Key Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the food business licence of M/S Park Plaza, Shahdara, Delhi, operated by Mahagun Hotels, following an inspection that uncovered multiple serious food safety and hygiene violations. The regulator announced the action on its official X account, stating that inspectors identified several critical and gross non-compliances that posed potential risks to consumer health.

Inspection Revealed Serious Food Safety Violations

During the Park Plaza inspection, FSSAI officials found the hotel using heavily degraded, dark black cooking oil for frying food, making it unfit for consumption. Inspectors also observed poor hygiene and sanitation across the premises. Water leaked inside walk-in chillers, broken floor tiles caused water to stagnate, and flies and cockroaches infested food handling areas.

The inspection further revealed visible fungal growth on tomatoes and beetroot, while spoiled lemons remained in storage for use. Officials also found 63.6 kg of expired food products intended for food preparation.

FSSAI identified several other critical food safety lapses. The kitchen failed to maintain separate storage and handling of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, ingredients, and utensils, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Inspectors also found live earwigs inside the food preparation area.

In addition, officials reported unsafe food handling practices, including food handlers with open wounds actively preparing food. They also discovered a hairnet inside a cocoa powder storage container and found that drinking water bottles were being refilled without proper washing or sanitisation, raising further hygiene concerns.

Licence Suspended; Hotel Given 15 Days to Comply

Based on these findings, FSSAI suspended the hotel’s food business licence with immediate effect and directed the Food Business Operator (FBO) to cease all food business activities immediately.

The regulator has instructed the hotel to rectify all identified non-compliances within 15 days and submit a comprehensive compliance report along with documentary evidence. If the establishment fails to comply within the stipulated period, FSSAI may proceed with cancelling the licence in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act and related regulations.

Part of FSSAI’s Ongoing Enforcement Drive

The action forms part of FSSAI’s continuing efforts to strengthen food safety compliance across the country through routine inspections, consumer complaints, and suo motu enforcement. In recent months, the regulator has taken action against restaurants, food manufacturers, beverage companies, and e-commerce platforms for violations related to hygiene, food quality, misleading claims, and labelling.

By publicly disclosing enforcement actions, FSSAI aims to improve transparency, encourage food businesses to maintain higher standards of food safety and hygiene, and strengthen consumer confidence in the food ecosystem.

Source: The Hindu BusinessLine 

CNBCTV18