Two high-end hotels in New Delhi are reportedly facing scrutiny from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) after officials uncovered serious food safety and hygiene violations.
The FSSAI on Wednesday revealed that it had issued notices to Andaz Delhi and JW Marriott New Delhi over the violations. Nearly 87 kilograms of expired sweets were seized from the confectionery area of Andaz Delhi by Hyatt, operated by Juniper Hotels, and were immediately destroyed on the spot.
Besides the expired sweets, officials also recovered bread packets bearing expired stickers, along with expired cake bases, flies and cockroaches in the pastry section. Irregularities were also recorded in the segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food in the kitchen. Cutting boards used for both categories were reportedly kept in the same water container, raising concerns over cross-contamination.
At JW Marriott New Delhi, officials found that the hotel was conducting retail operations under the JW Marriott brand without the necessary licensing. Pre-packaged items at the five-star property lacked mandatory manufacturer address details, while printed licence numbers were found on items including paneer, khoya and masala. The primary FSSAI licence was also not properly displayed on the premises.
The inspection further found serious hygiene and sanitation concerns across the property. Officials reported an active infestation of cockroaches and fruit flies, dirty food-contact surfaces and unwashed cutlery. Drinking water supplies were found to contain visible particulate matter, highlighting concerns over pest control measures and the general maintenance of food preparation areas.
Officials also found spoiled ingredients, including fungal-affected apples and rotten tomatoes. Food was reportedly being left uncovered or stored in damaged containers, while mismanaged storage temperatures and missing food identification labels created further risks of cross-contamination.
Officials collected regulatory and service samples during the inspections. In a communication shared through its official social media handles, the FSSAI said further action would be taken based on compliance and the results of the samples.
The two hotels are listed among the host-stay venues for the upcoming BRICS Business Forum, a flagship private-sector platform of the BRICS grouping that is convened annually in the summit-hosting country on the eve of the leaders’ summit.
India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 this year.