The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken immediate action, suspending the licence of Seven Seas Hospitality. This decision comes after a comprehensive inspection uncovered a series of severe food safety, hygiene, and infrastructure violations at the company's premises.
Critical Hygiene Lapses Uncovered
FSSAI inspectors reported observing "poor hygiene and sanitation conditions" across the food preparation areas. Key issues identified included stagnant water, a foul odour, general filth, and inadequate housekeeping. These findings point to a significant failure in maintaining basic cleanliness standards essential for food businesses.
Deteriorated Food and Pest Infestations
- Fungal Growth: Inspectors found fungal growth on various food materials, including tomatoes, papaya, jaggery, and cashew nuts. Rotten capsicums and blackened, degraded cooking oil were also noted.
- Improper Storage: Serious deficiencies in food storage were identified, such as inadequate segregation of meat and vegetarian items, improper meat storage, and condensation dripping onto food inside cold storage units.
- Pest Presence: The inspection confirmed the "presence of cockroaches and house flies" within the premises, indicating a significant pest control problem.
Infrastructure and Compliance Failures
Beyond immediate hygiene concerns, FSSAI highlighted major infrastructure shortcomings. These included refrigeration leakage, excessive ice deposition, plaster flaking, insufficient cold storage capacity, and poor ventilation and lighting. The report also cited non-compliance in sanitation practices, record maintenance, and water testing protocols.
Following the inspection, approximately 74 kg/litres of non-compliant food articles were destroyed on-site. Seven Seas Hospitality received a compliance score of only 30%, categorizing it as "Non-compliance." The FSSAI has directed the company to cease all food business activities during the suspension period until all violations are rectified and approved.