The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stepped up scrutiny of five-star hotels ahead of the two-day BRICS Summit in New Delhi, directing major properties to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards food safety and hygiene violations.

The instructions were issued during a recent meeting between the food regulator and representatives of leading five-star hotels from across the country. The meeting focused on regulatory compliance, hygiene standards, kitchen safety procedures and broader food safety requirements.

According to sources cited by ANI, FSSAI made it clear that violations would not be treated lightly as hotels prepare to accommodate guests linked to the high-profile international summit.

FSSAI intensifies hotel inspections

The regulator has increased random inspections at five-star properties in the run-up to the BRICS Summit. The move follows inspections at two major hotels in Delhi's Aerocity, where officials identified several deficiencies.

FSSAI teams inspected the kitchens of JW Marriott and Hotel Andaz. The inspections reportedly found concerns including cockroaches, flies and foul odour.

Officials also discovered bread packets carrying expired stickers at the properties. Around 87 kg of expired sweets were found in a confectionery area and destroyed at the site.

The pastry section also came under scrutiny, with inspectors finding expired cake bases as well as flies and cockroaches.

The inspection process lasted around two days and resulted in 59 deficiencies being recorded.

Five-star hotels report compliance

During the meeting with FSSAI, major five-star properties reported that they were adhering to food safety requirements and provided updates on their existing compliance systems.

The regulator's focus extended beyond food handling to include hygiene benchmarks, kitchen safety protocols and overall compliance with food safety regulations.

The latest directions place additional responsibility on hotels to ensure that kitchens, food storage areas and preparation processes meet the required standards as international delegates and other visitors arrive in the capital.

BRICS Summit raises scrutiny in Delhi

The BRICS Summit is scheduled to take place at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre in Delhi. With major hotels expected to play an important role in hosting visitors and delegates, food safety has become a key area of regulatory attention.

The intensified inspections are aimed at ensuring that establishments serving guests during the summit maintain required hygiene and food handling standards.

The action also comes after recent inspections exposed basic sanitation and expired-food issues at prominent hotel properties, prompting closer attention from the food regulator.