Recent inspections by officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) at five-star hotels located in Aerocity, New Delhi, including JW Marriott and Andaz, have uncovered serious problems concerning food safety and hygiene.
Hygiene Deficiencies in Hotels
FSSAI inspectors at the Andaz hotel noted "serious deficiencies in food safety and hygiene," citing issues such as "inadequate separation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods, pest activity, improper staff hygiene, and incorrect storage practices." At JW Marriott, "serious hygiene deficiencies" were reported, including "dirty utensils and food contact surfaces" and "contamination in drinking water."
Efforts to Improve Food Safety
Both hotels stated that they are fully cooperating with authorities and are either reviewing or implementing corrective measures, emphasizing their commitment to food safety, hygiene, and guest welfare. FSSAI's actions are not limited to luxury restaurants. Since July, the organization has issued over 150 notices to food and beverage companies, primarily due to misleading advertisements and health claims.
According to FSSAI testing data, in the years 2023-24 and 2024-25, approximately 170,000 food samples were tested, with nearly 1 in 5 samples failing to meet standards. In 2025-26, out of 223,808 samples, 40,023 samples did not comply with safety or labeling standards.
Cultural Challenges in Food Safety
Sunil Ghadiyok, an experienced hotelier, pointed out that these deficiencies are not reflected across the entire industry, stating, "Deficiencies occur due to improper implementation at the operational level." He also emphasized that food safety should be part of the operational culture of restaurants, not just a checklist for inspectors.
Manu Chandra, a chef and restaurateur, stressed the need for a robust ecosystem in the food and beverage sector, saying, "There is a need for better systems and stronger oversight in the supply chain."
Efforts to improve food safety are currently prompting some businesses to strengthen their internal systems, and this focus on food safety seems to present an opportunity for changing the industry's culture towards prevention.
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