DLF, Phoenix, Prestige Tighten Food Safety Norms for Mall Tenants

India’s top mall developers are increasing their scrutiny of restaurants, cafes and bars operating in their properties at a time when food safety regulators are stepping up inspections in several states.

In recent weeks, mall operators such as DLF Malls, Phoenix Group, Prestige Group and Nexus Select Malls have sent out fresh reminders and stricter hygiene guidelines to food and beverage tenants.

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Food Safety Crackdown:

The order comes in the wake of a wider crackdown by food safety authorities, especially in Maharashtra and Karnataka where raids have led to licence suspensions and enforcement action against several food outlets.

The reputational risks of food safety violations have increased among property owners, especially in recent cases involving restaurants in shopping malls.

Some mall operators are reported to have sent out emails to remind shoppers of food hygiene and safety procedures. Tenants were warned that violations could result in sanctions, contract reviews and increased monitoring.

A “zero tolerance” approach to food safety failure was reportedly emphasised in one communication reviewed by the publication.

Mall Operators Strengthen Oversight:

The increased vigilance comes after regulatory action against several food outlets including outlets at malls in Mumbai and Karnataka.

The incidents have raised public awareness of hygiene issues, and also prompted mall managements to tighten compliance measures in food courts and dining areas.

Mall operators say it’s not just a restaurant problem, as they are also concerned about how food safety incidents in their properties might damage their reputation.

Nexus Select Malls has 19 malls across 15 cities and more than 135 million annual footfalls.

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Checks for food safety and fire compliance have long been standard mall operations, industry executives told the publication. But recent regulatory action has increased pressure on both restaurants and landlords to show tighter compliance with safety standards.

Mall operators in tier-1 and tier-2 cities are reportedly reviewing internal processes and strengthening oversight mechanisms.

The tighter monitoring also reflects the increasing importance of food and beverage businesses to shopping centers. Malls are increasingly used by consumers for dining and entertainment and so operators are becoming more sensitive to incidents that could affect customer confidence and footfall.

The latest moves suggest that food safety compliance is increasingly a shared responsibility between restaurants and the mall operators that house them.