Food Body Issues Notice To Radisson Blu Delhi Operator Over Hygiene Lapses

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notice to AB Hotels Ltd, the operator of New Delhi's Radisson Blu Hotel, after it failed to comply with food safety and hygiene requirements and directed it to take immediate corrective measures.

"The FBO has been directed to take immediate corrective measures and submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR), with supporting documentary and photographic evidence wherever applicable. Failure to comply may lead to further action, including suspension of the FSSAI licence," FSSAI said in a social media post. 

According to FSSAI, poor maintenance of premises and equipment was observed during an inspection. The observations include rusted machinery, freezer leakage, and deficiencies in refrigeration, temperature monitoring, ventilation, flooring and lighting. 

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The food regulator flagged inadequate cleaning and sanitisation, stagnant water, drainage and food-waste issues, and deficiencies in pest control that included "cockroach and fly activity."

Cross-contamination was also flagged during the inspection. FSSAI observed improper segregation of raw and cooked foods, vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, allergenic and non-allergenic foods, and food and non-food items. 

"Food handlers were also found working without gloves and hairnets, wearing jewellery, and with long nails," FSSAI said.

In the same social media post, the food regulator has also informed that it has issued notices to Hyderabad-based Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd, BigBasket and Flipkart for misleading claims about the product 'Freedom Cooking Rice Bran Oil'.