New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the food licence of Park Plaza Hotel in Shahdara, Delhi, with immediate effect after an inspection revealed multiple serious violations of food safety and hygiene standards. The regulatory action followed the discovery of a live pest in the food preparation area, expired food products, heavily deteriorated cooking oil, fungus-infested vegetables, and widespread pest infestation within the premises.
According to the FSSAI, inspectors found a live pest inside the food preparation zone, raising serious concerns about food safety practices at the establishment. The inspection also uncovered approximately 63.60 kg of expired food products that were reportedly intended for use in food preparation. The regulator said the presence of such expired stock posed a significant risk to consumer health.
The inspection further revealed that severely deteriorated, darkened cooking oil was being used for frying food. FSSAI stated that the oil was unfit for human consumption and that its continued use constituted a serious violation of prescribed food safety standards.
Officials also reported extremely poor hygiene conditions throughout the premises. The inspection found water leakage in walk-in chillers, water stagnation caused by broken floor tiles, and heavy infestation of flies and cockroaches. Investigators observed that essential cleanliness and sanitation standards were not being maintained in the kitchen and food storage areas.
FSSAI further reported that tomatoes and beetroot stored at the facility showed visible fungal growth, while spoiled lemons were being kept for active use. The inspection also identified the absence of proper segregation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items, raw ingredients and utensils, creating a significant risk of cross-contamination.
The inspection report also highlighted deficiencies in drinking water handling practices. According to the regulator, drinking water bottles were being refilled without proper washing or sanitisation, which could pose an additional health risk to consumers.
In view of these serious violations, FSSAI suspended the food licence of Park Plaza Hotel with immediate effect. The regulator stated that the inspection findings demonstrated the establishment’s failure to comply with mandatory food safety and hygiene standards.
FSSAI reiterated that all food business operators are required to maintain strict hygiene, ensure safe storage of food products, dispose of expired items promptly, maintain clean kitchen environments and fully comply with food safety regulations. The authority added that strict action will continue to be taken against establishments found compromising public health and consumer safety.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
