FSSAI asks five-star hotels to strictly follow food safety and hygiene norms

Food safety watchdog FSSAI has asked leading five-star hotel operators to strictly follow food safety and hygiene norms, stressing zero tolerance for violations. The move follows recent notices issued to two Delhi hotels after inspections found serious hygiene and storage lapses

New Delhi: Sending out a strong message following multiple violations by hotels, food safety watchdog FSSAI has asked leading five-star hospitality firms across the country to strictly adhere to food safety norms and maintain prescribed hygiene standards.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) CEO Rajit Punhani, during a meeting with senior executives of major hotel companies on Tuesday, asserted that the regulator had “zero tolerance” for violations, according to sources.

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The direction to major hospitality companies comes in the wake of FSSAI’s recent notices to two prominent five-star hotels — JW Marriott and Andaz Delhi — at Aerocity in the national capital.

The meeting also came against the backdrop of FSSAI’s intensified drive and stringent action against food safety violations.

The meeting, called by the FSSAI, focused on evaluating current regulatory compliance, hygiene standards, kitchen safety protocols and overall food safety measures.

According to sources, the regulator told five-star hotels that it had stepped up inspections of such establishments as part of its efforts to ensure safe food for consumers.

Senior representatives of major hotel operators said at the meeting that they were adhering to food safety norms and presented updates on their existing compliance frameworks.

On August 26, FSSAI issued notices to JW Marriott and Andaz Delhi after inspections found serious hygiene and food safety violations, including cockroach infestations, expired food, poor sanitation and improper food storage.