Food safety regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Friday, 16 October 2026, issued notices to AB Hotels Ltd — operator of Radisson Blu Hotel, New Delhi — and e-commerce platforms Flipkart India Pvt Ltd and Innovative Retail Concepts Pvt Ltd (BigBasket) over a range of violations including misleading health claims on edible oil and serious hygiene lapses at the hotel's food facilities. The enforcement sweep also resulted in the immediate licence suspension of a third food manufacturer.

Radisson Blu Delhi: A Litany of Hygiene Failures

In its notice to AB Hotels Ltd, the FSSAI documented extensive deficiencies at the Radisson Blu Hotel, New Delhi premises. Inspectors observed rusted machinery, freezer leakage, and shortcomings in refrigeration, temperature monitoring, ventilation, flooring, and lighting — all indicative of poor maintenance standards.

The regulator also flagged stagnant water, drainage and food-waste accumulation, and inadequate pest control, with cockroach and fly activity recorded on-site. Food procurement checks were found insufficient, with inspectors noting the receipt of fungal-affected and deteriorated fruits and vegetables, alongside deficiencies in approved-vendor records and traceability documentation.

Critically, the regulator found that cooking oil suitability checks were not being carried out as required, and oils with Total Polar Compound (TPC) values of 31 and 24.4 — beyond permissible limits — were discovered in use at the hotel's NYC Kitchen. Inspectors also noted improper segregation of raw and cooked foods, and of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, with food handlers observed working without gloves and hairnets, wearing jewellery, and with long nails.

AB Hotels Ltd has been directed to take immediate corrective action and submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR). The FSSAI warned that failure to comply could result in suspension of its FSSAI licence.

Flipkart and BigBasket Flagged for Misleading Cholesterol Claims

In a separate enforcement action, the FSSAI issued notices to Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd, Innovative Retail Concepts Pvt Ltd (BigBasket), and Flipkart India Pvt Ltd over allegedly misleading promotional claims for 'Freedom Cooking Rice Bran Oil'.

The product was reportedly marketed across e-commerce platforms and social media with claims such as 'reduces bad cholesterol and maintains/increases good cholesterol' and '10,000+ PPM Natural Oryzanol', linking its consumption to cholesterol management and heart health. The FSSAI determined that such claims are not permitted under the Advertising and Claims Regulations, 2018 applicable to edible vegetable oils.

Additionally, Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd was found to be offering products through its own e-commerce website without holding a valid Central Licence covering e-commerce activity. All three firms have been directed to show cause as to why regulatory action should not be initiated against them.

DNV Food Products Licence Suspended Over Insanitary Conditions

In a third and the most severe action from this enforcement round, the FSSAI announced the immediate suspension of the licence of DNV Food Products Ltd after finding food being manufactured, packed, and stored under deeply unhygienic conditions. Inspectors reported the presence of flies, stagnant water, and cobwebs at the facility, including a fly in direct contact with papad being processed at the site.

Broader Context: A Pattern of Stepped-Up Enforcement

This multi-pronged crackdown reflects a broader pattern of the FSSAI intensifying scrutiny across the food supply chain — from premium hospitality establishments to large-scale digital commerce platforms. Notably, the inclusion of major e-commerce players like Flipkart and BigBasket signals the regulator's sharpening focus on misleading online food marketing, an area that has drawn criticism for outpacing regulatory oversight. The action against Radisson Blu is a reminder that five-star establishments are not exempt from the same hygiene standards applied to street vendors and small manufacturers.

All concerned parties are expected to respond to their respective notices; further action — including licence suspension or cancellation — will depend on their compliance.