FSSAI Directs Five-Star Hotels to Strictly Follow Food Safety and Hygiene Norms

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed central license-holding five-star hotels to ensure strict compliance with food safety and kitchen hygiene regulations. The directive follows a meeting held on Tuesday between regulatory officials and industry representatives, including executive chefs from the hotel sector.

During the meeting, FSSAI officials flagged multiple deficiencies in hygiene and food safety protocols observed across establishments. According to sources, these included unhygienic kitchen conditions, the presence of expired goods, a lack of proper segregation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian products, and pest entry points.

The regulator emphasized that hotels must maintain rigorous standards, including adherence to kitchen safety and hygiene protocols, effective pest control measures, proper temperature control for cold chains, prevention of cross-contamination, traceability, and the complete elimination of expired goods. Sources noted that hotel representatives provided assurances of compliance during the discussions, while the authority confirmed that surveillance and hotel inspections will be scaled up.

This development comes shortly after the food safety regulator issued notices to two Delhi-based hotels, JW Marriott and Andaz, following the discovery of serious regulatory violations such as pest infestations, expired items, and unhygienic kitchen conditions. Additionally, last month, the FSSAI reported sending over 20 notices to five-star hotels—including major franchise operators—regarding non-compliances related to menu labelling and calorie declarations.

The current actions are part of a broader enforcement push by the FSSAI over the past few months targeting food companies, restaurants, and hotels. Previous enforcement activities by the regulator include issuing over 150 notices to packaged food companies for misleading advertisements, false claims, and labelling non-compliances, which resulted in sale prohibitions, license suspensions, and goods seizures. Furthermore, the FSSAI has issued 12 notices to quick commerce platforms and over 30 notices to various food establishments, including quick service restaurants (QSRs).

"Regulatory compliance is a foundational pillar for any consumer-facing business, particularly in the hospitality sector where health and safety are paramount. The FSSAI's recent crackdown on five-star hotels and food establishments highlights the growing importance of operational transparency and rigorous internal audits. For businesses in the food and hospitality ecosystem, maintaining consistent hygiene standards and adhering to labelling regulations is no longer optional. Proactive self-regulation and robust supply chain traceability will be critical to avoiding punitive actions and sustaining consumer trust." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes