Expired Sweets, Cockroaches and Rotten Produce: FSSAI Issues Notices to Delhi’s JW Marriott and Andaz Hotels Ahead of BRICS Forum
NEW DELHI: Serious food safety and hygiene concerns have emerged at two luxury hotels in Delhi’s Aerocity, with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issuing notices to Andaz Delhi by Hyatt and JW Marriott New Delhi following inspections at the properties.
The inspections reportedly uncovered a range of violations, including large quantities of expired sweets, spoiled food items, cockroaches and fruit flies, poor kitchen hygiene, improper food storage and shortcomings in food licensing and labelling.
The development has drawn attention because both hotels are listed among the venues associated with the BRICS Business Forum, with India scheduled to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.
According to the FSSAI, regulatory and surveillance food samples were collected during the inspections. The authority said further action would be taken depending on the hotels’ compliance and the results of the samples collected. The regulator did not disclose the exact dates on which the inspections were conducted.
87 kg of expired sweets found at Andaz Delhi
At Andaz Delhi by Hyatt, the food safety officials found approximately 87 kg of expired sweets stored in the confectionery area. The expired products were destroyed at the site, according to the FSSAI.
Officials also reportedly recovered bread packets carrying expired stickers. The inspection of the pastry section revealed additional concerns, including expired cake bases, flies and cockroaches.
The inspection also pointed to problems with the segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Cutting boards used for both types of food were reportedly kept together in the same water container, raising concerns about proper food-handling practices and the possibility of cross-contamination.
The hotel is operated by Juniper Hotels.
Multiple hygiene violations reported at JW Marriott
The inspection at JW Marriott in Aerocity, operated under Aria Hotels and Consultancy Services, also uncovered several concerns.
The FSSAI said the property was carrying out retail operations under the JW Marriott brand without the required licence. Officials also found problems with pre-packaged food products.
Some packaged items, including paneer, khoya and chana masala, reportedly did not carry mandatory manufacturer addresses or displayed licence numbers that were allegedly misprinted. The primary FSSAI licence was also not displayed prominently at the premises, according to the regulator.
More serious concerns were reported in the hotel’s food preparation and storage areas.
Cockroaches, fruit flies and dirty kitchen equipment
According to the inspection findings shared by FSSAI, hygiene and sanitation conditions were found to be seriously compromised in different parts of the property.
Officials reportedly documented active infestations of cockroaches and fruit flies, along with dirty food-contact surfaces and kitchen utensils that had not been properly washed.
The inspection also raised concerns about the quality and handling of drinking water. Officials reportedly found visible particulate matter in water supplies, which the regulator linked to shortcomings in pest-control measures and general maintenance of food preparation areas.
Rotten vegetables and spoiled fruits among other concerns
The inspection reportedly found several spoiled food ingredients, including fungal-affected apples and rotten tomatoes.
Officials also observed food being left uncovered and ingredients being stored in damaged containers. The inspection highlighted additional problems involving storage temperatures, food identification labels and the separation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian products.
Such lapses can increase the risk of food contamination, particularly when raw and prepared foods are not handled or stored according to prescribed safety procedures.
The FSSAI said the observations raised concerns about food safety and the potential for cross-contamination within the premises.
Hotels linked to BRICS-related events
The findings have gained additional attention because the two Aerocity hotels are listed among venues connected with the BRICS Business Forum.
The forum serves as a major private-sector platform associated with the BRICS grouping and is traditionally held around the time of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in the host country.
India is scheduled to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, bringing senior officials, business representatives and other delegates to the capital.
With international guests expected in the city, the food safety findings at two high-end hotels have put a spotlight on hygiene standards at hospitality establishments that cater to major events.
Andaz Delhi responds to the inspection
Following the regulatory action, Andaz Delhi said it had fully cooperated with the FSSAI inspection.
In its response, the hotel said it takes the observations seriously and had acted promptly to address the issues identified during the inspection. The hotel also said that food safety and hygiene remain central to its operations and that it would continue reviewing and strengthening its practices.
The FSSAI, meanwhile, has indicated that further regulatory action will depend on compliance and the analysis of the samples collected during the inspections.
The inspections serve as a reminder that food safety standards apply equally to luxury hotels and other food establishments, particularly when they are preparing and serving food to large numbers of guests and high-profile visitors.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
