What the FSSAI Inspections Uncovered
The FSSAI issued notices to both establishments after inspections revealed what the regulator described as “serious food safety violations.” At Andaz Delhi, officials discovered a shocking 87 kg of expired sweets, which were immediately destroyed, along
with an expired cake base and bread packets. The inspection also noted significant pest activity, including cockroaches near freezers, houseflies, and mosquitoes in kitchen areas. At the JW Marriott, inspectors identified 59 distinct deficiencies, including the presence of cockroaches and fruit flies, spoiled produce like apples with fungal growth, and rotten tomatoes. Issues such as unclean utensils, improper food storage, and potential cross-contamination risks were flagged at both properties.
A Deeper Look at the Violations
The problems were not just limited to expired products and pests. At Andaz, inspectors reported improper segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, including cutting boards soaking together and vegetarian burners allegedly used for non-vegetarian cooking. They also found a gutka packet inside the water bottling plant area and noted that chillers were placed between two bathrooms with exhaust venting into the chiller section, creating unpleasant odours. The JW Marriott faced scrutiny for both hygiene and licensing issues. The regulator found that the hotel was retailing food products under its own brand name without the necessary endorsement on its FSSAI licence. Furthermore, the licence itself was not prominently displayed, and pre-packaged foods had labelling issues like misprinted licence numbers.
The Context: Stepped-Up Scrutiny
These actions are part of a broader push by the FSSAI to ensure stringent food safety standards, particularly in high-end establishments. The timing of the inspections is notable, as they come just ahead of the BRICS Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi, an event that will see numerous foreign dignitaries staying in the city's top hotels. In response to the findings, the FSSAI convened a meeting with representatives from leading five-star hotels, emphasizing a “zero tolerance” policy for any violations of food safety measures. This signals a nationwide crackdown, as similar inspections have recently been conducted at premium hotels in other major cities like Bengaluru.
How the Hotels Responded
Both hotel groups have issued statements acknowledging the inspections and pledging cooperation. A spokesperson for Andaz Delhi stated that the health and safety of guests are their highest priority, confirming they have cooperated fully with the FSSAI and submitted a detailed action plan to address the observations. Similarly, JW Marriott released a statement affirming its commitment to rigorous food safety and hygiene standards and noted that it is extending full cooperation to the authorities for the review. Both hotels have been directed by the FSSAI to take immediate corrective actions and submit a compliance report with evidence.
What Happens Next?
The FSSAI has collected regulatory samples from both hotels, including items like paneer, honey, milk powder, and drinking water, for laboratory analysis. Further regulatory action will depend on the results of these tests and the hotels' compliance with the corrective measures demanded. The issuance of a notice is a formal step that requires the establishments to rectify the noted deficiencies. The findings serve as a stark reminder that a five-star rating does not guarantee flawless behind-the-scenes operations. For consumers, it highlights the critical role of regulatory bodies in upholding food safety standards across the board, regardless of an establishment's reputation or price point.
