POST-COVID HYGIENE PROTOCOLS IN HOTEL KITCHENS: IMPLEMENTATION AND CHALLENGES IN INDIA

Generally speaking, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered how hotel kitchens operate throughout India, which means hygiene protocols need a thorough re-evaluation. Because the hospitality industry faces the paired difficulties of guaranteeing food safety and winning back customer confidence, putting strict hygiene policies into practice has become incredibly important. Research suggests that changes in dining habits, especially the growth of fine dining and cloud kitchens, have exposed weaknesses in conventional food service procedures, which further complicates following these new guidelines (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2022)(Harini et al., 2025). While the quick implementation of technology to support contactless interactions and improve kitchen processes is becoming increasingly necessary, integrating these innovations also presents difficulties. Knowing the current challenges and effective strategies is essential for the industry's long-term recovery. The importance of overcoming these challenges is highlighted by the need for hotels to maintain strict hygiene standards, thus guaranteeing the safety and satisfaction of their guests. serves as a relevant representation of the various sources of food waste in this changing environment, highlighting critical areas where effective protocols should be put in place.