inspections have reportedly been increased, with greater attention being given to kitchen hygiene, food storage, pest control and overall safety practices.
For hotels, the message is now straightforward: maintaining luxury standards is not enough. Food safety rules must be followed at every stage, from storage and preparation to serving.
