The reality of hospitality companies making big claims is sometimes quite shocking. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducts a continuous campaign to verify the veracity of food safety claims. In this regard, the authority conducted an important inspection at the premises of M/s Seven Seas Hospitality Pvt. Such was the gross negligence that the authorities had to take strict action without any delay. Taking immediate action, FSSAI has suspended the license of Seven Seas Hospitality with immediate effect.

A lot of dirt was found in the kitchen

The investigation team first inspected the place where the food was cooked. The scene there was very scary. Heavy dirt was spread all around. There was such a stench in the air that it was difficult to stand there. Accumulation of water was seen in many parts inside the complex. When the officials scrutinized the food items kept there, the condition was found to be worse. From tomatoes, papayas, cashews and jaggery used in the kitchen, there was mold in it. The capsicum kept for vegetable was completely rotted. The most surprising thing was that the cooking oil in the pan had burnt completely black. Seeing this situation FSSAI team took immediate action. The team destroyed around 74 kg of rotten food on the spot.

Great carelessness in the name of storage

In Seven Seas Hospitality, along with cleanliness, storage regulations were being completely ignored. According to the law, vegetarian food should be kept completely separate from non-vegetarian food. But during the investigation, items related to meat were found along with vegetables. The condition of the company’s cold storage was even worse. Water dripped from the roof of the storage directly onto the food items. The refrigeration system was completely out of order. There was a leakage problem in the machines. There was excessive accumulation of snow, which directly reflects the severe lack of sanitation. Due to the filth, cockroaches were seen flying all over the premises. A gathering of houseflies was also present.

Main reason for cancellation of license

The company did not follow any basic rules of food safety. Apart from cleanliness, there was no proper system for maintaining documents. No record of testing of water used for cooking was found. When the investigation was completed, the FSSAI report revealed Seven Seas Hospitality’s compliance score was only 30 percent. Such a low score puts the authority directly in the non-compliance category. After this, the food authority took a strict decision and suspended the license of Seven Seas Hospitality Pvt. The authority has given strict instructions that the company will have to completely stop all activities related to food and beverage business till the suspension is in force.