FSSAI Issues Notices to 2 Delhi Hotels Over Food Safety Lapses

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued notices to two five-star hotels in New Delhi's Aerocity, Andaz Delhi and JW Marriott, following inspections that revealed multiple food safety and hygiene lapses. The inspections were conducted ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, which is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Both hotels feature on the official BRICS Business Forum website as host or accommodation venues.

At Andaz Delhi, officials seized and destroyed 87 kg of expired sweets, while the JW Marriott premises were found to have pest infestations and several other violations. The FSSAI said regulatory and surveillance samples were taken during the inspections and additional measures would be considered depending on the hotels' compliance and the findings from sample testing.

The inspection at Andaz Delhi revealed approximately 87 kg of expired sweets in the confectionery section, which were destroyed at the site. Inspectors also found bread packets carrying expired stickers, along with outdated cake bases, flies and cockroaches in the pastry area. The kitchen was also found lacking proper separation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, with cutting boards for both being stored in the same container of water.

The inspection at JW Marriott Aerocity revealed that the property was carrying out retail activities under the JW Marriott name without the required licence. Several pre-packaged products, including paneer, khoya and chana masala, were found without mandatory manufacturer address details or carrying incorrectly printed licence numbers. The hotel had also failed to display its primary FSSAI licence in a prominent location.

The regulator said hygiene and sanitation conditions at the JW Marriott property were seriously deficient. Inspectors reported active cockroach and fruit-fly infestations, contaminated food-contact surfaces and kitchen utensils that had not been adequately cleaned. Drinking water was also found to contain visible particles, pointing to inadequate pest-control measures and poor upkeep of food preparation areas.

The FSSAI inspections have raised concerns about the food safety and hygiene standards at the two hotels, which are scheduled to host dignitaries and business leaders during the BRICS Summit. The authority has said that it will take additional measures depending on the hotels' compliance and the findings from sample testing.

The BRICS Business Forum is the main private-sector platform of the BRICS grouping and is held annually in the country hosting the summit. The forum provides a platform for business leaders and dignitaries to discuss trade and investment opportunities.

The FSSAI inspections are a reminder of the importance of maintaining high food safety and hygiene standards, particularly in the hospitality industry. The authority has been cracking down on hotels and restaurants that fail to meet food safety standards, and the notices issued to the two hotels in Delhi are a testament to its efforts.

In conclusion, the FSSAI notices issued to the two hotels in Delhi highlight the need for strict adherence to food safety and hygiene standards. The inspections have raised concerns about the food safety and hygiene standards at the two hotels, and the authority will take additional measures depending on the hotels' compliance and the findings from sample testing.