Indore: 5-star hotel's kitchens sealed over food safety violations

Authorities in Indore sealed two kitchens and a bakery of the five-star Sayaji Hotel. An inspection found major hygiene violations, including veg/non-veg food stored together, unlabeled items, presence of rodents, and an improper license.

The district administration and a team of food safety officials on Friday sealed two kitchens and a bakery of a prominent five-star hotel in Indore's Vijay Nagar area after an inspection found multiple food safety and hygiene violations, a senior official said.

A team of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the food department conducted an inspection at the hotel on Thursday night following directions from the district administration.

Inspection Reveals Multiple Violations

Food Safety Officer Manish Swami said several non-compliances were found, including the storage of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food in the same compartment, which could lead to cross-contamination. The team also found food items without proper packing dates or batch numbers.

"On August 20, a team was constituted on the directions of the district administration, and the team conducted an inspection at Sayaji Hotel Private Limited. During which several shortcomings were found and around ten samples were also collected from the spot, which include fennel, pistachios, curd, two types of paneer, and some spices," Swami told ANI.

He added, "There were also some non-compliances that should not be present under the licensing conditions. For instance, vegetarian and non-vegetarian food was being stored together, creating a strong possibility of cross-contamination. The temperature control system that is required to be maintained was also not found to be in place.

The officer further said around 60 kg of non-vegetarian food was found in storage without proper packing dates or batch numbers, making it difficult to ascertain when the food had been prepared or packed.

"The hotel was operating on a state food licence despite being a five-star hotel, for which a central licence is required under the applicable regulations," he said.

Evidence of Pests and Spoiled Food

The inspection team also found evidence of rodents and cockroaches in the kitchen. "Evidence of rats was found. Rat droppings and waste material were also found, along with spots indicating the presence of cockroaches. Some mashed potatoes and tomatoes were not in a condition fit for consumption, so they were destroyed on the spot," he said.

Action Taken and Next Steps

The team sealed the hotel's two main kitchens and a bakery that was not included in the hotel's licence. "The two main kitchens have been shut down, along with a bakery which was not added to their licence. There were other service kitchens as well, but since the food is supplied from main kitchens to those, they only have reheating facilities. Therefore, we have shut down the preparation area from where the food is prepared," the officer said.

On the duration of the sealing, the food safety officer said, "If they complete the required compliances, the subsequent decision will be taken by our designated officer." (ANI)

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