FSSAI Issues Notices to Radisson Blu Delhi, Flipkart and BigBasket Over Food Safety Violations

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to AB Hotels Ltd, which operates the Radisson Blu Hotel in New Delhi, and e-commerce companies Flipkart India Pvt Ltd and Innovative Retail Concepts Pvt Ltd, which operates BigBasket, over food safety and regulatory violations. The action against the hotel relates to hygiene and food handling deficiencies, while the notices to the e-commerce companies concern allegedly misleading health claims for an edible oil product, according to an IANS report.

The food regulator has directed the hotel operator to take immediate corrective measures and submit a detailed action-taken report. It has also sought explanations from the companies involved in promoting the edible oil over claims that allegedly violate applicable food advertising regulations. FSSAI Finds Dirt, Pests and Poor Storage at Creative Bakers and Confectioners; Licence Suspended.

FSSAI Flags Hygiene Violations at Radisson Blu Delhi

During an inspection of the Radisson Blu Hotel, operated by AB Hotels Ltd, FSSAI identified multiple deficiencies in the maintenance and sanitation of the premises and food preparation areas.

According to the regulator, the inspection revealed rusted machinery, freezer leakage and shortcomings in refrigeration, temperature monitoring, ventilation, flooring and lighting. Inadequate cleaning and sanitisation, stagnant water, drainage problems and improper food-waste management were also reported.

The inspection further found deficiencies in pest control, including cockroach and fly activity. FSSAI also flagged inadequate checks on incoming food supplies, with fungal-affected and deteriorated fruits and vegetables reportedly received at the premises. Records relating to approved vendors and food traceability were also found to be inadequate. The regulator also found that required checks on the suitability of cooking oil were not being carried out. Oils with Total Polar Compound (TPC) values of 31 and 24.4 were reportedly found in use in the hotel's NYC Kitchen. FSSAI Orders Intensified Checks and On-Spot Testing To Curb Food Adulteration During Navratri and Diwali.

Other violations included improper segregation of raw and cooked food, vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, and allergenic and non-allergenic food products. Food handlers were also found working without gloves and hairnets, wearing jewellery and keeping long nails. FSSAI has directed AB Hotels Ltd to implement corrective measures and submit a detailed action-taken report with supporting documents and photographs, wherever applicable. Failure to comply could lead to further action, including suspension of the hotel's FSSAI licence.

Flipkart and BigBasket Face Notices Over Cooking Oil Claims

In a separate action, FSSAI issued notices to Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd, Flipkart India Pvt Ltd and Innovative Retail Concepts Pvt Ltd, which operates BigBasket, over promotional claims 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 claims associated the product's consumption with cholesterol management and heart health. However, FSSAI said these 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 has directed the concerned companies to show cause as to why action should not be initiated against them over the alleged violations.

FSSAI also found that Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd was offering products through its own e-commerce website without a valid Central Licence covering e-commerce activities, according to the IANS report.

FSSAI Intensifies Scrutiny of Food Safety Compliance

The latest notices come amid increased regulatory scrutiny of food businesses, online marketplaces and quick-commerce platforms over product claims, food labelling and compliance with food safety requirements.

In September, FSSAI announced enforcement action against Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket and Zepto over alleged violations involving misleading food claims and the sale or display of prohibited food articles. The regulator also flagged product information and claims relating to certain packaged foods and dairy products. The latest action highlights the regulator's focus on both hygiene standards at food establishments and the accuracy of health-related claims used to market food products online.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2026 04:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).