Two prominent hotels in Delhi's Aerocity, reportedly designated to accommodate foreign dignitaries for the upcoming BRICS Summit, are under intense scrutiny from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Inspections at Andaz Delhi by Hyatt and JW Marriott New Delhi revealed a series of alarming deficiencies, including expired food products, pest infestations, and critical hygiene breaches.
Andaz Delhi Inspection Uncovers Multiple Violations
During an inspection on June 22, 2026, FSSAI officials at Andaz Delhi found several serious violations. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian cutting boards were discovered stored in the same water container, posing a risk of cross-contamination. Inspectors also located two packets of bread with expired stickers and approximately 87 kg of expired sweets in the confectionery area, which were immediately destroyed. The pastry section also harbored an expired cake base, along with visible flies and cockroaches. Reports additionally cited pest activity and a foul smell emanating from various kitchen areas.
Further issues at Andaz Delhi included inadequate food procurement practices and insufficient checks of suppliers' FSSAI licenses. Samples of essential ingredients such as ghee, mayonnaise, lentils, and various sauces were collected for comprehensive testing.
JW Marriott New Delhi Faces Extensive List of Deficiencies
A subsequent inspection at JW Marriott New Delhi on August 24 and 25, 2026, uncovered an even more extensive list of 59 deficiencies. These included problems with licensing and labeling, a visible particle found in water served to guests at K3 restaurant, and widespread cockroach infestations in both the Indian and bakery kitchens. Fruit flies were also noted in the vegetable section.
Other critical findings at JW Marriott included food residue on supposedly washed utensils, a strand of hair found in a cooking pot, overflowing or improperly equipped dustbins, malfunctioning kitchen equipment, broken tiles, and water leakage within refrigerators and freezers. Inspectors also discovered rotten apples and tomatoes in storage areas.
“FSSAI has directed both hotels to take corrective action,” stated the report, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these public health concerns ahead of the high-profile international event.
The inspection additionally highlighted food being stored in the open and inadequate segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items. In one particularly egregious instance, a container holding prawns was incorrectly labeled “juice,” while a container of juice was mislabeled “prawn.” Idli-dosa batter and praline paste were not maintained at their prescribed storage temperatures.
Staff Hygiene and Infrastructure Concerns
Beyond food handling, FSSAI noted significant lapses in staff hygiene. Several employees were found working without proper hairnets or gloves, and one worker was observed cooking despite having an open wound. Infrastructure issues also surfaced, with reports of open electrical wires, faulty switches, and corrosion within a water-storage tank, further compounding the health and safety risks.
With India preparing to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, where foreign leaders and senior delegations are expected, the FSSAI's swift action underscores the critical importance of maintaining impeccable food safety standards, particularly at establishments hosting international guests.