Hotels say FSSA terms for hygiene ‘impractical’

The association president, Mr M. Venketasubbu. told DT Next the association had twice successfully sought extensions and representations were given to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda in person. As the second extension is due to end on February 4, the association has sought an urgent appointment with the minister to explain matters personally, he explained. Citing provisions in the Act, he said the FSSA demanded that all vessels in a hotel be washed in potable water. 

Also, pesticide levels in edible items should be below the government fixed norm, rodents and pests should be totally eradicated and garbage has to be stacked in AC rooms overnight before disposal. Stating that government itself had stated that water in 638 districts was unfit for drinking, he wondered how it would be possible to comply with the condition. 

On the pesticide norm, it should be controlled at the farmer level and not at the consumer end as no hotel is responsible for that. Tough anti-rodent measures are only temporarily successful.