New Delhi, October 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Friday issued notices to the operator of Radisson Blu Hotel in New Delhi and e-commerce companies Flipkart and BigBasket over alleged food safety violations and misleading claims about an edible oil. The regulator also suspended the licence of a food products manufacturer after finding unhygienic conditions at its facility.
In a notice to AB Hotels Ltd, which operates Radisson Blu Hotel, New Delhi, the FSSAI flagged several deficiencies in the maintenance of the premises and equipment. These included rusted machinery, freezer leakage and shortcomings in refrigeration, temperature monitoring, ventilation, flooring and lighting.
The regulator also identified inadequate cleaning and sanitisation, stagnant water, drainage problems and improper food-waste management. Deficiencies in pest control, including the presence of cockroaches and flies, were also reported.
Food procurement and receiving procedures were found to be inadequate, with fungal-affected and deteriorated fruits and vegetables reportedly accepted at the premises. The FSSAI also pointed to shortcomings in approved-vendor records and food traceability.
The notice further stated that the required checks to determine the suitability of cooking oil were not being conducted. Cooking oils with total polar compounds (TPC) values of 31 and 24.4 were found in use at the hotel’s NYC Kitchen.
Additional concerns included improper segregation of raw and cooked food, as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian items. Food handlers were also found working without gloves and hairnets, while some were wearing jewellery and had long nails.
The hotel operator has been directed to take immediate corrective measures and submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR). The regulator warned that failure to comply could lead to further action, including suspension of the FSSAI licence.
In a separate enforcement action, the FSSAI issued notices to Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd, Innovative Retail Concepts Pvt Ltd, which operates BigBasket, and Flipkart India Pvt Ltd over allegedly misleading claims made for Freedom Cooking Rice Bran Oil.
According to the regulator, the product was promoted through e-commerce platforms and social media using claims such as “reduces bad cholesterol and maintains/increases good cholesterol” and “10,000+ PPM Natural Oryzanol”. The promotional material linked consumption of the oil to cholesterol management and heart health.
The FSSAI said the claims were not permitted under the applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, governing edible vegetable oils.
The regulator also found that Gemini Edibles was offering products through its own e-commerce website without a valid Central Licence covering e-commerce activity.
The companies concerned have been directed to show cause why action should not be initiated against them.
In a third enforcement action, the FSSAI suspended the licence of DNV Food Products Ltd with immediate effect after finding food being manufactured, packed and stored under unhygienic conditions.
The inspection reportedly found flies, stagnant water and cobwebs at the facility. In one instance, a fly was found in direct contact with papad, raising concerns over the hygiene and safety of the manufacturing process.
The actions form part of the regulator’s enforcement efforts to address food safety deficiencies, ensure compliance with licensing requirements and prevent misleading claims about food products.
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