New Delhi: Food safety authorities have uncovered a series of severe violations at the Radisson Blu Hotel in New Delhi, prompting the issuance of an official improvement notice to the luxury property's operator. The inspection carried out by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India revealed widespread shortcomings in sanitation, pest management, food handling procedures, and the repeated utilization of degraded cooking oil.
According to regulatory officials, the inspection exposed numerous structural and equipment maintenance failures across the hotel premises. Inspectors documented rusted machinery, leaking freezers, deficient refrigeration, poor temperature monitoring, inadequate ventilation, and compromised flooring and lighting. Furthermore, the evaluation flagged systemic cleaning lapses, stagnant water accumulation, drainage malfunctions, and improper waste management. Pest-control measures were deemed insufficient after authorities observed active cockroaches and flies in the inspected sections.
The formal notice also highlighted serious concerns regarding the establishment's food procurement and receiving protocols. Officials discovered that deteriorated and fungus-affected fruits and vegetables were being accepted into the facility. Additional gaps were identified in approved-vendor documentation and overall food traceability frameworks. The review additionally noted failures in properly segregating raw and cooked ingredients, vegetarian and non-vegetarian goods, allergenic items, and general non-food materials.
Another notable finding involved the cooking oil utilized within the hotel's NYC Kitchen. The inspection revealed that cooking oil exhibiting total polar compound values of 31 and 24.4 was actively being used, signaling substantial degradation caused by repeated exposure to high temperatures, oxygen, and moisture. Authorities noted that necessary suitability verifications had neglected to take place.
The inspection further pointed out lapses concerning the personal hygiene of kitchen staff. Several food handlers were observed working without proper hairnets and gloves, while others wore jewelry or maintained long nails. Additionally, the regulatory license was not displayed prominently as required, and minor discrepancies were noted regarding license conditions and the scope of registered food business activities.
In response to the findings, the FSSAI has instructed AB Hotels Limited, the firm operating the five-star establishment, to execute immediate corrective actions to resolve every highlighted deficiency. The operator is also required to submit a comprehensive Action Taken Report accompanied by supporting documentation and photographs. The regulatory body cautioned that failure to adhere to these directives may trigger additional enforcement steps, including the potential suspension of the hotel's food safety license.