Recent food safety incidents have led to an upsurge in regulatory scrutiny of India’s HORECA sector, underscoring the importance of partnering with an expert like ALS, a global leader in food safety testing and compliance with laboratories throughout India.

In one incident earlier this year, health inspectors discovered contaminated tea powder in a hotel at a popular coastal tourist destination. The inspection was part of a larger investigation of food safety practices in the city’s HORECA industry. Among the food service providers audited, nearly 60% were found to have violated food safety standards.

Similar HORECA industry inspections across India this year have identified violations that have led to fines, license suspensions, and even business closures.

“These audits highlight the critical importance of adhering to FSSAI regulations to avoid penalties, corrective mandates, and reputational damage,” said Arun Janakiraman, Managing Director, ALS in India.

Compliance is not optional

While license type and operational scale vary from region to region, FSSAI food safety licensing and registration is mandatory nationwide. Compliance with these regulations requires:

·       Submitting to audits as per the FSSAI’s Food Safety Auditing Regulations for high-risk and centrally licensed establishments, including regular inspections covering hygiene, food handling, storage and staff training

·       Water and food testing to meet IS 10500, conducted through NABL-accredited or FSSAI-recognized laboratories, covering raw materials, cooked foods, and potential contaminants including microbiological hazards, pesticides, heavy metals and adulterants

·       Staff training and certification mandated under FSSAI Training Regulations to help ensure proper handling and supervision

·       Maintenance of proper documentation including up-to-date licenses, audit records, SOPs, and testing records in line with best practices for safeguarding public health.

“The importance and complexity of compliance mean that ensuring food safety requires more than just understanding the regulatory environment,” Arun explained.

“Businesses can help protect the public and their interests by being proactive and partnering with us to handle every aspect of their food safety regulatory adherence.”

ALS – a partner you can trust to help navigate the regulatory road ahead

ALS has a strong track record of leadership in supporting its partners in food safety and regulatory adherence. The company’s NABL-accredited laboratories and FSSAI-recognized testing services help food businesses meet the stringent requirements of India’s Food Safety and Standards Act.

ALS’ professional support services for the HORECA industry include:

•                 Comprehensive testing of raw materials and cooked/prepared foods

•                 FSSAI compliance audits and documentation support

•                 Water quality testing and hygiene assessments

•                 Staff training and certification assistance

•                 Hygiene audits and third-party audit support.

By partnering with ALS to provide these services, establishments can proactively manage risks, align operations with national standards, and strengthen consumer trust.

“At ALS in India, we’re not just testing food products for our customers,” added Arun. “We are building trust across the supply chain. From lab bench to dining table, our approach aligns with India’s ambition for safe, transparent and resilient food systems."

To find out how ALS can help you get ahead of regulatory challenges, contact  alsin.sales@alsglobal.com / padma.priya@alsglobal.com

Mumbai’s favourite vegetarian fine-dine lounge, Epitome, has reopened its doors with a bold new identity and a look that’s nothing short of spectacular. The reinvented space blends food, music, and design into one immersive experience, taking guests on a journey where indulgence meets imagination.

The all-new Epitome has been reimagined to go beyond the boundaries of traditional dining. With its dramatic interiors, pulsating live performances, and an evolved culinary and cocktail philosophy, it offers an experience where every visit feels like an event.

At the heart of this culinary transformation is Chef Akshay Kale, Development Chef at Acme Hospitality, who brings a fresh global approach to vegetarian and vegan cuisine. His menu takes inspiration from across the world — from Asia and Latin America to the Mediterranean and India, presenting dishes that are as bold in flavour as they are in presentation.

Highlights include the Cream Cheese Avo Tartare on Kataifi Nest, a creamy-meets-crunchy delight; Truffle Mushroom Baklava with Parmesan Emulsion, a savoury twist on a Turkish classic; and the Tokyo Caesar, a Japanese-style take on the iconic salad. The indulgent Miso Garlic Linguini and the dramatic Dubai Bling Bling dessert, a gold-dusted spectacle of pistachio cream, kunafa, and chocolate, perfectly capture Epitome’s flair for showmanship.

