New Delhi : HL September 21, 2026
A dinner at the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar reportedly took an unexpected turn after renowned cardiologist Dr. Ashok Seth, Chairman of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute and Chairman of the Fortis Healthcare Medical Council, spotted a cockroach on his table at Romano’s, the hotel’s Italian restaurant.
Dr. Seth shared a video of the incident on social media on September 20, describing the insect humorously as “Roachie” and saying it appeared to be trying to “share” their dinner. According to his post, the diners attempted to get the cockroach to leave, but it remained on the table. The incident ultimately affected their appetite, and the group left the restaurant without completing their meal.
The cardiologist also tagged the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, FSSAI and JW Marriott, drawing attention to the broader importance of hygiene and food-safety standards in restaurants.
The incident has sparked discussion about pest-control and sanitation practices in food-service establishments. The presence of pests in a dining or food-preparation area can raise legitimate food-safety concerns, making regular inspections, effective pest management, proper food storage and thorough sanitation important components of restaurant hygiene.
Marriott Bonvoy Assist responded to Dr. Seth’s social-media post, saying the matter was being taken seriously and requesting his details and reservation information so that it could be investigated.
While the reported incident concerns a specific dining experience and does not by itself establish the overall hygiene standards of the hotel, it highlights why food-safety compliance and prompt response to customer complaints remain important for restaurants, particularly high-end establishments.
