A big question mark has been raised on the quality and hygiene of the food available in the kitchens of luxurious and famous five-star hotels of Delhi. When special investigation teams of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducted surprise raids in the kitchens, cold storage and food handling areas of major luxury hotels in the national capital, the scenes that emerged shocked even the officials. Hygiene rules were being openly flouted in the kitchens located behind the glittering lobbies and expensive dining rooms. FSSAI has issued a strict show cause notice to the concerned hotel management after serious negligence found in the investigation. Cockroaches found crawling in the kitchen, expired sweets and rotten fruits recovered. During FSSAI's inspection, dozens of flaws were exposed in the food preparation and storage area of the famous 'Andaz Delhi' and 'JW Marriott' located in Aerocity: Hundreds of kg of expired food: About 87 kg of expired sweets and expired cake base and cake base were found in the confectionery section of Andaz Delhi. Bread packets were found, which were destroyed on the spot. Fungal tomatoes and rotten apples: Fungal fruits, rotten apples and spoiled tomatoes were found in several baskets in the storage area, which were reportedly being used by the chef. Cockroaches and flies near freezer: Active cockroaches, flies and cobwebs were found around the freezer and grinding room of the bakery and Indian cuisine section, directly indicating severe pest infestation. Huge manipulation in labeling: During investigation, juice was found in the container with prawn (shrimp) written on it and non-veg items were kept in the container with juice written on it. Duplicate date marking on expired bread packaging also came to light. Dangerous mix-up of veg and non-veg: Playing with religious sentiments and purity The most shocking revelation in the investigation report was about food segregation (rules for keeping vegetarian and non-vegetarian food separate): The cutting boards used for cutting vegetarian and non-vegetarian food were kept immersed in the same vessel of water. In the in-room dining kitchen, non-veg food was being cooked only on the veg burner, creating a direct risk of cross-contamination. Due to chiller rooms located right between the toilets and poor ventilation, serious conditions were observed in the kitchen due to bad smell and bacteria growth. Staff was cooking with wounds, more than 59 serious deficiencies recorded A total of more than 59 technical and hygiene related deficiencies were recorded during the inspection at JW Marriott. Apart from food handlers touching food without hairnets and gloves, an employee was found cooking food despite having an open wound on his hand, which is in direct violation of food safety rules. Apart from this, leakages in drainage, lack of proper monitoring of refrigerator temperature and deficiencies found in checking FSSAI license of vendors have also been taken on record. FSSAI sent samples for lab testing, warned of cancellation of license. During the inspection, the food regulator has seized many surveillance and regulatory samples of desi ghee, veg mayonnaise, coconut milk powder, pulses, sauces and cookies and sent them to the National Food Laboratory for testing. Hotel operators have been instructed to remove all the deficiencies within the stipulated time and submit a detailed compliance report. Officials have clarified that if satisfactory improvement is not made within the stipulated period or the food is found unsafe in lab tests, the food business license will be suspended or canceled along with strict legal action. Related Keywords (SEO & Google Discover Keywords in Hindi & English): Delhi 5 Star Hotel FSSAI Raid, JW Marriott Delhi Food Safety Notice, Andaz Delhi FSSAI Inspection, 5 Star Hotel Kitchen Cockroach Fungus, Aerocity Delhi Hotel Food Safety Lapse, FSSAI Action Five Star Hotel Delhi, Expired Food Five Star Hotel, Veg Nonveg Cross Contamination Hotel, FSSAI raid Delhi five star hotels, JW Marriott Delhi food safety violation, Andaz Delhi Aerocity FSSAI notice, cockroaches in 5 star hotel kitchen Delhi, expired sweets rotten vegetables luxury hotel raid, FSSAI hygiene audit Delhi hotels, cross contamination veg non veg hotel kitchen, Delhi Aerocity luxury hotel food quality inspection
