The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to two prominent five-star hotels in Delhi’s Aerocity — Andaz Delhi by Hyatt and JW Marriott New Delhi — after inspections uncovered several food safety and hygiene violations. The inspections were conducted ahead of the BRICS Summit scheduled in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, when the capital is expected to host foreign leaders and senior international delegations.
87 Kg of Expired Sweets Found at Andaz Delhi
An inspection at Andaz Delhi on June 22 reportedly found around 87 kg of expired sweets in the confectionery section. The expired sweets were destroyed at the premises. Officials also found expired bread packets and an expired cake base in the pastry section.
The inspection also raised concerns about pest control and food hygiene. Active cockroaches were reportedly found near freezers, while flies and mosquitoes were observed in kitchen areas. Inspectors also noted foul smells, spider webs and other sanitation issues.
Another serious concern involved the handling of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian cutting boards were reportedly kept in the same water container, while a burner designated for vegetarian cooking was allegedly being used to prepare non-vegetarian food.
JW Marriott Records 59 Deficiencies
The inspection at JW Marriott New Delhi, conducted on August 24 and 25, reportedly recorded 59 deficiencies across different areas of the hotel. These included food-safety, hygiene, storage, labelling and equipment-related problems.
Inspectors reportedly found cockroaches in the Indian and bakery kitchens and fruit flies in the vegetable section. Dirty utensils, uncovered food, overflowing dustbins, faulty refrigerators, water leakage and damaged infrastructure were among the other issues flagged.
The inspection also found rotten fruits and vegetables in storage areas. In one unusual labelling error, a container holding prawns was reportedly labelled “juice”, while another container containing juice was labelled “prawn”.
Staff hygiene was also questioned, with some employees reportedly handling food without appropriate hairnets or gloves. One worker was allegedly involved in food preparation despite having an open wound.
Hotels Asked to Take Corrective Action
FSSAI has directed both hotels to address the deficiencies and submit compliance reports along with supporting evidence. Officials have also collected food and water samples for laboratory analysis. Further regulatory action is expected to depend on the hotels’ responses and the results of the sample testing.
The findings have drawn particular attention because the hotels are reportedly among properties being considered or used to accommodate foreign guests during the upcoming BRICS Summit. The inspections underline the importance of maintaining strict food-safety standards at hospitality venues expected to serve international visitors.
The notices do not by themselves represent a final determination of liability. The hotels have an opportunity to correct the deficiencies and respond to the regulator before further action is considered.