As the night deepens, the bar takes centre stage. Under the creative direction of Mixologist Mahesh Panigrahi, the reimagined cocktail menu Twelve Tales  unfolds like a storybook of global flavours. Each drink is inspired by a unique ingredient and cultural influence, from kokum and jaggery to yuzu, elderflower, and matcha.

Standout cocktails include the Epitome Matcha Tea, blending Toki whisky with vanilla and yuzu; Land of Coconut, a tropical burst of rum, coconut, and pineapple; and The Alphonso, a clarified mango cordial with Don Julio Blanco and grapefruit bitters. Others, like Assam Chai and Gala, pay homage to Indian roots with warmth and creativity.

The design of the new Epitome is an experience in itself. Spread across a sprawling space, its interiors balance luxury and mystery — where deep reds, flowing lights, and sculptural forms evoke an atmosphere of passion and drama. Every corner invites conversation, every element adds to the storytelling, and the entire space feels like stepping into a luxurious dreamscape.

At the helm of this reinvention is Mr. Jigar Sanghvi, the visionary entrepreneur behind Epitome’s evolution. “Epitome has always been about experiences, but this relaunch is about energy. We wanted to create a space that feels alive — where every plate, every cocktail, and every beat work together to make you feel something. It’s bold, immersive, and unforgettable, just like Mumbai itself,” he shares.

With this transformation, Epitome cements its position as one of Mumbai’s most exciting dining and nightlife destinations — where global vegetarian cuisine meets world-class mixology, and where every visit feels like an escape from the ordinary.

The new Epitome isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a mood, a spectacle, and a celebration of indulgence that leaves guests craving just one thing: more.

Antara Cruises, India’s leading name in luxury river journeys, has launched Antara Events, a bespoke celebration concept aboard its elegant all-suite boutique ship, the MV Bengal Ganga. Designed for intimate gatherings and grand occasions alike, this offering reimagines milestone celebrations, corporate events, and pre- or post-wedding functions with Antara’s signature personalized service and scenic charm along the Ganges.

Blending heritage with sophistication, the MV Bengal Ganga draws inspiration from traditional Burmese river vessels and the eclectic design spirit of the 1970s. Its warm teakwood interiors, expansive lounges, and open sundecks create a stunning ambience for open-air ceremonies, cocktail evenings, or serene riverside soirees. The 20 suites onboard exude an old-world charm, complete with spacious balconies offering uninterrupted views of India’s most iconic river.

For corporate and business gatherings, the ship offers a fully equipped lounge with modern AV facilities and Wi-Fi, ideal for meetings, team retreats, or off-site conferences in an exclusive, club-like atmosphere.

Staying true to Antara Cruises’ philosophy of all-inclusive hospitality, every Antara Event is designed to be a complete sensory experience. “From the moment guests step aboard, they are immersed in a world of curated dining — from regional Indian delicacies to international favourites, alongside wellness experiences like spa treatments and sunrise yoga. Every detail is crafted to ensure a seamless, memorable event,” says Raj Singh, Founder Chairman of Antara Cruises.

At the heart of Antara Events lies full customization. From décor and cuisine to music and onboard experiences, every element is tailored in collaboration with hosts and event designers. Even sailing routes can be customized, transforming each voyage into a one-of-a-kind celebration.

Guests can choose from short three-hour sailings for quick celebrations or immersive multi-night voyages that explore historic riverside towns and cultural landmarks along the Ganges. For something truly unforgettable, Antara Events also offers Sandbank Parties on sailings of two nights or more — a rare and magical experience under the stars.

“At Antara Cruises, we don’t just host events; we curate legacies,” adds Raj Singh. “Every celebration is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the host’s vision and the timeless beauty of the Ganges.”

Departing from Kolkata, the MV Bengal Ganga is available for private charters, perfect for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, corporate launches, or family reunions.

About Anatara Cruises:

Antara River Cruises is a pioneer in luxury river hospitality and a preferred partner for leading international cruise operators. The brand operates four boutique ships on the Ganges and is expanding its footprint in 2025 with four eco-friendly catamarans in Orissa’s Bhitarkanika National Park. Each ship reflects India’s artistic and cultural essence while embracing sustainability, with a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Known for hyperlocal cuisine, warm service, and elegant design, Antara Cruises continues to redefine slow travel — where guests unpack once, pay once, and sail into a world of comfort, culture, and connection.